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Perfect Cozy Hot Buttered Rum for a Crowd (Easy)

hot buttered rum for a crowd - featured image

This make-ahead hot buttered rum batter is the ultimate cold-weather crowd-pleaser. With simple pantry ingredients and a spiced butter base, it turns a chilly evening into a warm, memorable gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Dark or spiced rum (2 oz per serving)
  • Boiling water (6 oz per serving)
  • Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, star anise, or whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until just combined.
  3. Mix in the dry spices: Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Beat on low speed until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust spices if desired.
  4. Transfer to a container: Use a rubber spatula to scrape the batter into an airtight container or jar. Smooth the top.
  5. Chill the batter: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. The batter will firm up and flavors will meld. Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead or frozen for 3 months.
  6. When ready to serve, bring water to a boil: Fill a kettle or pot with fresh water and bring to a rolling boil. Let the batter soften at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
  7. Assemble each serving: For each mug, add 2 heaping tablespoons (about 40g) of chilled batter. Pour in 2 oz (60 ml) of dark or spiced rum. Top with about 6 oz (180 ml) of boiling water. Stir vigorously until the batter is completely dissolved.
  8. Garnish and serve immediately: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for best creaming. Boiling water is essential to fully dissolve the batter. Stir vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify. The batter improves after 24 hours in the fridge. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and full-fat coconut cream. For a non-alcoholic version, omit rum and add extra boiling water or a splash of rum extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot buttered rum, winter cocktail, spiced rum drink, make-ahead cocktail, crowd-pleasing drink, cozy drink, holiday cocktail