When winter rolls around and the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm drink to keep the chill away. Enter hot buttered rum—a toasty, indulgent cocktail that combines dark rum with spices, butter, and a touch of sweetness. It’s the drink equivalent of wrapping up in a cozy blanket by the fire. Whether you’re new to hot buttered rum or already a fan, here’s everything you need to know, including a classic recipe and a few fun twists.
A Brief History of Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is a classic American cocktail with roots that go back to the colonial era, when rum was widely imported from the Caribbean and spices were in abundance. Rum was often mixed with butter, sugar, and spices to create a drink that’s both comforting and festive—perfect for winter’s coldest nights. Over time, hot buttered rum also became a holiday staple, loved for its warm, rich flavors and ability to bring people together.
The Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Let’s start with the traditional hot buttered rum recipe. This version is easy to make and captures all the cozy flavors of the classic.
• Ingredients:
• 2 oz (6 cl) dark or spiced rum
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp brown sugar (or more to taste)
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
• Hot water
• Instructions:
1. In a mug, combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract.
2. Pour in the rum and top with hot water, stirring until the butter and sugar are fully dissolved.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired. Enjoy warm!
Variations on Hot Buttered Rum
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you can try one of these fun variations to switch things up.
1. Creamy Hot Buttered Rum
For an extra luxurious version, add a touch of cream for a richer, creamier drink.
• Ingredients:
• Classic recipe ingredients (as listed above)
• 1 oz (3 cl) heavy cream or half-and-half
• Instructions:
Follow the classic recipe, but add the cream along with the hot water. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This version has a latte-like feel, perfect for when you want a little extra indulgence.
2. Spiked Hot Apple Buttered Rum
For a cozy, fruity twist, try adding apple cider in place of water. The apple cider complements the rum beautifully and adds a warm, spiced element.
• Ingredients:
• Classic recipe ingredients (as listed above, but omit vanilla extract)
• 6 oz (18 cl) hot apple cider
• Instructions:
Follow the classic recipe, but use hot apple cider instead of water. Stir until everything is well mixed. This version pairs beautifully with spiced or dark rum for an apple-pie-inspired drink.
3. Maple Hot Buttered Rum
For a New England-inspired twist, substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar. This adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the rum and spices.
• Ingredients:
• 2 oz (6 cl) dark or spiced rum
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup (or more to taste)
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• Hot water
• Instructions:
In a mug, combine the butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the rum and top with hot water, stirring to dissolve the butter. This variation is particularly cozy and brings a delightful maple sweetness to every sip.
4. Coconut Hot Buttered Rum
Give your hot buttered rum a tropical twist by adding coconut. This variation feels like a Caribbean vacation in a mug!
• Ingredients:
• 2 oz (6 cl) dark rum
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (instead of butter)
• 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 6 oz (18 cl) hot water or hot coconut milk for extra richness
• Instructions:
In a mug, combine the coconut oil, brown sugar or honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the rum and hot water (or coconut milk), stirring well. This version is creamy, comforting, and full of tropical flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Hot Buttered Rum
1. Choose the Right Rum: Dark or spiced rum is ideal for hot buttered rum, as it brings warmth and depth. Look for aged rum with notes of caramel, vanilla, or spice, which pair well with the drink’s ingredients.
2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Hot buttered rum is meant to be sweet and indulgent, but you can adjust the amount of sugar or honey to suit your taste. Add a little more or less until it’s just right for you.
3. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make a big difference in flavor. If you can, grind your own spices or buy high-quality pre-ground spices for the best taste.
4. Experiment with Garnishes: A cinnamon stick, star anise, or an orange twist can add a festive touch to your drink. Play around with different garnishes to find your favorite.
Why You Should Try Hot Buttered Rum This Winter
Hot buttered rum isn’t just a drink—it’s a warm hug in a mug, perfect for cold winter nights. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting a holiday gathering, this drink brings warmth, coziness, and a touch of tropical flair. So this winter, skip the eggnog and mulled wine for a night, and give hot buttered rum a try. It just might become your new favorite winter tradition!
These recipes offer everything from the classic to tropical twists on hot buttered rum, so you can experiment and find your perfect match. Happy sipping!