Hot Buttered Rum (with Cider or Water)
A classic American cocktail dating back to colonial times, Hot Buttered Rum has warmed winter nights for centuries. This creamy blend of spiced butter, dark rum, and hot apple cider delivers rich, old-fashioned comfort with every sip — use cider for sweetness or hot water for a lighter twist.
TheKnird
A cozy classic for fall and winter, this Hot Buttered Rum is smooth, rich, and full of warm spice. The butter batter blends perfectly with hot apple cider for a sweet, comforting drink, or with hot water for a lighter, less sugary version that still delivers deep flavor and warmth.
Ingredients (Butter Batter)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt
Ingredients (Drink)
4 ounces dark rum (1 ounce per serving)
2 cups hot apple cider (or use hot water for a less sweet version)
4 tablespoons butter batter (about 1 tablespoon per drink)
Optional garnish: cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth and creamy. This is your butter batter.
To serve, place about 1 tablespoon of butter batter in a mug.
Add 1 ounce of dark rum and fill the mug with about ½ cup of hot apple cider (or hot water for a milder taste). Stir until the butter melts and the drink becomes smooth and aromatic.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a dusting of nutmeg. Serve warm.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Store the butter batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, scoop out a spoonful, add hot liquid and rum, and stir to perfection.
Notes
Spiced rum adds extra depth and warmth.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and use just apple cider for a cozy treat.
Add a splash of vanilla or maple syrup for a richer flavor.