Description

A cozy, spiced rum cocktail made with butter, brown sugar, and warming spices. This hot buttered rum is smooth, rich, and the perfect winter drink.

Ingredients

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, can sub with hot apple cider)

Optional: whipped cream for topping

Equipment:

Heatproof mug

Small saucepan

Measuring spoons & jigger

Stirring spoon

Optional: milk frother

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1 — Prep:
Soften butter in advance. Measure all ingredients. Warm the mug with hot tap water and dump it out.

Step 2 — Make Spiced Butter Paste:
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and spices until smooth and glossy.

Step 3 — Heat Liquid:
Warm ½ cup water (or apple cider) in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.

Step 4 — Build the Drink:
Add the spiced butter paste to the warmed mug.
Pour in 2 oz rum, then slowly add the hot liquid.
Stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until emulsified and silky.

Step 5 — Adjust & Garnish:
Taste and adjust sweetness or spice. Top with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, nutmeg grating, or a lemon twist, if desired.

Step 6 — Make-Ahead Tips (Optional):
Batch the spiced butter paste ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Perfect for assembling drinks on demand or setting up a cocktail station for guests.

Notes

Rum Options: Dark rum gives richness; spiced rum adds complexity.

Liquid Swap: Try hot apple cider for a festive twist.

Storage Tip: Leftover butter paste can be chilled and used for quick prep later.

Texture Tip: Whisking helps achieve that silky, bar-quality finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Drinks, Cocktails
Method: Stovetop, Stirring
Cuisine: American