Name: Hot Buttered Rum
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, (at room temperature); 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; 12 ounces dark rum; 4½ cups boiling hot water; freshly grated nutmeg, (for garnish); 6 whole cinnamon sticks, (for garnish)

A warm mug of Hot Buttered Rum is exactly the kind of cozy cocktail you want in your hands when the weather turns cold and the evenings get long. This classic winter drink blends dark rum with a swirl of spiced butter, hot water, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for the perfect balance of sweet, buttery spice. As the butter melts and floats across the top, it creates a creamy layer that makes every sip feel like a treat.

This recipe uses a homemade spiced butter—made with brown sugar, warm spices and vanilla—so you’ll get deeper flavor than anything you’d buy pre-made. It’s simple, it’s festive, and it’s the perfect drink to serve for holiday gatherings, après-ski nights, or any evening that needs a warm-up. It pairs perfectly with Christmas cookies. And it’s as delicious as spiked eggnog!

hot buttered rum in a mug with a cinnamon stick garnish

Why You’ll Love This Hot Buttered Rum

It’s hands-down one of the easiest warm cocktails you can make.
The spiced butter is amazing. It melts into the hot rum and water and creates a velvety top layer.
It’s perfect for holiday parties. You can prep the butter ahead and make drinks as guests arrive.
It’s customizable. Adjust sweetness, spice, and rum strength to your liking.
And It looks beautiful too! A cinnamon stick and a dusting of nutmeg give it effortless holiday charm.

ingredients displayed for making hot buttered rum

Ingredients Needed:

For the Spiced Butter

Unsalted butter – soft enough to blend easily
Brown sugar – for a deep caramel flavor
Warm spices: allspice, cinnamon, cloves
Vanilla extract – rounds everything out

For the Cocktails

Dark rum – choose a good-quality bottle you enjoy sipping
Boiling water
Nutmeg + cinnamon sticks – classic warm drink garnishes that add aroma and flavor

three photos showing making hot buttered rum

How to Make Hot Buttered Rum

Make the Spiced Butter: Mix softened butter with brown sugar, vanilla, and spices until smooth. This butter base can be used immediately or made ahead of time.
Build Your Drinks: Add dark rum and a spoonful of the spiced butter to each mug. Pour in hot water and stir until the butter melts and forms a creamy top.
Garnish: Finish with freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick for stirring.

That’s it. In 10 minutes, you have a warm, comforting winter cocktail ready to sip.

two mugs of hot buttered rum with cinnamon stick garnish on top

Recipe Tips

Use dark rum. Its caramel and molasses notes work beautifully with the spiced butter.
Heat the mugs first. A quick rinse with very hot water keeps the cocktail warm longer.
Don’t skimp on the nutmeg. Freshly grated nutmeg elevates the drink.
Make the spiced butter ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to two months—perfect for quick entertaining.
Roll the spiced butter in parchment like a compound butter for easy slicing
Stir as you sip. The butter floats on top and slowly emulsifies into the drink.

Variations

Add a Maple Twist: Add ½ teaspoon maple syrup to each mug.
Make it Spiced Orange: Add a strip of orange peel to the mug before pouring in the hot water.
Try a Gingerbread Version: Add a tiny pinch of ginger and cardamom to the spiced butter.
Make it Bourbon Buttered: Swap dark rum for bourbon for a slightly smokier drink.