Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Drink

Hot Buttered Rum

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you want to make a warm drink, this Hot Buttered Rum recipe covers you! With just a few ingredients, this cocktail is simple and perfect for sipping.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Warm up with this cozy Hot Buttered Rum recipe! This comforting cocktail is your go-to for chilly evenings, made with dark Rum, rich butter, and a blend of spices.

Prep time:

2 minutes

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

191 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, or grate â…› of a nutmeg
  • 4 oz water, hot
  • Lemon wheel, for garnish, optional
  • Cinnamon stick, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mug
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Spoon
  • Small Saucepan

Instructions

  • Prep Mug: Warm your mug by filling it with hot water. Empty it after a minute.
  • Add Honey: Add 1 tsp honey to your mug.
  • Add Butter: Add 1 tsp unsalted butter to the spice mixture in the mug.
  • Add Rum: Measure and pour 2 oz Dark Rum into the mug.
  • Add Ground Nutmeg: Add either ¼ tsp ground nutmeg on top of the mixture.
  • Pour Hot Water: Bring 4 oz water to a boil in a small saucepan. Then, add the boiling water to the mug.
  • Stir: Stir the mixture well with a spoon until the butter and the honey dissolve completely.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wheel if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Dark Rum: If you're out of dark Rum, spiced Rum also works well, adding an extra layer of flavor. I've even used bourbon in a pinch; it changes the drink but still tastes great.
  • Butter: You can use salted butter if that's all you have; just be aware it will add a salty note to the drink.

Making a Pitcher of Hot Buttered Rum:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of dark Rum, 8 tsp of butter, and 8 tsp of Honey.
  • Mix: In a large saucepan, combine the water, butter, honey and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then add the Rum.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into pre-warmed mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum flavoring or extract.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Butter Substitute: Use a plant-based butter to keep the drink vegan. Coconut oil also works but changes the flavor profile a bit.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
191
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Sodium
 
7
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Potassium
 
8
mg
0
%
Cholesterol
 
11
mg
4
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Vitamin A
 
125
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
0.1
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
6
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Drink

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

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Warm up with this cozy Hot Buttered Rum recipe! This comforting cocktail is your go-to for chilly evenings, made with dark Rum, rich butter, and a blend of spices.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 191

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg - or grate â…› of a nutmeg
  • 4 oz water - hot
  • Lemon wheel - for garnish, optional
  • Cinnamon stick - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Mug
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Spoon
  • Small Saucepan

Instructions

  • Prep Mug: Warm your mug by filling it with hot water. Empty it after a minute.
  • Add Honey: Add 1 tsp honey to your mug.
  • Add Butter: Add 1 tsp unsalted butter to the spice mixture in the mug.
  • Add Rum: Measure and pour 2 oz Dark Rum into the mug.
  • Add Ground Nutmeg: Add either ¼ tsp ground nutmeg on top of the mixture.
  • Pour Hot Water: Bring 4 oz water to a boil in a small saucepan. Then, add the boiling water to the mug.
  • Stir: Stir the mixture well with a spoon until the butter and the honey dissolve completely.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wheel if desired.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Dark Rum: If you're out of dark Rum, spiced Rum also works well, adding an extra layer of flavor. I've even used bourbon in a pinch; it changes the drink but still tastes great.
  • Butter: You can use salted butter if that's all you have; just be aware it will add a salty note to the drink.

Making a Pitcher of Hot Buttered Rum:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of dark Rum, 8 tsp of butter, and 8 tsp of Honey.
  • Mix: In a large saucepan, combine the water, butter, honey and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then add the Rum.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into pre-warmed mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum flavoring or extract.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Butter Substitute: Use a plant-based butter to keep the drink vegan. Coconut oil also works but changes the flavor profile a bit.

What is a Hot Buttered Rum?

A Hot Buttered Rum is a cocktail made with dark Rum, butter, and a mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This drink has been a cold-weather favorite for generations, offering a comforting blend of flavors.

