Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

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Hot buttered rum is the perfect cozy co*cktail to warm you up on a winter’s night and perfect for easy entertaining.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (1)

Another warm co*cktail recipe that needs to be in your winter rotation — hot buttered rum! ♡

I have to admit I was late to the party when it came to this classic rum co*cktail, having spent years usually turning to mulled wine or a hot toddy once the weather grew cold. But while living in Europe, we were (re)introduced to various versions of this creamy spiced co*cktail and were quickly reminded why it’s been such a favorite now for centuries. It’s absolutely delightful! And, as it turns out, a super convenient co*cktail for large groups if you happen to be entertaining around the holidays.

This colonial-era co*cktail is said to have originally been made by floating a pat of butter atop a mug filled with hot water and rum. But most modern versions usually kick things up a notch by adding a spiced butter batter to the co*cktail, made with warming spices, sugar, a pinch of salt, and — the surprise starring ingredient — a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. It only takes a few minutes to mix up a batch of the butter batter, then you can pop it in the freezer to have on hand all season long to mix with rum and hot water for an impromptu single co*cktail or a big batch for a dinner party with friends. We’ve found it to be such a fun drink to serve at winter gatherings and everyone always loves the creamy, frothing topping served with a cute cinnamon stick for garnish.

So if you’re looking for a cozy co*cktail to warm up with this season, grab a bottle of rum and let’s make a batch!

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2)

Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients

Here are a few quite notes about the hot buttered rum ingredients you will need to make this recipe:

  • Dark rum: I really recommend using dark rum in this recipe, which has a more complex and intense caramel flavor than light rum. That said, light rum will also totally work here, or you can use a spiced rum which will add to the spices in the butter batter.
  • Spiced butter batter: Our spiced butter batter butter is quick and easy to make with creamy vanilla ice cream, white and brown sugars, a mixture of warming spices (ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) and a pinch of sea salt. We’ll freeze the mixture, and then you’re welcome to just dip in for a scoop whenever you’d like to make a co*cktail!
  • Boiling water:We’ll add boiling water to the rum and frozen butter batter mixture to ensure that the drink is nice and warm.
  • Garnish (optional):Finally, you’re welcome to garnish your drink with a cinnamon stick or star anise if you’d like, or you’re also welcome to add a swirl of whipped cream on top.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (3)

Hot Buttered Rum Tips

Full instructions for how to make hot buttered are included in the full recipe below, but here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Use a good-quality rum:The flavor of your rum will really shine through in this co*cktail, so I recommend a mid- to higher-priced dark rum whose flavor you love.
  • Adjust ingredient ratios to taste:Feel free to give the co*cktail a taste and add more rum, butter batter or water to taste.
  • Sweeten to taste:I find this co*cktail to be plenty sweet as written, but you’re welcome to stir in some extra sugar or maple syrup (or your desired sweetener) if needed.
  • Serve in pre-warmed mugs:To keep the co*cktail nice and hot, I recommend warming your mugs beforehand.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (4)

Hot Buttered Rum Variations

Here are a few optional variations that you are welcome to try when making this hot buttered rum recipe:

  • Add ginger:Stir a thin slice of fresh ginger into your co*cktail for an extra kick of ginger spice.
  • Add citrus:Add an orange slice to the co*cktail or add some orange zest to the spiced butter batter for extra citrus.
  • Use a different liquor:Use your favorite whiskey, brandy or cognac in place of the rum.
  • Use tea:Use your favorite tea (I would recommend a black tea) in place of the water.
  • Make it dairy-free:Use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream and butter in the spiced butter batter.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (5)

More Warm Winter Drinks To Try

Looking for more cozy warm drinks and co*cktails to try this winter? Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Hot Toddy
  • Mulled Wine
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Homemade Apple Cider
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Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (6)

Hot Buttered Rum

★★★★★5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Prep Time: 1 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 mins
  • Total Time: 3 mins
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Hot buttered rum is the perfect cozy co*cktail to warm you up on a winter’s night and perfect for easy entertaining.

Individual co*cktail Ingredients (Single Serving):

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

Spiced Butter Batter Ingredients (32 servings):

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream, lightly softened
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Make the spiced rum batter. Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir (or use an electric beater to mix) until evenly combined and smooth. Freeze the batter in an airtight container until ready to use.
  2. Mix the co*cktail. Briefly stir together the rum and 2 tablespoons of the spiced rum batter in a heat-safe mug. Add your desired amount of boiling water and stir until the batter is melted and evenly combined.
  3. Serve. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Prep time:Prep time listed above is for a single co*cktail, with the spiced butter batter previously mixed. The butter batter takes about 10 minutes to prep on its own.

posted on December 1, 2023 by Ali

Drinks / co*cktails

2 Comments »

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Leave a Reply

2 comments on “Hot Buttered Rum”

  1. Digna Irizarry Cassens December 2, 2023 @ 7:36 pm Reply

    Ali, my mother made me someting similar when I had asthma &/or a cold, which I had often as a child even though it was never cold in Puerto Rico. I never knew how she made it, so I’ve made something similar for my husband Tony who gets frequest colds and had Covid twice. Now that I have the recipe I’ll save it for our freezing winter nights in Flamingo Heights. Having no body heat I can’t get warm enough even with layers and layers of clothes and sweaters. One ?? can I substitute heavy/whipping cream for the ice cream since I don’t sweeten my coffee?
    PS: MORE MORE MORE sweet son fotos por favor. Es tan bello. Y muchos besos para él. Feliz Navidad para todos.

