• Dark rum
  60 ml (2 oz)

  Choose a rich, flavorful dark rum for best results
• Hot water
  120 ml (4 oz)

  Just off the boil
• Unsalted butter
  1 tbsp

  Softened to mix easily
• Brown sugar
  1 tbsp

  Packed
• Ground cinnamon
  0.25 tsp

  Or to taste
• Ground nutmeg
  0.13 tsp

  Or to taste
• Vanilla extract
  0.25 tsp

  Optional, for extra depth

• Mug or heatproof glass
• Bar spoon
• Measuring jigger
• Small bowl (for mixing the batter)
• Kettle or saucepan (to heat water)

1. 1

   In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract (if using) until you have a smooth, spiced butter batter.

2. 2

   Add the spiced butter mixture to the bottom of a mug or heatproof glass.

3. 3

   Pour in the dark rum (2 oz).

4. 4

   Carefully top with 4 oz of hot water—just off the boil. Stir gently with a bar spoon until the butter and sugar are fully dissolved and incorporated.

5. 5

   Taste and adjust spices or sweetness as desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

• Perfect for warming up on cold nights
• Rich, buttery flavor with a touch of spice
• Easy to customize with your favorite spices or rums
• Invokes a sense of nostalgia and holiday cheer
• Makes a crowd-pleasing, festive treat for gatherings

Hot Buttered Rum traces its roots back to colonial America, where rum was a staple spirit and warming drinks were a necessity during chilly winters. Sailors and settlers alike would fortify their evening with a hot mug of rum, sugar, and butter—often flavored with spices from the trade routes. Over the centuries, it became a cherished holiday tradition, especially in New England and the Pacific Northwest. Today, Hot Buttered Rum remains a symbol of comfort and conviviality during the colder months.