Hot Buttered Rum Recipe – When the temperature drops and evenings grow longer, nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm, spiced drink cradled in your hands. Hot Buttered Rum is a timeless winter cocktail that blends rich butter, aromatic spices, brown sugar, and dark rum into a soothing, indulgent beverage. With roots in colonial America, this drink has long been associated with cold-weather gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy nights by the fire.
Recipe Overview
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Cuisines: American / Holiday
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Course: Beverage / Cocktail
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Servings: 1 mug
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Calories: ~260 per serving
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Active Time: 10 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment
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Mixing bowl
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Hand mixer or whisk
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Saucepan or kettle
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Heat-safe mug
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Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
For the Spiced Butter Batter
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp powdered sugar
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¼ tsp ground cinnamon
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⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
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Pinch of ground cloves
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Pinch of salt
For Each Drink
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2 oz dark rum
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1–2 tbsp spiced butter batter
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¾ cup hot water (or apple cider)
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Garnish: cinnamon stick or grated nutmeg
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
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Whip until smooth and creamy. This is your spiced butter batter.
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Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the batter into a heat-safe mug.
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Pour in the dark rum.
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Add hot water (or apple cider) and stir until the butter fully melts.
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Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
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Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugars | 16 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
| Potassium | 25 mg |
| Alcohol Content | ~10–12% ABV |
Values are approximate and vary based on rum and sweetener used.
Tips for the Perfect Mug
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Use quality dark rum for deeper flavor.
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Make a larger batch of spiced butter batter and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
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Avoid boiling water directly over the butter—too much heat can dull the spices.
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Try apple cider instead of water for a fruity twist.
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Pre-warm mugs so the drink stays hot longer.
Conclusion
Rich, warming, and wonderfully nostalgic, Hot Buttered Rum is more than a cocktail—it’s a winter tradition. With its velvety texture and fragrant spices, it transforms ordinary evenings into cozy moments of comfort and celebration.
