Hot Buttered Rum Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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

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 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 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 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.

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