Hot Buttered Rum

Warm, cozy, and richly spiced, this Hot Buttered Rum is the perfect winter cocktail. Made with a creamy spiced butter batter, dark rum, and hot water, it’s simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking to wind down with a soothing drink, this classic cocktail is a must-try.

Ingredients

Single Serving (1x)

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) dark rum
• 2 tablespoons spiced butter batter
• 6 to 8 ounces boiling water
• Optional garnish: cinnamon stick or star anise

Spiced Butter Batter (makes about 32 servings)

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Spiced Butter Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla ice cream, butter, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix by hand or with an electric mixer until smooth and fully combined.
Transfer the batter to an airtight container and freeze until solid. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2. Make the Cocktail

In a heat-safe mug, stir together 2 tablespoons of the frozen (or softened) spiced butter batter with 2 ounces of dark rum.
Pour in 6 to 8 ounces of boiling water and stir until the batter melts and the drink is smooth and well mixed.

3. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise, if desired. Serve hot and sip slowly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a cup – It’s warm, rich, and loaded with cozy spices.
• Easy to prep ahead – The butter batter can be made in advance and stored in the freezer.
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for holiday parties or snowy nights by the fire.
• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or spices to suit your taste.

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Tips

• Use high-quality dark rum for the best flavor—aged or spiced rums work especially well.
• Soften the ice cream just enough to mix easily, but not so much that it melts completely.
• Store the spiced butter batter in small scoops or portions for quick use.
• Stir thoroughly to ensure the batter melts evenly into the drink.

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Variations and Substitutions

• No ice cream? Use heavy cream instead, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
• Dairy-free version – Try using plant-based butter and coconut-based ice cream.
• Extra spice – Add a dash of ginger or cardamom for more complexity.
• Boozier – Add an extra half-ounce of rum or float a little on top after mixing.

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FAQs

Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Replace the rum with hot apple cider or spiced tea for a cozy, alcohol-free version.

How long does the batter last?
Stored in an airtight container in the freezer, the spiced butter batter will last for up to 3 months.

Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply the cocktail ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything (except the boiling water) in a slow cooker. Add hot water and stir before serving.

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Serving

Serve Hot Buttered Rum in a cozy mug with a cinnamon stick stirrer or a twist of orange peel for added aroma. It’s best enjoyed warm and freshly mixed, especially during cold evenings or festive gatherings.

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Suggestions

• Pair with gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts for a holiday treat.
• Serve as an after-dinner drink to impress guests during the holidays.
• Set up a DIY Hot Buttered Rum station with pre-scooped batter, mugs, garnishes, and a kettle of hot water for a fun and interactive experience.