The first time I had hot buttered rum, I was sitting on a back porch in December, wrapped in a blanket that smelled faintly of wood smoke. A friend handed me a mug that looked innocent enough, then I took a sip, and it was just amazing.

I’ve been chasing that cozy feeling ever since. Somewhere between the butter, brown sugar, and nutmeg, this drink stops being just a cocktail and turns into a memory.

These days, I make a big batch of the batter right before Thanksgiving and keep it tucked away in the freezer. It’s my way of saying to friends who drop by, “Hey, stay a while.”

Why I Keep Coming Back to It – Ethan’s Honest Take

• Cup of Comfort: It’s like wrapping your hands around warmth itself — buttery, spiced, and just a little sweet.
• Nostalgia in a Mug: Every sip feels like an old movie night, snow outside, and laughter in the background.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The batter freezes beautifully — one spoonful and you’re halfway to cozy.
• Crowd Pleaser: No one ever says no to it. Ever.
• Smells Like the Holidays: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter fill the air before you even take a sip.
• Perfect for Grown-Up Nights In: No stress, no fancy shaker, just a pot, a spoon, and a little rum.
• Adjust to Taste: Sweet, spicy, boozy — you get to call the shots (literally).
• Liquid Hug: On a cold night, this drink doesn’t just warm you up — it cheers you up.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

This cozy hot buttered rum is rich, creamy, and spiced just right — the perfect drink for chilly winter evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 96

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 78

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• Hot Buttered Rum Batter
• 1 pound unsalted butter
• 1 pound brown sugar
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream softened
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Plastic container with lid
• Coffee mugs
• Ladle or scoop

Method

 

1. Gather all ingredients.
   
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
   
3. Stir in brown sugar and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and blended.
   
4. Remove from heat, then whisk in ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a plastic container, cover, and freeze until firm.
6. For each serving, mix 1 tablespoon of the rum batter with 1 ounce of rum in a mug.
   
7. Fill with boiling water, stir well, and sprinkle nutmeg on top before serving.
   

Real-Life Cooking Notes from Ethan

• Soften, Don’t Melt: When mixing the batter, make sure the butter and ice cream are softened — not melted — so it comes together smooth and creamy.
• Go for Real Vanilla Ice Cream: Skip the “frozen dessert” tubs. You want the real stuff with cream and sugar for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar Depth: The molasses in brown sugar gives that caramel warmth — don’t swap it for white sugar unless you have to.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Start with the recipe amount, then adjust after tasting the first mug. I like mine a little heavy on the nutmeg.
• Serving Trick: Add one heaping tablespoon of batter per mug, pour in hot water and a splash (or two) of rum, and stir until creamy.
• Rum Reality Check: Dark or spiced rum works best here — it plays well with the butter and sugar.
• Keep It Handy: Store the batter in an airtight container in the freezer. It lasts for weeks and scoops like ice cream.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Skip the rum and mix the batter with hot milk instead — it turns into a rich, spiced holiday drink everyone can enjoy.

If You Loved This, Try These Too!

1. Mulled Wine Recipe: Warm, spiced, and perfect for slow winter evenings.
2. Eggnog Recipe: Creamy, nostalgic, and full of holiday tradition.
3. Apple Cider Punch Recipe: Light, festive, and great for gatherings.
4. Thanksgiving Punch Recipe: A crowd-friendly drink with cozy fall flavor.
5. Christmas Favorite Coquito Recipe: Rich, coconut-forward, and holiday-ready.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips (Because Cozy Should Be Easy)

• Freezer Friendly Batter: The buttered rum batter stores beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Airtight Is Key: Keep it sealed well so it doesn’t absorb freezer smells.
• Scoop-and-Go Convenience: Freeze it flat or in a shallow container so it’s easy to scoop.
• No Thaw Needed: You can scoop it straight from the freezer into hot water.
• Batch It Once: Make a big batch before the holidays and thank yourself later.
• Perfect for Drop-Ins: Having batter ready makes hosting feel effortless.
• Re-Stir If Needed: If the batter separates slightly, give it a quick stir before serving.

Variations & Cozy Twists I Love!

1. Spiced Rum Upgrade: Use spiced rum for extra cinnamon and vanilla warmth.
2. Extra Creamy Version: Swap hot water for hot milk or half-and-half.
3. Maple Touch: Replace some brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper flavor.
4. Vanilla Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for bakery vibes.
5. Nutmeg Forward: Grate fresh nutmeg on top right before serving.
6. Salted Finish: A tiny pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
7. Alcohol-Free Option: Mix the batter with hot milk instead of rum for a cozy mocktail.

Hot Buttered Rum FAQs!

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?: Yes, that’s actually the best way to do it.
2. How strong is this drink?: Totally adjustable — add more or less rum per mug.
3. What rum works best?: Dark or spiced rum gives the richest flavor.
4. Does it reheat well?: The drink itself is best made fresh, but the batter lasts weeks.
5. Is this very sweet?: It’s cozy-sweet, not cloying — and easy to adjust.
6. Can I serve this at a party?: Absolutely, just keep hot water ready and let guests mix their own.
7. Is it safe for kids?: Yes, when made without rum using hot milk.