A side shot of a Hot Buttered Rum cocktail in a mug with two lemons behind on a wooden tray placed on a brown wooden table and a plant on the background.

What is Hot Buttered Rum made of – The ingredients

To make your Hot Buttered Rum, you will need these ingredients:

  • Dark Rum: Provides an alcoholic base and a rich, deep flavor.
  • Honey: Sweetens the cocktail and complements the Rum.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and a smooth texture to the drink.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Adds complexity and a hint of nuttiness.
  • Hot Water: Dilutes the ingredients and brings everything to a sippable temperature.
  • Cinnamon Stick and Lemon Wheel: Optional garnish that adds a touch of elegance and extra aroma.

Dark rum, hot water, unsalted butter, honey, and cinnamon stick laid out on a white bar table

How do you make Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail?

Our simple instructions will show you how to easily make a Hot Buttered Rum:

1
<p>First, warm your mug with hot water, then empty it after a minute to prepare it for the cocktail.</p>

First, warm your mug with hot water, then empty it after a minute to prepare it for the cocktail.

2
<p>Add a bar spoon of honey into your mug.</p>

Add a bar spoon of honey into your mug.

3
<p>Add a bar spoon of unsalted butter with the honey in your mug.</p>

Add a bar spoon of unsalted butter with the honey in your mug.

4
<p>Measure and pour 2 oz of dark Rum into your mug, adding it to the honey and butter mixture.</p>

Measure and pour 2 oz of dark Rum into your mug, adding it to the honey and butter mixture.

5
<p>Grate 1/8 of a nutmeg on top of the mixture.</p>

Grate 1/8 of a nutmeg on top of the mixture.

6
<p>Pour boiling water into the mug.</p>

Pour boiling water into the mug.

7
<p>Stir the mixture well with a spoon to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.</p>

Stir the mixture well with a spoon to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.

8
<p>Garnish your drink with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick for added aroma and visual appeal.</p>

Garnish your drink with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick for added aroma and visual appeal.

9
<p>Enjoy your Hot Buttered Rum!</p>

Enjoy your Hot Buttered Rum!

Non-alcoholic Hot Buttered Rum

Are you skipping the alcohol but still crave the comforting warmth of a Hot Buttered Rum? Swap out the dark Rum for a non-alcoholic extract or flavoring to keep the essence of the drink intact. Mix the butter, brown sugar, and spices, then top it off with hot water. The result is a creamy, spiced beverage that delivers all the coziness of the original, minus the alcohol. It’s an excellent option for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.

What type of Rum should I use for Old Fashioned Hot Buttered Rum?

When choosing the best Rum for your Hot Buttered Rum, you’ll want something that complements the rich, spiced flavors of the drink. Dark rums are the traditional choice, offering deep, molasses-like notes that meld well with the butter and spices. Brands like Mount Gay, Goslings, and Kraken are solid picks, each bringing a unique flavor. Mount Gay offers a balanced, oaky taste, while Goslings delivers a robust, full-bodied experience. Kraken, on the other hand, leans into spice, adding an extra layer of complexity. If you’re looking for a top recommendation, go for Mount Gay; its smooth, well-rounded flavors make it versatile enough to shine in the cocktail without overpowering the other ingredients.

What’s the difference between Tom and Jerry and Hot Buttered Rum?

A Tom and Jerry and a Hot Buttered Rum offer warmth and comfort but differ in several ways. First, the base alcohol sets them apart: Tom and Jerry use both Rum and brandy, while a Hot Buttered Rum sticks to just Rum. Second, a Tom and Jerry incorporate egg whites and yolks, creating a frothy, almost custard-like texture, whereas a Hot Buttered Rum has a smoother, buttery consistency. Third, Tom and Jerry often include powdered sugar, adding a different sweetness than the honey in a Hot Buttered Rum. Fourth, you typically serve a Tom and Jerry in a special “Tom and Jerry” bowl or a large mug, while a Hot Buttered Rum usually comes in a standard mug. Finally, the Tom and Jerry is more labor-intensive, requiring you to beat egg whites and yolks separately, while a Hot Buttered Rum is simpler.

