Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe – A Delicious and Indulgent Winter Warmer

A classic recipe for hot buttered rum, the perfect winter warmer for the coldest months, plus tips for a non-alcoholic version.

When winter winds howl and temperatures plummet, there’s one drink that’s been warming hands and hearts for centuries: hot buttered rum. This indulgent cocktail combines rich butter, warming spices, dark rum, and hot water into liquid comfort that rivals any blanket. It’s the kind of drink that turns a quiet evening into something special, whether you’re curled up solo with a book or hosting friends by the fireplace.

Think of it as the hot toddy‘s richer, more decadent cousin—a Christmas classic that never goes out of style. We’re sharing the traditional recipe plus creative variations and a surprisingly delicious mocktail version, because everyone deserves a little winter magic in their mug.

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This recipe is part of my favourite Christmas Cocktails series. You may also like to check out my non-alcoholic drinks collection for perfect Christmas Mocktails.

Tools You Will Need for Making a Single Cup of Hot Buttered Rum

• Cocktail Muddler
• Jigger
• Stirring spoon
• Irish coffee cup or your favourite mug

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

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Hot Buttered Rum for a Crowd – Make Ahead

This simple recipe is for making a single-serve straight in your cup.

However, if you are hosting a party, you can easily make a “batter” in advance, ready for serving (or if you want a drink every night without too much elbow grease, you can make it ahead!).

Once ready, you can keep your batter in a jar or roll it into a log, like you would do with herbed butter, and keep it in the fridge.

You can use it all together or take portions of it as needed, replacing the rest in the fridge each time. If well preserved, it lasts about one week.

In terms of dosage, if making hot buttered rum for a crowd, you need to multiply out the ingredients. If making it for more than a few guests, I prefer using an mixer or electric hand beater over muddying in the cup. Much easier!

I suggest for 24 servings using:

• 3 teaspoons of brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark rum
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice

Mocktail Hot Buttered Rum – Hot Buttered Rum with No Alcohol

The only alcoholic ingredient is the rum, so you could easily make an alcohol-free hot buttered rum, opting for a zero-alcohol rum.

Depending on the brand you find, you may use it as is or may find you like adding a touch more of vanilla and grape juice to taste.

As a low-alcohol alternative, you can also consider replacing the rum with a dash of rum extract and adding more water. A rum extract made from real rum has about 30% ABV: as you use such a small amount in the drink, the alcohol level is trace. However, this may still be an issue depending on the needs you may be catering to.

Always check the alcohol percentages on all products before serving, even if labelled alcohol-free, especially if going alcohol-free for health reasons.

I have another alternative alcohol-free version of hot buttered rum over here

Hot Buttered Rum Ingredient Alternatives

Salted vs. Unsalted Butter in Buttered Rum

The traditional hot buttered rum recipe calls for unsalted butter; however, I’ve also tried it with salted butter. While I didn’t find the difference significant, the result was pleasing to the palate.

Margarine and dairy spreads, on the other hand, are ineffective. Consistency and taste were just off.

Hot Buttered Room Toppings

Consider adding a generous serving of not-too-sweet whipped cream and a small dusting of cinnamon for an indulgent finish!

More Christmas Drinks Ideas

As well as checking out my complete guide to Christmas cocktails, you may also be interested in my Christmas gift guides for drink lovers. I cover everything from stylish glassware for your drinks cabinet to my favourite gifts for wine-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!

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