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Celebrating Hot Buttered Rum

Jan 16, 2026 | Food Blog

Today’s Spotlight is on Hot Buttered Rum.

Hot buttered rum is a mixed drink containing rum, butter, hot water or cider, a sweetener, and various spices. It is especially popular in the fall and winter and is traditionally associated with the holiday season. In the United States, the drink has a lengthy history that dates back to colonial days.

 

History

Hot buttered rum originated in colonial America, but likely originated in Europe. It was originally intended for medicinal purposes. The drink was created in the 1650s when Jamaica began importing molasses to Colonial America. It was based on the Hot Toddy recipe, which was popular in the cold winter climate. Rum was the most popular and widely produced alcohol at the time.

The drink was popularized in the 20th century by Kenneth Roberts’ 1937 novel Northwest Passage. Roberts wrote, “After a man’s had two—three drinks of hot buttered rum, he doesn’t shoot a catamount”. The drink is most often enjoyed in the fall and winter. It’s made with: Rum, Butter, Sugar, Spices, Hot water. It’s served with a lump of butter floating on the surface.

 

Here are some fun facts about hot buttered rum:

  • The drink is often served in a ceramic skull mug.
  • It’s often modified to become Coffee Grog.
  • It’s also known as a Tiki drink.

The drink is made with spices like: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves. It tastes like spiced rum, but with a richness from the butter.

 

Here is a Hot Buttered Rum recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1⁄2 oz dark rum
  • 1 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup brown sugar (for batter)
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves (for batter)
  • ¼ tsp salt (for batter)
  • 2 tbsp refrigerated Hot batter.
  • 4oz Unsalted butter, room temperature (for batter)
  • 6oz boiling water.

 

Instructions:

  1. Mix together the batter ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate until almost firm.
  2. Spoon batter into a hot beverage mug.
  3. Add boiling water and stir well until dissolved.
  4. Add rum and cream (if using) and stir. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
  5. Enjoy!

Served: Hot

Drinkware: Coffee cup

 

 

Celebrating Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is often enjoyed on National Hot Buttered Rum Day, which is January 17.

Let us know in the comments if have ever tried this winter treat.

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