The Best Classic Hot Buttered Rum Recipe: A Family Heirloom for Cozy Winter Nights

There are some recipes that transcend mere ingredients, becoming woven into the fabric of family traditions and cherished memories. This Hot Buttered Rum recipe is precisely one of those. It’s not just another cocktail; it’s an heirloom, lovingly passed down through friendships and generations. My dear friend Kristi shared this gem with me, a recipe she received from her long-time friend, Stacy Mohs, many years ago. It has been a beloved staple in their family ever since, and now, I’m thrilled to share its magic with you.

I must extend my deepest gratitude to Stacy for sharing this extraordinary recipe with Kristi all those years ago because it meant I finally had the pleasure of enjoying it for the first time recently. And let me tell you, I am absolutely in love! It’s delightfully simple, yet incredibly delicious – a testament to the idea that the simplest things are often the very best in life.

Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card with ingredient measurements and instructions.

The Enduring Charm of Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum holds a special place in the pantheon of classic cold-weather cocktails. Its origins can be traced back centuries, evolving from simple grogs and punches to the comforting, spiced indulgence we know today. Historically, rum was a readily available spirit, and adding butter, sugar, and hot water transformed it into a warming, nourishing drink perfect for warding off the chill of winter. This particular recipe, however, stands out for its unique base, which elevates it beyond the ordinary. It’s a rich, creamy, and subtly sweet concoction that promises to become your go-to beverage for festive gatherings, quiet evenings by the fire, or simply whenever you crave a moment of cozy bliss.

Crafting the Perfect Hot Buttered Rum Base: The Secret to Smoothness

The magic of this hot buttered rum begins with its incredible base. Unlike many recipes that mix butter directly into the hot drink, this one starts with a luxurious, sugared, buttered, whipped cream. Honestly, I think I could happily stop there and just enjoy spoonfuls of this delightful cream! It’s a decadent foundation that ensures an unparalleled creamy texture and rich flavor in every sip of your final drink.

The base itself is a deceptively simple blend of freshly whipped heavy cream, gently melted butter, and sweet brown sugar. These ingredients, when combined correctly, create a smooth, velvety mixture that’s ready to be transformed into a warm drink at a moment’s notice. The beauty of preparing the base ahead of time is that it solidifies in the refrigerator, making it easy to scoop and store. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to whip up a batch and enjoy perfect hot buttered rums for days to come.

Why the Frozen Bowl is Non-Negotiable

One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components to achieving the perfect Hot Buttered Rum base is having a *FROZEN* mixing bowl and whip. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an absolute must! The science behind it is simple: when you’re folding a warm butter and sugar mixture into delicate whipped cream, the temperature difference can cause the cream to “split” or “separate.” A frozen bowl helps to counteract the warmth, maintaining the cream’s integrity and ensuring a perfectly smooth, stable emulsion. I know it sounds a little unconventional to add a warm mixture to freshly whipped cream, but if you diligently follow the instructions and ensure your equipment is sufficiently chilled, it absolutely WORKS!

Taking the extra 45 minutes to an hour to pre-chill your stand mixer bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer will make all the difference. This preparation step ensures that your heavy cream whips up beautifully and remains stable when the warm butter-sugar mixture is introduced. The result is a consistent, lump-free base that promises a superior hot buttered rum experience. Trust me, this little secret is the key to preventing a curdled texture and unlocking the full potential of this exceptional recipe.

A Crucial Word of Warning: “Just Leave This Recipe ALONE!”

This heirloom recipe comes with a very firm instruction: “just leave this recipe ALONE!” This might sound stern, but it’s vital for maintaining the delicate balance and stability of the base. The original creator, Stacy Mohs, specifically warns against adding extra spices or other flavorings directly into the base mixture. The concern here is that introducing additional ingredients or altering the ratios can disrupt the emulsion and cause the whipped cream mixture to split or break down. And truly, nobody wants a split whipped cream base in their festive drink!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and the harmonious blend of butter, brown sugar, and cream. The subtle warmth and richness are perfectly balanced, and any additional spices, if desired, can be added directly to your individual mug when you prepare the final drink. This allows for personal customization without compromising the integrity of the carefully crafted base. So, for the sake of a perfect, creamy texture every time, resist the urge to tinker with the base ingredients.

Bringing Your Hot Buttered Rum to Life: Mixing and Serving

Once your exquisite hot buttered rum base is chilled and firm, the true enjoyment begins. My absolute favorite part of preparing this drink is witnessing the transformation when you add hot water. As the boiling water hits the cold, creamy mixture, it naturally foams and froths, creating a delightful, latte-like texture. It’s an instant visual treat and a precursor to the warm, comforting sips to come.

To prepare your perfect mug, simply scoop 2-3 heaping tablespoons of the chilled buttered rum base into your favorite festive mug. Then, add 1-2 shots of your preferred rum. While a classic dark rum works beautifully, I recently discovered a gingerbread spiced rum that truly elevated the experience, making it feel even more Christmasy and wonderfully festive!