A Hot Buttered Rum cocktail, shot from above, in a mugon a brown wooden table.

Hot Buttered Rum Mix

If you’re short on time or want a fuss-free experience, pre-mixed or canned Hot Buttered Rum options are available. Brands like Bar-Tender and Craftmix offer convenient packets or cans you mix with hot water and a shot of Rum optionally. Bar-Tender’s leans traditional, providing a mix that captures the classic flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Craftmix takes a modern approach, offering a gluten-free and vegan-friendly mix. For a top pick, go with Bar-Tender’s. It’s been around since the 1960s and has garnered a loyal following for a reason. The spot-on flavors offer the closest experience to a homemade version. Just heat, pour, and enjoy.

Hot Buttered Rum Variations

Want to add something extra? Try our chocolate or apple variants of the original:

  • Chocolate Hot Buttered Rum: A luxurious merge of comforting hot chocolate flavors with the spiced, buttery warmth of rum takes place here. The addition of chocolate brings a velvety, decadent dimension. I find the richness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the depth of the rum, creating a cozy, indulgent experience perfect for cold nights. The chocolate’s creamy texture and sweet counterpoint to the spices make it a personal favorite treat of mine.
  • Apple Cider Hot Buttered Rum: Warm traditional spices meet the tangy sweetness of apple cider, creating a delightful blend. The apple cider’s fresh, fruity element superbly complements the rich, buttery base. I am particularly drawn to the way the apple cider elevates the overall flavor, adding a refreshing twist that makes it exceptionally enjoyable on a chilly evening.

A side shot of a Hot Buttered Rum cocktail in a mug on a brown wooden table with two lemons behind on a wooden tray.

History and Origins of the Hot Buttered Rum

The history of Hot Buttered Rum traces back to colonial America, where both Rum and molasses were abundant due to the Caribbean trade routes. Settlers quickly blended these ingredients with hot water and spices, creating a comforting beverage to stave off the cold. Rum itself was a staple in colonial life, often considered safer to drink than water, which could be contaminated.

As spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves became more accessible through trade, they found their way into this warming drink, enhancing its flavor and complexity. Over time, butter also joined the mix, adding a creamy texture and rich taste. The drink gained popularity, especially during the holidays and colder months, becoming a traditional offering at gatherings and celebrations.

National Day of Hot Buttered Rum and Captain Morgan

National Hot Buttered Rum Day, celebrated every January 17th, is a day that Captain Morgan, a well-known rum brand, eagerly embraces. The brand often runs special promotions and social media campaigns to mark the occasion, encouraging fans to celebrate with their own recipes featuring Captain Morgan’s spiced Rum. The spiced Rum adds flavor to the traditional drink, making it a popular choice for those looking to elevate the classic recipe. Captain Morgan’s involvement not only boosts the profile of this cozy winter drink but also gives rum enthusiasts a perfect excuse to enjoy the original with a twist.

A side shot of a Hot Buttered Rum cocktail in a mug on a brown wooden table with two lemons and a small plant behind on a wooden tray.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Hot Buttered Rum?
A standard version contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
How strong is this cocktail in terms of ABV and proof?
The strength varies based on the alcohol used, but generally, it's around 20-25% ABV (40-50 proof) when diluted with hot water.
What type of alcohol is used in Hot Buttered Rum?
Dark Rum is the traditional choice for this cocktail.
In which type of glass is it usually served?
It is typically served in a mug.
What does Hot Buttered Rum taste like?
The drink has a rich, creamy texture with flavors of spice, sweetness, and a hint of Rum.
What is the ratio of ingredients in Hot Buttered Rum?
The general ratio is 2 oz of Dark Rum, 1 tsp of butter, 1 tsp of honey, spices, and 4 oz of hot water.
How is it served in terms of ice or temperature?
It's served hot, without ice, making it ideal for colder weather.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but it will add a salty note to the drink.Is boiling water necessary? Boiling water helps to dissolve the honey and butter, so it's recommended.

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