Perfect Christmas Hot Buttered Rum — The Warming Adult Drink

Hot buttered rum is the warming classic Christmas adult drink. Butter base; rum; spices. Cozy and rich.

The classic recipe (single serving)

Butter base (makes 8 servings)

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Per drink

• 2 tablespoons butter base
• 2 oz dark rum
• 6 oz hot water (boiling)
• Garnish: cinnamon stick

Method

1. Mix butter base ingredients (make ahead)
2. Refrigerate (lasts weeks)
3. Per drink: 2 tablespoons base in mug
4. Add 2 oz rum
5. Top with boiling water
6. Stir until butter melts
7. Garnish with cinnamon stick

The make-ahead butter

• 4-6 weeks refrigerated
• Or frozen up to 6 months
• Quick to make drinks anytime

Variations

Spiced rum (more flavor)

• Use Captain Morgan
• Or specific spiced rum

Adult-only Christmas Eve tradition

• Premium rum (Mount Gay; Appleton)
• A specific specific A specific specific specific premium experience

Coffee version

• Replace half hot water with hot coffee
• Coffee + rum combo

Cross-references

For perfect mulled wine — adjacent.

For perfect Christmas mulled cider — adjacent.

For perfect hot toddy — adjacent.

For Christmas cocktails — broader.

Perfect Christmas hot buttered rum is the warming adult tradition. Butter base. Premium rum. Spiced. The Christmas Eve drink to share with adults.