Best Hot Buttered Rum

When the evenings get chilly and you’re craving something comforting, few things beat the cozy charm of a buttered rum drink. It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly spiced—like a hug in a mug. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket and a good book or sharing laughs with friends, this hot rum drink has a way of making the moment feel extra special.

What makes buttered rum stand out from other warm alcoholic drinks is its incredible depth of flavor. The combination of dark or spiced rum with creamy butter, brown sugar, and a touch of spice creates a drink that feels indulgent yet familiar. It’s not just a cocktail—it’s an experience. Each sip warms you from the inside out, balancing sweetness with a mellow heat from the rum.

This classic hot buttered rum recipe has been around for centuries, and for good reason. People loved it back then for the same reason we love it now: it’s simple, satisfying, and makes cold nights a lot more enjoyable. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy techniques—just good-quality rum, a few pantry staples, and a mug to pour it into.

Whether you’re new to spiced rum cocktails or already a fan of hot buttered rum, this recipe is the kind that becomes a seasonal favorite. Once you’ve had it, you’ll probably start thinking of excuses to make another batch—because it’s that good.

Why You’ll Love It

• The ultimate cozy drink – This isn’t just another cocktail; a buttered rum drink feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a frosty night. It’s pure comfort in a mug.
• Layers of flavor in every sip – The mix of spiced rum, creamy butter, and a touch of brown sugar creates a silky-smooth drink that’s sweet, slightly smoky, and perfectly balanced.
• Surprisingly simple to make – Despite tasting like something from a fancy bar menu, this hot buttered rum recipe comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.
• Perfect for gatherings – Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just having a few friends over, hot rum drinks always get people talking and asking for seconds.
• Customizable to your taste – Love extra spice? Add more cinnamon. Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream. This drink adapts beautifully to whatever mood you’re in.

Ingredient List

• 2 oz dark rum (or spiced rum)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• ½ cup hot water (or to taste)
• Optional: whipped cream for topping

Ingredient Notes

• Rum – Dark rum gives this drink a rich, molasses-like depth, while spiced rum makes it more aromatic and cozy. I personally love using spiced rum here—it adds that extra layer of holiday flavor without any extra effort.
• Butter – Don’t skip the butter! It creates the creamy, silky texture that makes this buttered rum drink so special. I always go for unsalted butter so I can control the flavor balance.
• Brown sugar – Dark brown sugar will give you a deeper, almost caramel-like sweetness, while light brown sugar keeps it milder. Both work beautifully—it just depends on your mood.
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are classic in any hot buttered rum recipe. A tiny pinch of each goes a long way in making this drink taste warm and inviting.
• Hot water – This helps dissolve everything and brings the drink together. You can swap in hot apple cider if you want to make things extra cozy and festive.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Heatproof mug – Essential for serving since this is a hot rum drink. I like using a thick glass mug—it keeps the warmth longer and looks extra cozy.
• Small saucepan – To warm the water and help the butter, sugar, and spices blend smoothly. A little nonstick pan works perfectly here.
• Measuring spoons & jigger – For accurate measurements of the rum, sugar, and spices. Honestly, once you make this a few times, you’ll probably just eyeball it.
• Stirring spoon – To mix everything together into a silky drink. I usually go for a long-handled spoon so it reaches the bottom of the mug easily.
• Optional milk frother – Not necessary, but if you want a really smooth, foamy top, a quick froth takes this buttered rum drink from homemade to bar-level.

Instructions

Step 1 — Prep everything (so you’re not scrambling)

• Soften the butter ahead of time — leave it at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or nuke for 5–7 seconds if you’re in a rush (don’t melt it).
• Measure your rum, brown sugar, and spices so they’re within arm’s reach.
• Warm the mug by filling it with hot tap water for a minute, then dump it out — a warm mug keeps the drink hotter longer.

Step 2 — Make the spiced butter paste

1. In a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and the pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Use a fork or small whisk to mash and blend until the mixture is glossy and mostly lump-free — it should look like a thick, spreadable paste.
3. If the butter feels too firm, soften it a touch more; if it’s too wet, add a tiny pinch more brown sugar.

Pro tip: For the smoothest texture, press the mixture through the tines of a fork while whisking — this helps break up any tiny lumps and makes the paste emulsify into the hot liquid more easily.

Step 3 — Heat the liquid (water or cider)

• Pour about ½ cup of water (or hot apple cider for a richer twist) into a small saucepan.
• Warm it until steaming and just below a simmer; you want it hot enough to melt and dissolve the paste, but avoid a rolling boil.

Pro tip: Don’t boil the liquid — boiling drives off aromatics and can make the drink taste flat. Steaming/just-off-the-boil is perfect for hot rum drinks.

