Hot Buttered Rum is a delicious, dessert-like rum cocktail with a rich, buttery flavor that is gently spiced and finished off with a twist of orange.
Why we love this recipe
Have you ever had a Hot Buttered Rum? This classic winter cocktail is so overlooked but so easy to make – and delicious! With just a little bit of prep work, this cocktail will leave all your guests clamoring for the recipe.
Even if you are not typically a fan of rum, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a nice, caffeine-free alternative to a spiked coffee to finish off a meal or night with friends.
Many people also believe that a hot buttered rum helps them fight off winter colds – my friend is actually a huge believer that it helps stop a sore throat! I guess if you’re starting to feel a bit under the weather, what do you have to lose?
Ingredients you will need
How to make Buttered Rum
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, and spices until light and fluffy.
- Portion 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter into each cocktail glass.
- Using a liquid measure, add 1 1/2 oz of rum into each glass and top with 3/4 cup boiling water.
- Stir well to break down the butter.
- Add a splash of orange juice and a sprinkling of orange zest.
Expert Tips
- If you’ll be entertaining, you can make the spiced butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one week. However, the mixture does not need to be refrigerated before making cocktails if you plan to serve these right away. Serve these cocktails hot.
- You can substitute any dark liquor for the rum. Many people enjoy whiskey or scotch in its place.
What to Serve with Hot Buttered Rum
There are several desserts and snacks that pair well with a hot toddy. Try one of these:
- Cheese: Our baked brie is an amazing choice, but these beautiful whipped brie stuffed strawberries are also a great pick!
- Gingerbread: This spicy type of cookie is even delicious dunked in your buttered rum. Try my soft gingerbread cookies, gingersnap cookies, or my molasses cookies.
- Creme Brulee: Definitely a great pairing, try my espresso creme brulee at home!
- Cheesecake: The creamy texture and crumbly crust of a cheesecake goes great with buttered rum. Try my mini turtle cheesecakes, chocolate cheesecake brownies, or my classic cheesecake for dessert.
This winter cocktail also goes great with a light cookie – like our Spiced Vanilla Butter Cookies or our Soft Eggnog Cookies.
More winter cocktails
- Don’t miss our Homemade Eggnog Cocktail, served in a copper mug or a moose mug!
- If you’re looking for a fruity drink, this Blended Frostbite Cocktail is not only pretty but is smooth and refreshing.
- This Chocolate Peppermint Martini is festive and perfect for Christmas.
- Having a party? Fill a pitcher with my Cranberry Holiday Punch.
- Another hot drink choice is traditional mulled wine.
- The Brandy Alexander is perfectly paired with appetizers or can be enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert cocktail.
- This Hot Toddy warms your belly, and may even pick you up when you are feeling under the weather!
If you just want a fun kid-friendly drink for winter, be sure to try my super creamy crockpot hot chocolate.
Hot Buttered Rum
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
For the spiced butter:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
For the cocktails:
- 3 cups boiling water
- 6 oz rum
- 2 oz orange juice
- Orange zest
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- If you’ll be entertaining, you can make the spiced butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one week. However, the mixture does not need to be refrigerated before making cocktails if you plan to serve these right away. Serve these cocktails hot.
- You can substitute any dark liquor for the rum. Many people enjoy whiskey or scotch in its place.
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter and spices until light and fluffy.
- Portion 2 tablespoons of the spice butter into each cocktail glass.
- Measure 1 1/2 oz of rum into each glass and top with 3/4 cup boiling water.
- Stir well to break down the butter.
- Add a splash of orange juice and a sprinkling of orange zest.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Dec 11, 2017.
Amanda Davis
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Courtney says
Hot buttered rum and hot toddy are two very different drinks. Definitely should not be confused. Hot toddy is whiskey with hot tea, lemon, honey and cloves.
Andrew says
There was never any hot tea in a hot toddy, remove the tea and substitute with boiling water
Debbie says
This is just what I needed. Started feeling under the weather, tried one of these, it really helps. It is delicious too!
Teresa Hay says
I made this for my husband and me. My husband has had a sore throat for a couple of days. This soothed his throat and tasted like Christmas to me. I added a cinnamon stick to each cup.
Amanda Formaro says
Yay, so glad it helped make him feel better!