
Sipping hot buttered rum has turned into my go-to winter treat. I stumbled upon this drink recipe ages back and tweaked it over time. There's pure magic in how warm spices mix with smooth butter and deep rum flavors. Whenever I make it during winter gatherings, everyone feels instantly warm and at ease—it's basically warmth in a cup.
What Makes It So Good
This drink's magic lies in that fantastic spiced butter mix. As it dissolves into the hot rum, you get this wonderful creamy top layer that's simply divine. I adore how you can easily make more for bigger crowds, and my special touch of mixing in vanilla ice cream makes it super indulgent.
What You'll Need
- Dark Rum: Pick a deep, molasses-noted dark rum for richness, though spiced or light varieties work in a pinch.
- Spiced Butter Batter: Whipped up with vanilla ice cream, white and brown sugars, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and sea salt for a rich, spicy foundation.
- Boiling Water: Helps create that warm, soothing drink you'll love.
- Optional Garnishes: Add star anise, cinnamon sticks, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair and taste.
Let's Make It Together
- Whip Up the Spiced Butter Batter
- Mix vanilla ice cream with white and brown sugars, add your spices, and toss in a dash of salt. Pop it in the freezer until needed.
- Put Your Drink Together
- Drop a big spoonful of your frozen butter mix into your cup, add dark rum, then pour over boiling water. Mix thoroughly until everything's combined.
- Add Final Touches and Enjoy
- Top with a stick of cinnamon or star anise. Drink right away from a warmed-up mug for the fullest flavor.
My Handy Hints
I always grab top-shelf rum since it really bumps up the flavor. Feel free to adjust how sweet you make it as tastes vary. My go-to trick involves heating the mugs beforehand so drinks stay piping hot. I sometimes throw in fresh ginger chunks for an extra zing.
Mix It Up
I'll use bourbon or brandy instead of rum when I'm feeling different. These days I've been trying it with black tea instead of plain water. For my friends who don't do dairy, I swap in plant-based ice cream and butter and it tastes just as good.
Perfect for Parties
Winter guests always fall in love with this drink. I like keeping butter batter stashed in my freezer so serving's a breeze. When friends pop by without warning, I can fix these warm drinks fast and make everyone feel welcome.
Keep It Fresh
The butter mix is so handy since it lasts in your freezer for up to a month. Just grab however much you want straight from the freezer when needed. If you end up with extra drinks somehow, stick them in your fridge and warm them up slowly on the stove later.
Why You Need This Recipe
Nothing beats wrapping your hands around a cup of hot buttered rum when it's freezing outside. It's now my trademark winter beverage that I can't wait to share with others. You just can't top the mix of warming spices, smooth butter, and robust rum flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will the spiced batter stay fresh?
- Keep it in a tightly sealed container in your freezer. It can last for a few months, so it's great for last-minute gatherings.
- → What does ice cream bring to the batter?
- It gives the batter a creamy consistency and helps it blend smoothly into your drink.
- → Can I skip the alcohol in this?
- Absolutely! Use just the spiced butter batter with hot water for a delightful non-alcoholic drink.
- → Why should I use salted butter?
- Salt enhances the sweetness and spices, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- → Can I change the spices around?
- Sure! Make it your own by tweaking the spice mix, but keep the core blend of butter, ice cream, and sugars untouched.