Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate winter indulgence – a classic hot buttered rum recipe with a delightful scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This heartwarming cocktail is the perfect companion for a chilly evening in front of the fireplace or festive gatherings with loved ones.

If you love spiked hot chocolate or hot apple cider, you’ll love the rum taste and buttery flavor of this drink!

I love serving this hot drink during the holiday season. But anytime there is a nip in the air this hot toddy will warm you from the inside out!

Let’s dive into this hot drink recipe that promises to elevate your winter sipping experience.

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Ingredients for the Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Here is the list of the essential ingredients you’ll need to gather to make up a big batch of this classic hot buttered rum recipe!

Let’s start with the ingredients in the buttered rum mixture.

Unsalted Butter (1 stick)

Imagine the creamy richness that a single stick of salted or unsalted butter can bring to our Hot Buttered Rum mix. It forms the base, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and a decadent touch to every sip.

Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)

This sweet, caramelized goodness plays a crucial role in balancing the richness of the butter. Packed brown sugar ensures a deep, molasses-infused sweetness that harmonizes with the other flavors.

Honey or Maple Syrup (1/4 cup)

For a natural, nuanced sweetness, we turn to honey or maple syrup. This liquid gold adds depth and complexity to our mix, evoking the essence of winter harvests.

Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)

The soul-warming scent of cinnamon infuses our Hot Buttered Rum with a hint of spice. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates the flavor profile, making each sip a comforting experience.

Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)

A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a touch of warmth and complexity, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every sip.

Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon)

The earthy, aromatic notes of ground cloves add depth and character to our Hot Buttered Rum, creating a well-rounded and satisfying blend of spices.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

Just a touch of salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and heightening the richness of the butter. It’s the subtle element that ties everything together.

Below are the other ingredients needed to make this rum recipe.

Rum (2 ounces per serving)

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of dark rum, lol!!

Choose your favorite flavor of rum to add the alcohol content to this festive cocktail.  The preferred rum for the recipe is dark or spiced rum to add the spirited kick that defines Hot Buttered Rum. 

But you can use light rum or even coconut rum to make your perfect drink.  This element is added individually to each serving, allowing for customization based on personal preference.

Non-Alcoholic Version:

For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the 2 ounces of rum with 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring for each serving.  This will still give you the rum taste for a non-alcoholic perfect drink!

Boiling Water

The steaming elixir that brings all the ingredients together. Boiling water transforms our buttery concoction into a comforting, soul-soothing drink.

Vanilla Ice Cream (large scoop)

For an extra layer of indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to each serving. This decadent addition melts slowly, creating a creamy texture that enhances the overall experience.

Whipped Cream and Cinnamon Sticks (Optional Garnishes)

For those who love to adorn their drinks, a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick make for delightful finishing touches, adding visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor. 

If you don’t have any cinnamon sticks on hand you can always just add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top of your festive cocktail.

Keep reading as we dive into the step-by-step process of crafting this classic winter elixir that promises to warm both body and soul. Get ready to savor the season in a mug!

Making the Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Follow these easy instructions to make this comfort food cocktail that’ll warm your soul!

Step 1: Prepare the Buttered Rum Mix

Imagine the aroma of sweet spices filling your kitchen. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt.

Blend until the mixture is velvety and irresistible. This heavenly concoction can be stored in the refrigerator, ready to be used whenever the craving strikes.

Step 2: Make the Hot Buttered Rum

Picture yourself curled up with a mug of warmth. For each serving, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the luscious buttered rum mix into your favorite mug.

Now, pour in 2 ounces of dark or spiced rum (or rum of your choice!) – the soul of this winter elixir. Fill the mug with boiling water, allowing the magic to happen as the buttery mix melts seamlessly.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch

As the steam rises, it’s time for the pièce de résistance – a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Watch as it gently melts, creating a creamy and dreamy layer that adds a touch of indulgence.

For the ultimate experience, top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick as a festive garnish.

Tips for a Perfect Sip:

Tailor the sweetness and spices to your liking, making each sip a personalized experience.

Get creative with ice cream flavors – try rum raisin or caramel for a tantalizing twist.

Ensure the water is boiling to guarantee the butter mix melts seamlessly, enveloping you in a warm hug of flavors.

There you have it – a simple yet luxurious Hot Buttered Rum with Ice Cream that will undoubtedly become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or simply unwinding after a long day, this delightful concoction promises to make winter a little cozier and a lot more flavorful.

Cheers to sipping in style!

Making the Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe in A Slow Cooker

You can certainly use a slow cooker for making the classic hot buttered rum recipe!  It’s a great way to serve the drink at gatherings, keeping it warm and inviting for guests.

Using a slow cooker for this recipe not only simplifies the process but also fills your space with the inviting aroma of spices, enhancing the cozy atmosphere of your gathering. Enjoy this heartwarming drink during the cold winter months!

Here’s how to adapt the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Buttered Rum Mix

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Mix them together until they form a smooth, well-blended paste.

Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Scoop this butter mix into your slow cooker.

