How to make a hot buttered rum
Ever wondered how to make the perfect winter cocktail? Look no further, here’s how to make hot buttered rum for friends and family visiting this Christmas.
Hot buttered rum is a traditional warm cocktail made with dark rum, butter, sugar and spices, topped with hot water. The result, according to recipes shared by Growing up Bilingual, is “a rich, silky drink with layers of flavour that feel indulgent without being overly sweet”.
Historically, the recipe for the drink dates back to colonial America, when rum was widely available and when partaking in hot toddies was standard practise during cold months. Butter was often added to beverages for both flavour and calories, making the drink especially appealing during the festive season.
Today, especially in the US, hot buttered rum continues to remain popular during the Christmas holidays. What makes it so ideal? It’s served hot, which is said to “immediately make it comforting”, plus it is suggested that the “butter gives it a velvety texture that feels indulgent, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add depth and aroma” and then “the rum brings warmth without overpowering the drink, making it easy to sip slowly”.
Ingredients
Dark Rum:
Dark or aged rum works best here. It brings caramel, vanilla, and molasses notes that pair naturally with butter and spices. Light rum tends to get lost in the drink, while spiced rum can overpower the more subtle flavours.
Partner Content
Butter:
Butter is what sets this cocktail apart. It adds richness and smoothness, creating a creamy layer on top and a silky texture throughout the drink.
Sugar:
Brown sugar is traditional, but maple syrup or honey also work well. The goal is warmth and depth, not sharp sweetness.
Warm spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or star anise give hot buttered rum its signature aroma. These spices are subtle but essential.
Hot water:
Hot water brings everything together and keeps the drink light enough to sip comfortably.
Method
Add all of the ingredients to a large pan, warm through and ladle into ceramic or copper cups.
Related news
For the twelfth day of Christmas...
