This Hot Buttered Rum is everything a cold-weather drink should be warm, buttery, and laced with cinnamon and nutmeg that fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma. I first tried this at a friend's holiday party years ago, and I've been making it every winter since. It's surprisingly simple to whip up, and the spiced butter batter does all the heavy lifting.
If you're looking for more warming drinks, try this Peach Lemonade Recipe: Fresh, Easy & Ready in Minutes for summer, or the Best Moscow Mule Recipe in 5 Minutes when you want something bright and zingy.
The best part? You make one batch of batter and have enough for several drinks throughout the season. Just scoop, stir, and sip.
Why You Will love this Hot Buttered Rum
This homemade hot buttered rum is easy enough for beginners but tastes like something you'd order at a fancy winter bar. The batter comes together in about five minutes on the stovetop, and once it's made, you can store it in the fridge and pull it out whenever you want a warm cocktail.
The spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that classic spiced buttered rum flavor, while the honey adds a subtle floral sweetness that balances the brown sugar. And the whipped cream? It melts into the drink and makes every sip feel indulgent.
It's perfect for entertaining because you can make the batter ahead and let guests build their own drinks. Plus, it's flexible. Want it sweeter? Add more batter. Want it stronger? Add more rum.
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Ingredients for Hot Buttered Rum
Here's what you'll need to make this classic hot buttered rum. The ingredient list is short, but each one plays an important role.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Batter:
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-rich sweetness and gives the batter its caramel-like flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the signature creamy richness. Use room-temperature butter if you want it to melt faster.
- Honey: Brings a floral sweetness that balances the spices and keeps the batter smooth.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm and sweet, it's the backbone of the spice blend.
- Ground nutmeg: Freshly ground nutmeg has the best flavor, but pre-ground works fine too. It adds warmth and a little earthiness.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch gives the drink a subtle spiced kick without overpowering.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the batter and adds a hint of vanilla warmth.
For Each Cocktail:
- Hot water: The base of the drink. Make sure it's just off the boil for the best results.
- Batter: About 2 tablespoons per drink, though you can adjust to taste.
- Dark rum: Adds the boozy warmth. Spiced rum works great too if you want extra spice.
- Sweetened whipped cream: As it melts, it makes the drink creamy and rich. Don't skip this.
- Ground nutmeg: For garnish. A little goes a long way.
How to Make Hot Buttered Rum
This hot buttered rum recipe is simple and comes together in just a few steps.
Make the batter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir frequently as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 5 to 6 minutes. You'll know it's ready when everything is smooth and well combined.
Add the vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the batter cool slightly.
Assemble each drink: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter into a mug. Pour in the hot water and stir vigorously until the batter is fully dissolved and the drink looks creamy.
Add the rum: Pour in 2 ounces of dark rum and stir to combine. Taste the drink and add a little more batter if you want it sweeter or spicier.
Top and serve: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg. Serve immediately while it's hot.
Substitutions and Variations
This hot buttered rum cocktail is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.
Swap the sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, woodsy sweetness. Agave nectar works too if you want something lighter.
Try different rum: Spiced rum adds extra warmth and spice. White rum works if you want a lighter flavor, though dark rum is traditional and gives the drink its rich color.
Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and coconut whipped cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Add a twist: Stir in a splash of orange juice or a strip of orange peel for a citrusy note. A tiny pinch of cardamom adds an unexpected warmth.
Skip the alcohol: Leave out the rum for a cozy, spiced buttered drink that's just as warming. Kids love it this way.
Expert Tips
Use freshly grated nutmeg. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Whole nutmeg stays fresh longer and tastes brighter than pre-ground.
Don't skip the whipped cream. As it melts into the drink, it creates a creamy, velvety texture that makes the cocktail feel extra special.
Stir vigorously. The batter needs to fully dissolve into the hot water. If you don't stir enough, you'll end up with clumps at the bottom of the mug.
Adjust the batter to taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you want a sweeter, spicier drink. Everyone's preference is different.
Use good-quality dark rum. Since rum is the star of the drink, choose one you'd enjoy sipping on its own. Aged rum works beautifully here.
Equipment FOR Hot Buttered Rum
- Small saucepan: For melting the batter ingredients together.
- Spoon or whisk: To stir everything until smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Mugs: Sturdy, heatproof mugs are best for serving hot drinks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The batter is what makes this hot buttered rum drink so convenient. Once it's made, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just scoop out what you need and warm it slightly before stirring it into hot water.
If you're hosting a party, make the batter the day before and set up a DIY hot buttered rum bar. Leave out the batter, a kettle of hot water, a bottle of rum, and toppings like whipped cream and nutmeg. Guests can build their own drinks exactly how they like them.
You can also freeze the batter in ice cube trays. Pop out a cube or two whenever you want a single serving.
Serving Suggestions
This warm rum drink is perfect on its own, but here are a few cozy pairings:
Serve it with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or shortbread for a classic holiday combo. The buttery sweetness of the cookies complements the spiced warmth of the drink.
Pair it with a cheese and charcuterie board for a casual winter gathering. The richness of the cocktail balances salty cheeses and cured meats beautifully.
Enjoy it after dinner as a dessert drink. It's rich enough to feel indulgent but not too heavy.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside Homemade Ginger Shot Recipe | 5 Ingredients, 5 Minutes for a spicy, warming contrast.
What Is Hot Buttered Rum?
Hot buttered rum is a classic winter cocktail that dates back to colonial America. It's made by mixing a spiced butter batter with hot water and dark rum, then topping it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. The result is a creamy, warming drink that tastes like melted comfort in a mug.
This traditional hot buttered rum became popular because it was easy to make in large batches and kept people warm during long, cold winters. Today, it's a beloved holiday drink that shows up at gatherings, ski lodges, and cozy nights by the fire.
FAQ
Does hot buttered rum need to be refrigerated?
The batter should be stored in the refrigerator if you're not using it right away. It stays fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container. The assembled drink should be enjoyed immediately while it's hot.
How to make hot buttered rum drink?
Combine the spiced butter batter with hot water, stir until smooth, then add dark rum. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg. It's simple and takes just a few minutes once the batter is made. Pro tip: warm your mug with hot water first so the drink stays hot longer.
How much hot buttered rum for one serving?
One serving uses about 2 tablespoons of batter, ⅔ cup hot water, and 2 ounces of rum. You can adjust the batter and rum to suit your taste. Some people like it sweeter, others prefer it stronger.
How long can you keep rum butter?
The batter keeps for up to two weeks in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. Lina likes to sneak a spoonful of the batter on vanilla ice cream when she thinks I'm not looking.
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Hot Buttered Rum
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a small saucepan set over medium heat, stirring often until the butter melts fully and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
- Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Pour the hot water into a mug and stir in a portion of the butter mixture until mostly dissolved.
- Add the rum and stir well, tasting and adjusting with extra batter if a sweeter or spicier drink is desired.
- Finish by topping generously with whipped cream and a light dusting of nutmeg before serving.
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