Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to welcome you into my deliciously cozy corner of the internet. You know I’m all about comfort food with a twist, right? Well, get ready to meet your new favorite winter warmer: Hot Buttered Rum! It’s not just a drink; it’s a whole mood, a flavor explosion, and the perfect way to make any evening feel like a special occasion.
I’ve always been on a quest to make traditional recipes even MORE exciting. That’s how my Hot Buttered Rum adventure began! I wanted something that would knock the socks off my friends during game nights, something that would warm us from the inside out while still delivering that bold, satisfying flavor I crave. This Hot Buttered Rum is the happy result of a lot of late-night kitchen experiments, and let me tell you, the results were absolutely worth it. I’m so excited to share my version of this classic Hot Buttered Rum with you.
This Hot Buttered Rum isn’t just about following a recipe – it’s about creating an experience. It’s about turning a simple drink into a warm, comforting hug in a mug. Trust me, once you try this Hot Buttered Rum, you’ll be hooked! So, grab your favorite mug, and let’s get ready to make some magic. It’s time to elevate your winter warm cocktail game.
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Hot Buttered Rum ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be intimidated by the list – you can grab most of these ingredients during your normal shopping trip. Plus, I’ve got some tested ingredient swaps in case you’re missing something.

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-y sweetness.
- 1/2 cup honey: This is my Hot Buttered Rum secret that takes it from good to incredible – it adds another layer of complexity and a touch of floral notes.
- 1/4 cup molasses: This adds a deep rich flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: For that warm, comforting spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way, adding warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: This adds a complex blend of flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This rounds out the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- Spiced Rum: Use your favorite brand.
- Hot Water: To mix into the batter.
No worries if you don’t have dark brown sugar – I use light brown sugar all the time in my butter rum recipe. And if you’re not a fan of cloves, you can reduce the amount or leave them out altogether. I love adding extra nutmeg to my Hot Buttered Rum for that extra kick! This spiced rum cocktail gets its amazing taste from the combination of spices and the depth of flavor from the brown sugar and molasses.
For a shortcut, you can mix the dry spices together in advance. Store the hot buttered rum batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it super easy to whip up a Hot Buttered Rum on a busy weeknight.
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Hot Buttered Rum – watch the delicious magic happen! I’ve broken down each step so it’s super easy to follow. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of this festive holiday drink!
- Cream the butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the honey and molasses: Beat in the honey and molasses until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. At this point your Hot Buttered Rum should already smell absolutely incredible!
- Incorporate the spices: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Add the spice mixture to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. The Hot Buttered Rum batter is now ready!
- Assemble the drink: For each serving, place 2-3 tablespoons of the hot buttered rum batter in a mug. Add 2 ounces of spiced rum.
- Top with hot water: Fill the mug with hot water and stir until the batter is completely dissolved.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious Hot Buttered Rum!
In my kitchen, this Hot Buttered Rum usually takes about 15 minutes to prepare the batter, and then just a few minutes to assemble each drink. It’s so quick and easy, even on a busy weeknight! Don’t worry if your Hot Buttered Rum looks a little cloudy at first – just keep stirring, and it will all come together. It’s all part of the experience. If you are looking for a premade batter, The Kitchn has a Hot Buttered Rum Recipe (Classic & Cozy).
I also love experimenting with different types of rum. Sometimes I’ll use a dark rum for a richer flavor, or a coconut rum for a tropical twist. The possibilities are endless!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Hot Buttered Rum hits the table with a plate of warm cookies! It’s the perfect way to end a chilly evening, and it’s always a hit with friends and family.
Here are a few ways I love to enjoy this winter warm cocktail:
- With cookies: Pair this Hot Buttered Rum with your favorite cookies, like gingerbread or snickerdoodles. The warm spices in the drink complement the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- By the fireplace: There’s nothing better than sipping on a Hot Buttered Rum by the fireplace on a cold winter night. It’s the ultimate cozy experience.
- After dinner: This Hot Buttered Rum makes a great after-dinner drink. It’s warm, comforting, and the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
- At a holiday party: This festive holiday drink is always a hit at holiday parties. It’s easy to make in large batches, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
- With cheese and crackers: The rich, buttery flavor of the Hot Buttered Rum pairs well with sharp cheeses and crackers.