Elevate Your Experience: Rum Choices and Garnishes

While the base is unyielding in its simplicity, the choice of rum allows for wonderful personalization. A good quality dark or aged rum will provide depth and rich caramel notes, complementing the brown sugar perfectly. Spiced rums, especially those with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, or ginger, are also fantastic choices for adding an extra layer of warmth and holiday cheer. Experiment with different brands to find your ideal pairing. For an even more intense flavor, consider a good quality amber or gold rum. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of applejack or a bourbon could also lend an interesting twist, though always test a small batch first!

To further enhance your hot buttered rum, consider a simple garnish. A cinnamon stick adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal, as does a thin slice of orange or a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. A dollop of extra whipped cream (if you have some on hand) and a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn it into an even more indulgent dessert-like drink. These small touches transform your hot buttered rum from a simple drink into a truly special experience.

A Festive Treat for Everyone: Non-Alcoholic Options

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this recipe, and something Kristi specifically pointed out, is its versatility for the whole family. You can easily adapt this delightful base to create a special treat for children or those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. Simply add a small scoop of the whipped cream mixture to some hot cocoa instead of rum and boiling water. This allows everyone to feel like they are joining in on the festive cheer, enjoying a “Christmas nightcap” alongside the adults. It’s a wonderful way to include everyone in your holiday traditions, making memories together.

This Hot Buttered Rum has quickly become my new favorite cold-weather drink, and I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I have. A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to Kristi for sharing this incredible recipe with me, and for allowing me to share it with all of you. It’s a testament to the joy that good food and drink can bring, especially when shared with loved ones.

Storing Your Hot Buttered Rum Base for Future Enjoyment

The beauty of this recipe extends beyond its delicious taste to its incredible convenience. Once prepared, the hot buttered rum base firms up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining or simply having a cozy drink ready at a moment’s notice. Store the mixture in a lidded, airtight container in the fridge, and it will remain fresh and ready for use for a week to 10 days. Honestly, it might not even last that long, given how tempting and easy it is to enjoy a warm mug!

For longer storage, you can even freeze the base. Portioned into individual servings (e.g., in an ice cube tray, then transferred to a freezer bag), it can last for several months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out a frozen portion, let it thaw slightly, and then proceed with the regular instructions for making the drink. This ensures you always have a taste of winter comfort within reach, making spontaneous cozy moments a breeze.

Did you make this incredible recipe? Let me know by leaving a review or comment below! And be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a new recipe, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Stacy’s Classic Hot Buttered Rum

This cherished Hot Buttered Rum recipe was generously shared with me by Kristi Thigpen, who originally received it from her dear friend Stacy Mohs. Stacy has been making this delightful drink for YEARS, and I was incredibly fortunate to discover it in 2019. I am utterly in love! It’s the perfect concoction to send you off into dreamland, especially while admiring your beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Ingredients

• ½ cup Unsalted Butter, (ensure it’s high-quality)
• 2 cups Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream, chilled, whipped to medium-soft peaks

Instructions

1. Place the bowl of your stand mixer and the whisk attachment in the freezer for at least 45 minutes (or up to 1 hour) before you plan to whip your cream. This crucial step helps prevent the mixture from splitting.
2. In a small saucepan, slowly melt the butter and brown sugar over very low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is incorporated into a liquidy mixture. It’s important not to boil the mixture; you only want to melt it. The sugar may remain slightly grainy, which is fine.
3. Remove the melted butter and sugar mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly while you whip the cream. It should still be warm but not hot.
4. Using your FROZEN mixing bowl and whisk, whip the chilled heavy cream at medium speed in a stand mixer. Continue whipping until it forms medium-soft peaks – just before the consistency you would want for topping a pie.
5. With the mixer running on low speed, carefully incorporate the slightly cooled butter and sugar mixture, adding it a heaping tablespoon at a time. Do this at a swift yet gentle pace to ensure even distribution without deflating the cream. Once all the sugar mixture is added, give the mixer one last quick burst on high speed (a “whack up”) and then immediately turn it off to fully incorporate everything without overmixing.
6. Transfer the finished hot buttered rum base into a lidded bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or until it is completely firm. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.
7. To make a single serving of Hot Buttered Rum, follow these steps:
8. Place 2-3 heaping tablespoons of the firm buttered rum mixture into a mug. Add 1-2 shots (approximately 1.5 to 3 ounces) of your favorite spiced or dark rum. Adjust the amount of rum to your preference.
9. Fill the mug with freshly boiled water and stir thoroughly until the butter mixture is completely melted and well combined with the rum and water. Watch as it delightfully foams and froths!
10. Serve immediately and savor the rich, warm, and comforting flavors. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 serving (approx. 40g)


Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 250kcal
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 5mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 1g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram