Entertaining A hot drink to spice up the holidays: hot buttered rum By Ann Vanderhoof Published: December 22, 2016 Updated: April 21, 2025 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Hot Buttered Rum Batter On a sub-zero day when an icy cocktail just doesn’t cut it, turn to an old-fashioned drink that still has legs: hot buttered rum. Though the drink dates to the 17th century, trendsetting bars are including it among their cold-weather craft cocktails. Our cottage-easy recipe starts with a spiced “butter batter” that you can make ahead and keep on hand all winter. It’s a delicious treat to serve up at an outdoor winter party. For holiday gift-giving, pair it with a bottle of dark rum, and add a card with the serving directions. No ratings yet Print Recipe Pin Recipe Servings 16 drinks Ingredients 1x2x3x1 lb butter, room temperature2 cups lightly packed dark brown sugar2 tsp vanilla1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp nutmeg1 tsp allspicea pinch of sea salt Instructions In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat together with an electric mixer until creamy. NotesTIP: Batter will keep in a covered container in the fridge for at least two weeks or in the freezer for longer. When ready to serve For each drink, bring a generous 2 tbsp of batter to room temperature. Place in a warm 10 oz mug with 11⁄2–2 oz of good-quality dark rum. Top with boiling water and stir vigorously. Serve steaming hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange peel. Variation Switch up the flavours by trying this simple twist! To make a Buttered rum apple cider: replace 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 of the water with hot apple cider. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! 7 more hot drink to warm you up this winter Related Story How to throw an outdoor party in the winter Related Story Cheers to the holidays with these cocktails, mocktails, and more Sign up for our newsletters By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time. Dockside Weekly The latest cottage-country news, trending stories, and how-to advice Dockside DIY Bi-weekly Fix-it info, project ideas, and maintenance tips from our DIY experts The Great Outdoors Monthly Nature and environment news and inspiration for people who love to get outside The Key Weekly Need-to-know info about buying, selling, and renting cottage real estate Family Matters Five-part series Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer, Peter Lillico