Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Recipe 101: Handy Tips For Beginners
Introduction
Among the many classic winter cocktails, hot buttered rum stands out as a seasonal favourite for combining creamy sweetness into a smooth, aged rum. Made from a blend of rum, butter, sweetener, spices and hot water, this cocktail offers a spicy yet sweet flavour profile.
Spices, such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, also add a sweet-spicy aroma to the drink. While the ingredients and steps may seem simple, their quality remains of utmost priority for creating a great drink.
Key Ingredients For Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail
This recipe serves 5 people.
- Dark Rum (225 ml) - Dark rum offers a richer, more complex flavour profile compared to its lighter counterparts. It is ideal to opt for a dark rum that is not overly sweet or spiced to really let the spiced batter top the liquor’s underlying notes.
- Butter (8 tablespoons or 1 stick) - Butter provides a creamy mouthfeel and adds a rich dimension to rum cocktails. Unsalted butter is preferred for its smooth texture and the ability to keep track of the drink’s salt content.
- Brown Sugar (150 gm) - While you can choose a sweetener of your choice, like stevia or honey, brown sugar contributes a smoky, molasses-like flavour that greatly complements the depth of dark rum. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on taste and preference.
- Hot Water (460 ml) - To combine all the elements of a hot buttered rum cocktail, hot water is added to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar. This automatically creates a smooth, drinkable base.
- Spices - A combination of cinnamon (1 tsp), nutmeg (1 tsp), cloves (¼ tsp) and kosher salt (¼ tsp) are the classic spices used to season the drink. They can be grounded or added whole for more robust notes of spice. Adding 1 tsp of vanilla essence only further tops the complex flavour profile and fragrant aroma.
- Garnishes - There are diverse options for garnishing a buttered rum cocktail, ranging simple from cinnamon sticks and whipped cream to fancy sprigs of mint and smoked cloves. For this basic hot buttered rum recipe, 5 cinnamon sticks and a bowl of whipped cream is enough.
Instructions For Making Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail
- Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature until softened.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cloves, and kosher salt to the butter. Mix thoroughly or beat with an electric mixer on top speed until smooth and fluffy for a few minutes.
- Boil the water in a medium saucepan. Let it cool slightly, so it isn’t actively bubbling, for 30 seconds to a minute before pouring the water into the butter mixture.
- Add dark rum to it and beat the mixture on medium speed until the butter is dissolved and the mixture is frothy.
- Divide the concoction between 5 mugs. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick and a dollop of whipped cream (if you like it).
Tips for Beginners
Making Hot Buttered Rum may seem simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure your mixology moves are on point.
Choose The Right Rum – Dark rum is a must, but make sure it’s a quality bottle. Cheap rum may overpower the drink’s delicate balance of flavors.
Balance The Sweetness – Hot Buttered Rum is a lavish drink in terms of taste, but you don’t want it to be overwhelmingly sweet. Start with a smaller amount of brown sugar and taste as you go.
Use Freshly Ground Or Whole Spices – Whole and freshly ground spices will offer a more flavoursome and aromatic touch to your drink compared to pre-ground versions.
Make A Butter Mix Ahead Of Time – You can prepare the butter and sugar mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a week in advance. This makes it much easier and quicker for hosts to prepare the drinks when guests arrive.
Don’t Overheat The Drink – While you want the drink to be hot, avoid boiling it or adding boiling hot water to it. Boiling water can cause the butter to break down and alter the smooth texture of the drink.
Opt For An Electric Mixer — You can always churn your drinks yourself. However, whipping the butter mixture thoroughly into the drink takes considerable effort and time. Both of which can be saved by using an electric mixer.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
