Hot Buttered Rum is a classic drink that’s been around for a long time, a combination of butter, rum and spices that makes an ultimate cold weather drink or Christmas in July cocktail.
Hot Buttered Rum – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
When it comes to hot cocktails, there’s always the Hot Toddy and the Irish Coffee. For another comforting winter drink that’s simple to make, the Hot Buttered Rum is a crowd pleaser on those cold nights. The drink can be pre-batched which makes it ideal for the home bartender to serve when entertaining guests or hosting a Christmas in July party.
Hot Buttered Rum isn’t made by simply adding butter and spices to a glass. The first step involves making a spiced batter which consists of softened butter mixed with brown sugar and warm spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and clove. The batter can be stored in the fridge until ready to use or frozen into small logs on wax paper or in individual sized portions. To make the drink, dark rum is poured in a heatproof glass with a little of the spiced batter then it’s topped with boiling water and stirred well to combine. It’s normal to have a little residue at the bottom which can be stirred with the cinnamon quill garnish.
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Ingredients
For the Spiced Batter:
- 120g butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Hot Buttered Rum:
- 60 ml dark or aged rum
- 2 tablespoons of spiced butter mixture
- boiling water to top
Glassware: heatproof glass or mug
Garnish: cinnamon quill
Method
To make the spiced batter, combine butter, vanilla extract, sugar and spices in mixing bowl and mix until well combined. The batter can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or even in portions in the freezer.
To make the drink, in a heatproof glass or mug, combine the rum with 2 tablespoons of the spiced batter. Top with hot water and stir well until all the ingredients are incorporated. Garnish with a cinnamon stick which can also be used as a stirrer.
Notes
- Hot Buttered Rum is a good option to consider when looking for a winter cocktail for a crowd, or a festive drink for Christmas (in July).
- Spiced batter in small glass jars along with a bottle of dark rum makes a good Christmas gift idea for the home bartender.
