One chilly evening not long ago, my family asked me to make a warm winter drink that would bring everyone together. That’s when I reached for my Hot Buttered Rum recipe. It’s a spiced rum cocktail that feels like a cozy hug in a mug. I remember the surprise on my kids’ faces when they tasted it — the creamy butter, sweet spices, and rich rum all blended perfectly. It quickly became a holiday hot cocktail staple in our home, especially as the nights got colder.
Making Hot Buttered Rum for my family wasn’t just about the drink itself; it was about the way it made meal times extra special. The warmth from the mug, the spices filling the air, and the simple joy of gathering around the table brought back a lot of good memories. Over time, I found myself tweaking the butter rum recipe to keep things easy and delicious, perfect for those busy nights when we want comfort without a fuss.
If you’re looking for a classic hot drink that feels as inviting as a homemade meal, this Hot Buttered Rum will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll pull out when you want to add a little magic to ordinary days or create fresh memories during the holidays. I invite you to give it a try with your loved ones and watch how it brings everyone closer — just like it did for mine.
What You’ll Need
For this Hot Buttered Rum, you’ll want simple ingredients you can find at your regular grocery store. Here’s what I use every time:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – For the best Hot Buttered Rum, quality butter makes a big difference in that rich texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – I usually go with dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – These warm spices are key to the classic spiced rum cocktail taste.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups hot water
- 4 ounces dark spiced rum
This butter rum recipe is very forgiving if you want to swap out dark brown sugar for light or adjust the spices to suit your family’s preference. My family often prefers a little extra cinnamon for that warming feel.
A little tip: soften your butter first, so it mixes smoothly when you build your Hot Buttered Rum. Also, use a good-quality spiced rum — it really lifts the flavor. Every time I’ve tried different brands, the house smells amazing while this Hot Buttered Rum cooks, which is always a good sign!
This simple ingredient list keeps things straightforward without sacrificing that comforting, rich flavor that everyone loves. Plus, all these items are pantry staples in many homes, making it great for those last-minute warm winter drinks.

How to Make It
Making Hot Buttered Rum is easier than you might think, and I’m here to walk you through each step.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Use a fork or spoon to mix until smooth and well blended. This spice mix is the heart of your hot buttered rum.
- Add the butter mixture to mugs: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into each mug. It helps to have mugs ready because once you add hot water and rum, the butter starts melting fast.
- Pour in hot water: Heat water until steaming, not boiling. Pour 1/2 cup of the hot water over the butter mixture in each mug. Stir well to melt all the butter and sugar completely. Your kitchen will fill with that inviting spice aroma.
- Add the spiced rum: Pour 1 ounce of dark spiced rum into each mug and stir again. This step makes it the warm winter drink everyone loves. Don’t skip the spiced rum; it’s what turns this into a classic hot cocktail perfect for chilly evenings.
- Taste and adjust: Sometimes, my family likes a little more sweetness or spices. Feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon or a little extra brown sugar before serving.
- Garnish: If you want to get fancy, add a cinnamon stick or a twist of orange peel. It makes your Hot Buttered Rum look like it came from a cozy winter cafe.
This Hot Buttered Rum usually takes me about 10 minutes from start to finish. The key is not rushing when mixing the butter mixture and stirring the mug so everything melts smoothly. I used to mess up by not softening the butter first — now I always remember to give it time, and it makes a big difference.
While your Hot Buttered Rum is cooking, it’s a great time to gather everyone around the table or start setting out snacks. Once they smell it, everyone will be eager to gather close and sip slowly, sharing stories and enjoying the moment.
Serving Ideas
My family loves enjoying Hot Buttered Rum on chilly afternoons or when we’re wrapping up a long day. It pairs wonderfully with comfort foods like our Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, which you can check out here. The sweetness of the casserole balances the spices in the drink perfectly.