Step 4 — Build the drink

1. Spoon the spiced butter paste into your warmed mug.
2. Pour in 2 ounces of dark or spiced rum over the paste. (If you’re aiming for a more aromatic spiced rum cocktail, use spiced rum here.)
3. Slowly pour the hot water (or cider) into the mug.
4. Stir vigorously with a long spoon or whisk for 20–30 seconds until the butter paste fully melts and the drink looks silky and slightly glossy.

Pro tip: Whisk continuously when you first combine the butter paste and hot liquid — this prevents lumps and helps the butter emulsify into a velvety texture.

Step 5 — Taste, adjust, and garnish

• Taste the drink and tweak: add a little extra brown sugar for sweetness, another tiny pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
• Garnish options: a dollop of whipped cream, a cinnamon stick for stirring, or a light grating of fresh nutmeg on top. A thin lemon twist is a nice, unexpected bright note if you like a bit of contrast.

Pro tip: If you top with whipped cream, spoon it gently so the heat doesn’t immediately melt it away — it creates a lovely creamy layer to sip through.

Step 6 — Make-ahead and batch notes (for company)

• To serve a crowd, make a larger batch of the spiced butter paste (multiply the recipe), keep it chilled in a jar, and set up a station with warmed water/cider and measured rum. Guests can assemble to taste.
• Leftover butter paste keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks — scoop a tablespoon into mugs as needed for instant hot buttered rum.

This hot buttered rum recipe is simple, forgiving, and one of those warm alcoholic drinks that immediately makes a quiet evening feel special. Take it slow, savor the aromas, and enjoy the hush-it-feels-like-winter comfort of a classic buttered rum drink.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soften the butter, don’t melt it – Softened butter blends smoothly with sugar and spices, while melted butter can separate in the drink.
• Use a warm mug – Preheating your mug with hot water keeps your buttered rum drink from cooling too quickly.
• Spices go a long way – A pinch is really all you need. Too much spice can overwhelm the rum’s natural flavor.
• Whisk well – Stir vigorously when adding the hot liquid to fully emulsify the butter and avoid oily layers on top.
• Taste as you go – Everyone’s sweetness preference is different; adjust brown sugar to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Rum swap – Try bourbon for a caramel-rich twist or use a combo of dark rum + spiced rum for depth.
• Sweetener alternatives – Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar for a more complex sweetness.
• Dairy-free option – Use vegan butter for a fully plant-based hot buttered rum recipe.
• Extra creamy version – Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, latte-like feel.
• Festive twist – Swap the hot water for hot apple cider for a holiday-inspired version that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves.
• Icy variation – Chill the spiced butter paste, blend with cold rum and ice, and you’ve got a fun frozen spin for warmer months.

Serving Suggestions

• I love sipping this hot buttered rum drink alongside a plate of gingerbread cookies—the spices play off each other perfectly.
• Pair it with a cheese board for gatherings; the creamy, spiced drink contrasts beautifully with sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
• Serve it after a hearty winter dinner (like roast chicken or beef stew) as a warm, dessert-like nightcap.
• For holiday parties, I like to set up a “buttered rum station” with mugs, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream so guests can customize their own.
• Curl up with one on a quiet evening and a good book—no food required, just pure cozy vibes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Spiced butter paste – Make a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer option – Roll the paste into small portions (like cookie dough balls), freeze, and thaw individual servings when you want a quick drink.
• Reheating – Simply add the chilled paste to a mug, pour in freshly heated water (or cider) and rum, and stir until smooth.
• Don’t store mixed drinks – Once combined, the butter, rum, and hot liquid don’t keep well—always mix fresh for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make hot buttered rum without alcohol?

Yes! Just skip the rum and use hot apple cider or even hot water with extra spices. It makes a cozy, non-alcoholic spiced drink that’s family-friendly.

What’s the best rum to use?

Dark rum gives a deep, rich flavor, while spiced rum adds extra warmth from cinnamon and vanilla. I personally love spiced rum—it makes the drink taste like the holidays in a mug.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can absolutely make the butter-sugar-spice paste ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just scoop some into a mug, add rum and hot water, and stir.

Is hot buttered rum very sweet?

It’s lightly sweet from the brown sugar, but you can adjust it to your taste. Add more sugar if you like it dessert-like, or keep it mild for a smoother sip.

Can I make a big batch for parties?

Definitely! Prepare a larger amount of the spiced butter paste, then set out rum, hot water, and garnishes. Guests can mix their own, or you can blend a pot on the stove for easy serving.

What toppings work best?

Whipped cream is the classic choice, but I also love adding a cinnamon stick for stirring or a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg on top—it smells amazing.

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Did you try this hot buttered rum recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you—I’d love to hear if it became your new cozy night favorite!