Pour enough boiling water into the slow cooker to make the desired number of servings. A general guideline is about 3/4 to 1 cup of water per serving.

Step 3: Heat and Stir

Stir the mixture in the slow cooker to ensure the butter mix is well dissolved in the water.

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. This will keep the mix warm and allow the flavors to infuse without boiling, which is important to preserve the intended taste.

Step 4: Adding the Rum

For each serving, measure out 2 ounces of dark or spiced rum into a serving mug.

Ladle the hot buttered mixture from the slow cooker into the mug over the rum.

Stir well in the mug to ensure everything is well combined.

Non-Alcoholic Version:

For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum with 1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring for each serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Serve the Hot Buttered Rum warm, inviting your guests to enjoy the cozy, spiced drink.

The slow cooker keeps the beverage warm, making it perfect for gatherings where guests can serve themselves over time.

Feel free to adjust the amount of rum in each serving according to personal preference.

Storing Your Leftover Hot Buttered Rum Mix: Keep the Coziness Coming!

So, you’ve whipped up a delightful batch of hot buttered rum batter for a chilly evening, and now you find yourself with some leftover magic. What to do? Don’t let that deliciousness go to waste – here’s a treat another day!

Embracing the Leftovers

First off, kudos to you for planning ahead! Having some extra Hot Buttered Rum mix on hand means you’re just a few steps away from comfort-in-a-cup any time you need it. Here’s how to ensure your leftover mix retains its delightful flavors and creamy texture.

Storing the Buttered Rum Mix

Cool It Down.  Let your leftover buttered rum mix cool to room temperature. You wouldn’t want to rush this, as putting hot mix into the fridge can bring down the overall temperature, affecting other stored food.

Transfer the mix into an airtight container. Why airtight, you ask? It keeps the mix from absorbing other odors in the fridge and maintains its wonderful, spicy aroma.

Jot down the date on a piece of tape and stick it on the container. It’s always good to know how long your mix has been chilling out (pun intended!).

In the Freezer:

Freeze for Longevity: If you’re not planning to use the mix within a week, the freezer is your friend! The mix freezes beautifully.

Consider freezing in an ice cube tray for individual servings. Once frozen, pop them out and store them in a freezer bag. This way, you can defrost just what you need for a single serving of cozy goodness.

Reheating Your Stored Mix

When you’re ready to relive the magic, reheating is a breeze. If it’s from the fridge, a gentle warming on the stove or in the microwave will do. For the frozen mix, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or gently warm it in a saucepan until it melts into that familiar, comforting blend.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your Hot Buttered Rum mix should be good for about a week. In the freezer? It’s your cozy companion for several months.

There you have it! Storing your leftover Hot Buttered Rum mix is easy and practical. Now, every time the winter wind howls or you crave a little warmth, you’re just a few steps away from a delightful, soul-soothing treat. Stay cozy and enjoy your Hot Buttered Rum moments, whenever the mood strikes!

Wondering Where the Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Came From?

The classic Hot Buttered Rum cocktail has a rich history that dates back to colonial times in America. Its origins are intertwined with the history of rum in the New World. Let’s delve into this fascinating journey:

Colonial America and the Rum Connection

In the 17th and 18th centuries, rum was extremely popular in colonial America. This was largely due to the Triangular Trade, where molasses from the Caribbean was shipped to the colonies, distilled into rum, and then traded for goods and slaves.

The ingredients for Hot Buttered Rum – such as butter, spices, and of course, rum – were readily available in colonial America. This accessibility played a crucial role in the creation and popularity of the drink.

The Birth of Hot Buttered Rum

The harsh winters of the Northeastern United States led colonists to seek ways to warm themselves. Adding hot water to rum, along with butter and spices for additional warmth and flavor, was a natural solution. This combination not only provided warmth but also offered a rich, comforting flavor profile.

Originally, the drink might have been simpler, perhaps just rum and hot water. Over time, as colonial kitchens expanded their spice cabinets and the use of dairy products became more widespread, butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves were added, creating the more complex version we know today.

Hot Buttered Rum: A Symbol of American Tradition

Hot Buttered Rum became a staple in American winter tradition, particularly in the colder regions. It was not just a drink, but a symbol of comfort during the long, cold winters.

The drink also holds a cultural significance, reflecting the resourcefulness of early American colonists and their ability to create something delightful and warming from the limited resources available to them.

Modern Enjoyment

Today, Hot Buttered Rum is enjoyed as a nostalgic and festive drink, particularly around the holiday season. Its creamy, spicy, and warm characteristics make it a favorite for many during the colder months.

In summary, the classic Hot Buttered Rum cocktail is a product of early American ingenuity, reflecting the colonial era’s culinary trends and the historical significance of rum in America. It has evolved over the centuries but continues to be a beloved winter drink, cherished for its warmth and rich flavor.

If you liked this tasty rum cocktail, check out my Classic Mojito Cocktail recipe or my Blueberry Lavender Mojito recipe for a couple of a refreshing summer rum recipes!