  2. Elaine Hixson December 16, 2023 @ 11:07 am Reply

    Made the batter for this on Wednesday. Served it last night after a Christmas concert. It was a big hit! I have plenty of the batter left I’ve for other holiday gatherings or maybe just one for myself tonight. So Good!

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

What brand of rum is best for hot buttered rum? ›

The Demerara rums from El Dorado work wonders, as does a robust Jamaican rum like Coruba, or something dark and mellow like Zaya or Zacapa.

What's the difference between Tom and Jerry and hot buttered rum? ›

Both are also spiced. However, a batter instead of butter (see what we did there?) is used to make a Tom and Jerry rich and creamy. Q. Is honey a good addition to hot buttered rum?

Is hot buttered rum good for a cold? ›

From hot toddies to buttered rums, these warming winter co*cktails can remedy everything from a sore throat and runny nose to a bout of seasonal depression.

Is spiced rum good for hot buttered rum? ›

We prefer dark rum so we can control the spices, but a good quality spiced rum will also do the trick!

What is oven proof rum? ›

Interchangeable with Navy Strength, Overproof Rum is any Rum that contains more than 50 percent alcohol by volume, meaning over 57 % ABV. However, there are a couple of other terms you should know.

What alcohol goes in hot buttered rum? ›

To make a drink, pour a shot (1 1/2 ounces) of dark rum into a mug, add a tablespoon of the batter, then top it with hot water. For a slightly sweeter drink, add a teaspoon of honey. Store the batter in a well-sealed jar in the refrigerator until needed.

What is rum and Dr Pepper called? ›

Known by many names around the world – including "Dark n' Stormy" in Bermuda, "Gangsters' Paradise Cooler" in Jamaica, and even simply as "Booze Soda" in some parts of the United States – this drink packs a powerful punch with its perfectly-balanced blend of sweet-and-sour flavors.

Is Kraken good for Hot Buttered Rum? ›

I like Kraken, you could also use Meyer's or a spiced rum like Captain Morgan. Boiling water. Cinnamon sticks: This will be a built in stirrer and add aroma.

When was Hot Buttered Rum popular? ›

By the 1650's, Hot Toddy had made its way to the American Colonies where the cold climate of winter made it an instant favourite. With Rum being the most popular and widely produced alcohol at the time, the Hot Toddy Recipe transformed with a few additions, into the Hot Buttered Rum.

Can rum cure cold and cough? ›

Word of caution! Please be aware that rum cannot be your go-to solution to get rid of a cold every time. Since cold and cough is a symptom of several diseases, it is best to talk to your doctor before you refute it as a mere cold and drink rum to alleviate it. Plus, you need to know if it's suitable for you or not!

Does rum help when you're sick? ›

Alcohol is not a treatment or cure for colds, and it does not act as a decongestant. Generally, health authorities do not recommend consuming alcohol during a cold.

What is the meaning of hot buttered rum? ›

: a hot drink consisting of rum and water spiced and sweetened and served with a lump of butter floating on the surface.

How long does hot buttered rum batter last? ›

Hot Buttered Rum Batter

Place softened ice cream in a freezable container. Gently fold in the butter and sugar method until full incorporated. Place in the freezer and keep frozen from 3-6 months (if it even lasts that long).

Where did hot buttered rum originate? ›

Hot Buttered Rum dates back to America's Colonial days when rum was New England's most lucrative industry. At the time, recipes for Hot Buttered Rum varied from one home to another. Though the essential ingredients likely remained the same: rum, butter, sugar, and spices.

What spice is used in Captain Morgan Spiced Rum? ›

A perfect blend of Caribbean rum, real Madagascar vanilla, natural flavors and spice, with notes of cinnamon, clove, dried fruit, caramelized sugar, vanilla, and honey come together to level up your taste buds with our original spice.

Is Myers rum good for hot buttered rum? ›

Of all the rums we tried for this recipe, we liked Myers's best. But Oronoco, a new white rum from Brazil, also made a beautifully balanced drink.

Is Kraken good for hot buttered rum? ›

I like Kraken, you could also use Meyer's or a spiced rum like Captain Morgan. Boiling water. Cinnamon sticks: This will be a built in stirrer and add aroma.

What is the best rum to cook with? ›

Aged and dark are ideal when cooking dishes with strong flavors such as beef stews or pork, while white rums are often used for cooking seafood or poultry,” says Angel Roque, the executive chef of Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Washington, D.C. Cuba Libre.

Which rum for spiced rum? ›

Spiced rum can be made using any type of rum as a base, so you can find white, gold, and dark spiced rums on the market. One of the most popular products in the UK is the Dead Mans Fingers Spiced Rum as it's a versatile classic, perfect for sipping on its own or as part of a co*cktail.

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