Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
I grew up in Wisconsin where the winter months are gorgeous, but also frigid. So I came up with my version of the Hot Buttered Rum which is a no-fuss recipe with a flavor something akin to a Werther’s Original hard candy. You know… the kind that your Grandpa always had stashed in his pockets. That’s the one. The flavors pair perfectly with a dark rum of your choice and it’s sure to warm you up through and through. And if you’re into festive drinks, you’ve got to try our pumpkin pie martini!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, & estimated nutritional information.
- brown sugar: You could use brown coconut sugar in-place of brown sugar.
- butter: Since dairy-free butter is typically made of oil and emulsifiers, it won’t dissolve into the hot water and therefore will not work in this recipe. Stick with the old fashioned stuff.
- rum: A dark spiced-rum will taste the best here. Looking for a mocktail version? Just omit it!
How To Make Hot Buttered Rum
Step 1: In a large mug add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and rum.
Step 2: Pour hot water over the top.
Step 3: Stir all of the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted.
Step 4: Top with whipped cream, a sprinkling of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
Recipe FAQ
We suggest picking up your favorite good quality rum from the liquor store. Preferably a dark rum or spiced rum, but a light rum would work in a pinch for this rum drink.
Absolutely, if you want to make a large batch of this fun drink it can definitely be warmed in a crockpot. Just increase the ingredients to the amount you would like to serve, add the hot water, and keep the slow cooker hot buttered rum on the warm setting. Enjoy at your next holiday party on a cold winter night!
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Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic, delicious, and cozy Hot Buttered Rum Recipe that warms you on those chilly winter nights! And so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground cloves (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 shot of dark rum (or spiced rum)
- 8 oz boiling water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- topping: whipped cream, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon + star anise
Instructions
- Mix: In a large mug, add 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of cloves, 1/2 a teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 shot of rum.
- Add Water: Pour boiling water on top and stir thoroughly. Taste and add additional butter or brown sugar, as desired.
- Garnish: Add cinnamon stick and cover with whipped cream. Then sprinkle with nutmeg and/or cinnamon, if desired and garnish with a star anise.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Taste and Adjust: everyone’s tastes are different so start with this base recipe and then add additional butter or brown sugar, as desired.
- Crock Pot Version: Multiply the ingredient quantities by how many you’re serving, pop it all into the crock-pot, and serve!
- Mocktail: Simply omit the rum and you’re good to go!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 19.9 mg
- Fat: 12.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30.5 mg
Originally published December 12, 2016 – recipe has been retested and photos updated.
Liz says
This was such a fun recipe to serve at my last girls night! It was the perfect fall drink to sip on by the campfire.