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When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite like a warm mug of hot buttered rum.
This cozy holiday drink combines dark rum with butter, brown sugar, and warming spices for a rich, comforting cocktail that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings and chilly winter evenings.
It’s easy to make one mug at a time, or prepare a batch of the buttery spice mixture ahead of time so you can quickly make drinks for guests.
If you enjoy festive drinks, you might also like my Christmas Mulled Wine, Christmas Eggnog Cocktail, and Christmas Cranberry Moscow Mule.
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients
- 1½ ounces dark rum
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- ¾ cup hot water
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a heat-safe mug, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add the dark rum and hot water.
- Stir until the butter and sugar are dissolved and the drink is well combined.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Making Hot Buttered Rum
Use softened butter. Softened butter blends more easily with the sugar and spices, helping create a smooth, flavorful drink.
Adjust the sweetness. Start with one tablespoon of brown sugar and add more if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
Try different spices. A pinch of allspice or ginger can add another layer of warm holiday flavor.
Make a batch ahead. Mix the butter, brown sugar, and spices together and refrigerate in a covered container. When you’re ready to serve, add a spoonful of the mixture to a mug with rum and hot water.
Serve immediately. Hot buttered rum is best enjoyed fresh while it’s warm and aromatic.
More Christmas Cocktail Recipes
Add a few more festive drinks to your holiday menu:
- The Ultimate 6 Christmas Cocktails for the Holidays
- Christmas Cranberry Mojito
- Christmas Poinsettia Cocktail with Champagne
- Easy Jack Frost Cocktail
This hot buttered rum is a simple, warming cocktail to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Make a mug for a quiet winter evening or serve it to guests after a Christmas dinner.
Follow my cocktail recipes board on Pinterest.
