Alcohol-Free Hot Buttered Rum Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Festive Mocktail Idea

Delicious and alcohol-free hot buttered rum recipe idea: a twist on a classic winter warmer with all the comfort and none of the alcohol.

Let’s be honest: most “non-alcoholic” versions of classic cocktails are just sad, watered-down imitations. Simply diluting hot buttered rum with extra water doesn’t capture that warming kick or complex depth we crave on cold winter nights.

If you’re avoiding alcohol—whether for health, pregnancy, or personal choice—you deserve better than a compromise that tastes like something’s missing.

After plenty of experimenting (and a few disappointing attempts), I beleive I’ve cracked the code for a genuinely delicious alcohol-free hot buttered rum. This isn’t about replacing what’s not there; it’s about creating something rich, spicy, and comforting that stands proudly on its own.

The secret? A few clever ingredient swaps that deliver warmth and complexity without a drop of booze. Ready to be impressed?

Can’t make it now? Save this to Pinterest for later

Looking for the boozy version? Here’s how I make a classic hot buttered rum at home

Tools you will need for making non-alcoholic hot buttered rum

• Jigger
• Muddler
• Citrus juicer if using a fresh pineapple
• Irish coffee heat-resistant glasses (or other heatproof glass with a handle) or a mug
• Bowl for muddling if serving in a glass

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

You can find all our suggested staple supplies and tools for your home cocktail bar here.

Alcohol-Free Hot Buttered Rum Mocktail Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 teaspoon demerara sugar
• 1 teaspoon butter (unsalted)
• A dash of ground cinnamon
• A dash of ground nutmeg
• A dash of ground allspice
• A dash of vanilla extract
• 40ml pineapple juice
• 160ml Hot water
• Garnish 1 cinnamon stick
• Whipped cream (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

For the batter:

1. Place your butter cubes, spices, demerara sugar and vanilla extract in your mug (or separate muddling bowl, if intending on serving in a glass).
2. Use your muddler to combine them into a paste.

For the drink:

1. Once the batter is done, move it into your serving glass, add your pineapple juice and hot water.
2. Stir until the batter melts and your drink acquires a consistent color and texture.
3. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for garnish for an extra indulgent and festive drink idea!

• Author: Little Party Pixie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Additional Time: 0 hours
• Cook Time: 0 hours
• Category: Magical Mocktails

How to make alcohol-free hot buttered rum batter for a crowd

One of the many things I love about this drink is that it is easy to make for a crowd without having to step away from your guests for long.

You can make your batter in advance, keep it in the fridge for up to a week, and assemble it as needed!

There are two ways to store the batter:

• Place the batter in a suitable jar with a lid you can seal and keep in the fridge, and spoon out when needed.

• Place your batter onto greaseproof paper, roll it into a log, and slice up as needed.

For doses, you can use the single-serve recipe above and multiply it out for the number of guests.

More Christmas Drink Ideas

As well as checking out our complete guide to Christmas cocktails, you may also be interested in our Christmas gift guides for drink-lovers.

We cover everything from stylish glassware for your drinks cabinet to our favourite gifts for coffee-lovers.

If you’re still seeking out that perfect gift idea or stocking stuffer, pop on over for some inspiration here >>

Little Party Pixie advocates quality over quantity. Always drink responsibly!