- As a dessert: This drink is so rich and flavorful, it can easily double as a dessert. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
For presentation, I love to serve this Hot Buttered Rum in a clear glass mug so you can see the beautiful color. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a slice of orange for an extra touch of elegance.
If you have leftover hot buttered rum batter, you can use it to make French toast or pancakes! It adds a delicious, warm spice flavor to your breakfast. This Hot Buttered Rum is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
FAQs:
Got questions about making Hot Buttered Rum? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my answers.
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Hot Buttered Rum?
A: Absolutely! This butter rum recipe is super easy to follow, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be sipping on a delicious Hot Buttered Rum in no time.
Q: What if I mess up my Hot Buttered Rum? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! But even if you do, it’ll still taste amazing. The combination of butter, sugar, and spices is just too good to fail. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of kitchen mishaps, and this Hot Buttered Rum is pretty forgiving.
Q: Can I make this Hot Buttered Rum ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The hot buttered rum batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
Q: How can I prep this Hot Buttered Rum for busy weeknights?
A: To prep for busy weeknights, make the hot buttered rum batter on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to make a drink, just scoop out a few tablespoons of the batter, add rum and hot water, and you’re good to go!
Q: Can I make this Hot Buttered Rum without rum?
A: Yes, you can! Just leave out the rum and use hot water or hot apple cider instead. It’ll still be delicious and comforting, just without the alcohol. It will still feel like a festive holiday drink without the booze.
Q: What kind of rum should I use for this Hot Buttered Rum?
A: I prefer to use spiced rum, but you can use any kind of rum you like. Dark rum will give it a richer flavor, while white rum will be lighter and more subtle.
Q: Can I add other spices to this Hot Buttered Rum?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices to find your perfect blend. Some other spices that would be delicious in this Hot Buttered Rum include ginger, cardamom, and star anise. I personally love the Spiced Homemade Hot Buttered Rum | Fork in the Kitchen.
Q: Is there a specific way I can store the Hot Buttered Rum?
A: Store it in a jar. This will help keep the flavor and ingredients from spoiling.
CONCLUSION:
This Hot Buttered Rum brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort, warmth, and bold flavor. It’s a drink that makes me feel good from the inside out, and I love sharing it with the people I care about. This spiced rum cocktail is the perfect drink on a cold winter night.
My Hot Buttered Rum Flavor Secrets:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices: Find your perfect blend of spices to create a Hot Buttered Rum that’s uniquely yours.
- Serve it with love: This drink is best enjoyed with friends and family.
Here are a few delicious Hot Buttered Rum variations I’ve tested:
- Coconut Hot Buttered Rum: Use coconut rum and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top. Perfect for a tropical twist!
- Maple Hot Buttered Rum: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a warm, cozy flavor. This one is perfect for fall.
- Spicy Hot Buttered Rum: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a little kick. This one is perfect for those who like a little heat.
Trust your taste buds and get creative with this Hot Buttered Rum recipe. I’m so excited for you to try it and make it your own! If you want another type of drink, remember that Pelham House makes hot buttered rum! What a delightful surprise ….

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what happens. I’m so excited for your cooking adventures, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Hot Buttered Rum. I know you’re going to love it!
And if you are interested in other comfort food recipes, try out this Sweet Corn Spoonbread Casserole. If you are more in the mood for dessert, check out this Golden Greek Honey Pie. Or, if you want a different meal, see this Cowboy Chicken Linguine.
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Hot Buttered Rum
Warm up with this classic Hot Buttered Rum, a rich and comforting cocktail perfect for chilly evenings. Infused with spices and a hint of sweetness, it’s a delightful winter treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 tablespoon hot buttered rum batter (recipe follows)
- 6 ounces boiling water
- Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Hot Buttered Rum Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Hot Buttered Rum Batter: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey until smooth.
- Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well until combined.
- Prepare the Drink: In a mug, combine the rum and hot buttered rum batter.
- Pour in the boiling water and stir until the batter is completely dissolved.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, rim the mug with cinnamon sugar before adding the drink. You can also use spiced rum for a more intense flavor.