This holiday hot cocktail is a favorite for family gatherings and celebrations. Whether it’s after a big meal or as a cozy treat during winter weekends, this Hot Buttered Rum keeps everyone feeling warm and relaxed.
For presentation, I like to serve it in clear mugs so you see the rich color and creamy swirl of butter. Adding a cinnamon stick or a citrus twist makes it feel special without adding extra work. Leftover Hot Buttered Rum? I don’t usually have any, but if I did, I’d gently reheat it on low and stir well before serving.
We’ve also tried variations with different rums or adding a splash of vanilla extract. Each version brings something fresh to the table, and the family always has opinions on their favorites. Everyone reaches for seconds when this Hot Buttered Rum comes out, especially when paired with our Creamy Reuben Soup, another recipe we love for cozy nights.
If your family loves this, they might also enjoy our Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board — great for holiday snacking alongside your Hot Buttered Rum.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Hot Buttered Rum ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter mixture in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just spoon it into mugs, add hot water and rum, and stir. I’ve found making the butter mix ahead saves time and keeps things easy on busy days.
What if I don’t have ground cloves for my Hot Buttered Rum?
Don’t worry if you’re missing cloves. The recipe still tastes fantastic without it. You can add a pinch extra cinnamon or nutmeg to keep the warm spice balance.
How do I store leftover Hot Buttered Rum?
Since it’s best served warm and fresh, I recommend finishing it in one sitting. If there’s any left, store it in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove, stirring well before serving.
Can I use a different type of rum or alcohol?
Dark spiced rum is ideal for that signature flavor, but if you need to improvise, a dark or aged rum works well. Some have even tried bourbon with good results. Avoid clear rum, as it lacks the warm spiced notes.
Is Hot Buttered Rum suitable for non-alcoholic versions?
Yes! Simply skip the rum and add extra hot water and a splash of apple cider or non-alcoholic spiced syrup for a similar cozy feeling. My family enjoyed this variation when my nephew visited.
How much butter should I use per serving?
About 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture per mug works best. More butter means richer flavor, but too much can taste greasy. Adjust to your family’s preference.
What’s the secret to the best Hot Buttered Rum flavor?
Good-quality butter and spiced rum, gentle stirring, and using just the right amount of spices. Also, don’t rush melting the butter mixture — take your time to stir it smooth and creamy.
If you want more ideas, check out this Hot buttered rum recipe for cold weather, and another cozy take here from The Kitchn’s Hot Buttered Rum Recipe. For a bartender’s perspective, this discussion about Hot Buttered Rum in restaurants is fun to read.
The Final Word
This Hot Buttered Rum has earned a permanent spot in my home cooking because it’s just so comforting and brings my family together with every sip. It’s a simple recipe that reminds me how a good drink can create lasting moments with the people we love. Sharing Hot Buttered Rum at our table feels like a warm welcome on cold nights.
My Hot Buttered Rum Tips:
– Always soften your butter first for smooth blending.
– Use dark brown sugar for richer sweetness.
– Stir well and don’t rush melting the butter mixture to avoid clumps.
I’ve tried adding orange zest, swapping part of the water for apple cider, and even making a vanilla butter mixture for different takes on this classic hot drink. My kids favor the sweeter versions, while my husband loves it with an extra cinnamon stick stirred in.
I hope you make this Hot Buttered Rum your own and find it becomes a recipe that warms your family’s hearts and home. For more family meal favorites that pair beautifully with Hot Buttered Rum, you might enjoy our Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, festive Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board, or comforting Creamy Reuben Soup.

Here’s to many cozy evenings filled with good food, good drinks, and even better company — cheers to your Hot Buttered Rum moments ahead!
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is a classic, cozy cocktail combining warm spiced rum, butter, and sweet spices to create a rich and comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- Hot water, to top
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a heatproof glass or mug, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Pour in the dark rum and stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Top the mixture with hot water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with whipped cream if desired and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
For an extra decadent touch, try using spiced rum instead of dark rum or add a cinnamon stick as a garnish for stirring.

