Introduction
Hot Buttered Rum is a beloved American classic cocktail that dates back to colonial times. Known for its rich, warming flavors, it combines dark rum with a spiced butter mixture, hot water, and a touch of sweetness. Adding cinnamon takes this drink to the next level, giving it a cozy, aromatic quality that’s perfect for cold winter nights or holiday gatherings.
This cocktail is indulgent, soothing, and nostalgic all at once. It’s the kind of drink you sip by the fire, wrapped in a blanket, while the cinnamon aroma fills the air.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it balances decadence and comfort perfectly. The butter adds creaminess, the brown sugar gives a caramel-like sweetness, and the cinnamon provides warmth and spice. It feels like dessert in a mug but with a kick of rum to keep things festive.
It’s also endlessly customizable — you can adjust the sweetness, spice levels, or even the type of rum depending on your taste. The first sip is rich and velvety, followed by warming spices, making it the perfect drink for unwinding after a long day.
Why It’s a Must-Try Drink
- A holiday classic steeped in tradition.
- Warm, rich, and full of comforting spice.
- Quick and easy to make with pantry ingredients.
- Ideal for entertaining — you can prepare the butter mixture ahead of time.
- Feels indulgent and festive, like a warm hug in a mug.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Cuisine and Course
- Cuisine: American Colonial
- Course: Beverage, Holiday Cocktail
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup dark rum
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Make spiced butter mixture by creaming butter, sugar, and spices.
- Add butter mixture to mugs.
- Pour in hot water and stir until dissolved.
- Add rum, mix, and garnish with cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the butter base
- In a small bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the drink
- Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into each mug.
- Add hot water
- Pour in about ½ cup of boiling water per mug and stir until the butter mixture melts completely.
- Add rum
- Stir in ¼ cup dark rum into each mug.
- Garnish and serve
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Serve hot.
How to Serve
- Serve in heatproof mugs.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange peel, or whipped cream for a festive touch.
- Perfect alongside Christmas cookies, apple pie, or spiced nuts.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use dark or spiced rum for deeper flavor.
- Make the butter-spice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate — it lasts up to 2 weeks.
- Stir well before drinking to keep the flavors balanced.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or half-and-half.
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace rum with hot apple cider.
- Vanilla Twist: Add ½ tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Maple Buttered Rum: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup.
- Extra Spicy: Add ground ginger or cardamom to the butter mixture.
Freezing and Storage
- Butter Mixture: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prepared Drink: Best enjoyed fresh; reheating may cause the butter to separate.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or spoon for creaming butter
- Heatproof mugs
Conclusion
The Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon is a timeless holiday drink that combines tradition, flavor, and comfort in a single mug. With its velvety texture, warming spices, and festive aroma, it’s the perfect cocktail to sip by the fireplace or serve at gatherings. Easy to prepare yet impressive, this drink is a must-try for anyone who loves cozy winter flavors.
