Hot Buttered Rum: The Cozy Classic You Need This Winter

Hot buttered rum is more than just a drink… it’s a whole vibe in a mug. Rich, buttery and loaded with warm spices, it’s the kind of cocktail that makes you wanna kick back, light some candles and just sink into the season.

This one’s got layers. You get the deep molasses sweetness from the brown sugar, the warmth of dark rum, and that buttery smooth finish that’s basically a dessert and a drink rolled into one.

And yeah, it’s old-school… dates back to colonial America when people were tossing rum into everything.

But what I love most? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need fancy liqueurs or mixers… just a little butter, a little spice and a splash of rum. The kind of drink you can whip up in minutes but sip on for hours.

What It Is & Where It Comes From

Hot buttered rum isn’t some trendy seasonal thing… it’s been around since colonial America, back when rum was the go-to spirit and people started mixing it with hot water and spices to stay warm.

It started out as a simple toddy with butter and sugar stirred in, but over time it became this rich, creamy, dessert-like drink that’s half cocktail, half comfort food. The butter makes it silky, the brown sugar keeps it sweet and the spices give it that cozy, fireside vibe.

And yeah, it’s heavy… this isn’t the kind of drink you slam back. It’s a slow-sip, curl-up-on-the-couch kind of thing. Something you make when the snow’s coming down or you just wanna feel a little nostalgic.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hot Buttered Rum at Home

Making hot buttered rum isn’t hard, but a few smart moves can take it from good to next-level cozy.

• Use dark rum: Light rum won’t cut it. You need that deep, molasses-rich flavor.
• Room temp butter: Soft butter blends better and melts faster… no chunks.
• Fresh spices: Skip the pre-ground stuff. Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon make a huge difference.
• Mix the butter ahead: Blend butter, sugar and spices together and keep it in the fridge. Instant hot buttered rum whenever you want.
• Hot water, not boiling: Too hot and you’ll scorch the spices and the alcohol. Keep it just below boiling.
• Garnish right: A cinnamon stick isn’t just for looks… it adds flavor with every stir.

Hot Buttered Rum & Food Pairing Ideas

Hot buttered rum is rich, sweet and a little spicy, so you want snacks that cut through the richness and keep it cozy.

Spiced nuts: Salty, crunchy and a little sweet… balances out that buttery texture.

Gingerbread cookies: Warm spices play nice with the rum and brown sugar.

Dark chocolate: Bitter and rich… perfect contrast to all that sweetness.

Roasted chestnuts: Nutty and warm… classic winter pairing.

Apple slices with caramel dip: Crisp, sweet and a little tart… keeps things light.

Pumpkin bread: Dense, spicy and just sweet enough to hold its own against a buttery rum bomb.

Warm Up with a Classic Hot Buttered Rum

This hot buttered rum features a creamy blend of butter, brown sugar, and spices, enhanced by the rich depth of rum. The taste is smooth and warming, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice, making each sip a comfort for the soul.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Dark Rum
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 Teaspoon nutmeg
• Hot water
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Zero-Proof Hot Buttered Rum: Swap the rum for hot apple cider or strong black tea. Stir in the spiced butter mixture until it melts and blends in smooth. Cozy, rich and all the comfort without the booze.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
2. Warm the Rum: In a heatproof mug, add the dark rum and the butter mixture. Pour in boiling water from the kettle, stirring well until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Finish and Serve: Top with whipped cream if desired, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 7 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

Hot Buttered Rum Variations to Try

Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, it’s easy to mix things up. Just a few tweaks can take this cozy classic in a whole new direction.

Maple Buttered Rum: Swap the brown sugar for pure maple syrup… adds depth and a smoky sweetness.

Vanilla Bean Buttered Rum: Mix a splash of vanilla extract into the butter mixture… rounds out the flavors.

Spicy Buttered Rum: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder… brings a subtle heat that cuts through the richness.

Coconut Buttered Rum: Use coconut oil instead of butter… lighter, nuttier and totally tropical.

Apple Cider Buttered Rum: Replace hot water with hot apple cider… sweeter, fruitier and perfect for fall.

Low Sugar Buttered Rum: Cut the sugar in half and add a splash of black coffee… keeps it rich without the sugar bomb.

Fancy some other warm cocktails like hot buttered rum? Why not try a toasted coconut hot chocolate or a mulled wine?

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Yield: 1

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

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Treat yourself to the ultimate hot buttered rum. Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, this winter classic is a cozy way to unwind during the cold months.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml Dark Rum
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 Teaspoon nutmeg
• Hot water
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
2. Warm the Rum: In a heatproof mug, add the dark rum and the butter mixture. Pour in boiling water from the kettle, stirring well until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Finish and Serve: Top with whipped cream if desired, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth!

Notes

Zero-Proof Hot Buttered Rum: Swap the rum for hot apple cider or strong black tea. Stir in the spiced butter mixture until it melts and blends in smooth. Cozy, rich and all the comfort without the booze.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 271Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.