Hot Buttered Rum

It has taken me years to figure out that hot buttered rum, what I consider the original hot toddy, at least in my life, does not exist outside of ski resorts.

I should know because if it’s winter time and we’re somewhere, anywhere cold, I ask the bartender if he makes hot buttered rum. After the quizzical reaction I know I’ll have to order something simpler.

Not that hot buttered rum is a challenging toddy to make. It isn’t. There’s even mix that can be purchased, although of course it’s most likely inferior to preparing the drink from scratch.

The drink, served hot, does indeed have rum and butter in it. But then it’s sweetened with brown sugar and spices.

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Following is the hot buttered rum base so you can make a hot toddy to warm your frosty bits, whether you’re in an alpine setting or not! Then all you need is rum.

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Hot Buttered Rum Mix

1 pound brown sugar
1/2 pound unsalted butter
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 heaping teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground

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1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon of vanilla powder, or use vanilla extract

Place all of the ingredients in a microwaveable bowl. Slowly and carefully melt the butter.
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Alternatively, allow the butter to first come to room temperature and add the remaining ingredients.

Mix together well, beating until any lumps disappear.
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The mix can be used immediately, or stored in the refrigerator for future use.

If you are crafty, unlike myself, you can place it in cute jars topped with cute ribbons, and give the mix away to friends along with the hot buttered rum recipe.

Here it is:

2 heaping tablespoons of the above mix
2-3 ounces dark, spicy, or clear rum
Boiling water

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Place the mix and rum in a heatproof glass or cup.

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Add the boiling water and stir well.

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Serve with a cinnamon stick if desired.

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note: This hot buttered rum might look a little muddier than if I’d used clear rum, but I really like Captain Morgan!

By Published On: January 3rd, 201737 Comments on Hot Buttered Rum

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

37 Comments

  1. sallybr January 3, 2017 at 5:55 PM - Reply

    What a great idea for a gift (although I am not at all crafty myself either) – Phil likes hot buttered rum, every once in a while he will make some, but I think he kind of improvises the recipe.

    I need to show him your version!

    perfect indeed for a chilly evening. today for instance. Pretty cold here in KS…

    • chef mimi January 3, 2017 at 8:42 PM - Reply

      This recipe is pretty traditional. You can also use apple cider instead of hot water. Pretty festive and warming!

  2. Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef January 3, 2017 at 6:11 PM - Reply

    I never had a hot buttered rum tardy. It sounds so good, I will make one the next time I’m in the mountains. I love a good had tardy. We have one in northern Germany called Grog. It’s hot water rum and sugar. Prost!

    • chef mimi January 3, 2017 at 8:43 PM - Reply

      This is a bit more flavorful than grog/glog. Not as watery. But still warming and satisfying!

  3. Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef January 3, 2017 at 6:12 PM - Reply

    Oops, I meant hot tardy.

  4. anotherfoodieblogger January 3, 2017 at 7:45 PM - Reply

    I’m not a huge fan of rum, but a buttery hot toddy sounds so good to me right now (as the temps begin to plunge into the single digits)!

    • chef mimi January 3, 2017 at 8:44 PM - Reply

      It’s odd you say that, I’m not either. But cognac or brandy would work perfectly as well. It’s the rare time when I use any brown booze and enjoy it, like bourbon in egg nog. Otherwise? Blech!

      • anotherfoodieblogger January 3, 2017 at 10:43 PM

        I have some brandy on hand, hmmm, might have to try this! Supposed to get down to -8F tomorrow night with 20 mph wind chills. I think that would warm me up just fine!

      • chef mimi January 4, 2017 at 9:15 AM

        Oh my gosh does that sound cold. You definitely need this drink!

  5. ChgoJohn January 3, 2017 at 10:47 PM - Reply

    I tried buttered rum once too many years ago to mention and hated it. I very much doubt it was anything like yours here. I will definitely give yours a try. I’ve tasted the worst. It would be nice to try the best now.

    • chef mimi January 4, 2017 at 7:56 AM - Reply

      Sometimes they’re too watery, and taste like something that’s supposed to cure a sore throat. Hope you enjoy it!

  6. grumpytyke January 4, 2017 at 12:20 AM - Reply

    Now this sounds good but never having been in a ‘ski resort’ I’ve never come across it. We do however always have Captain Morgan in the house as for both my wife and myself it’s a preferred spirit. I’ll be concocting some but a reduced quantity to try.

    • chef mimi January 4, 2017 at 9:14 AM - Reply

      My husband loves Captain Morgan and orange juice! Try a half a batch – but watch out cause this stuff is addictive!

  7. chezlerevefrancais January 4, 2017 at 4:46 AM - Reply

    Never heard of this but it does sound good. We’ve been in a cold snap for a few weeks now so I have the perfect excuse to try. Happy New Year Mimi!

  8. francefougere January 4, 2017 at 7:06 AM - Reply

    This is a very good idea ! :) thank you, dear chef mimi – for a ” mild ” sweeter winter ! amitiés et bises – france :)

    • chef mimi January 4, 2017 at 9:14 AM - Reply

      Thank you! It’s quite delicious and therapeutic!

  9. Jeff the Chef January 4, 2017 at 9:30 AM - Reply

    The only time I’ve had a hot buttered rum is when I’ve made one for myself. I don’t believe in skiing, so I didn’t realize you could get one at a ski resort.

    • chef mimi January 4, 2017 at 9:42 AM - Reply

      When I was 14 we moved to Park City, Utah, which back then was an unknown ski resort area. My mother still lives there – in fact, we were just there visiting over Christmas, and there were all kinds of hot buttered rums and ciders on the menus. None of us ski!

  10. Lisa @ cheergerm January 5, 2017 at 3:02 AM - Reply

    Happy NY Mimi!

  11. Mary January 5, 2017 at 12:57 PM - Reply

    What a great cocktail for winter

    • chef mimi January 7, 2017 at 9:31 AM - Reply

      It really is. It’s also a bit addictive!

  12. Cocoa & Lavender January 6, 2017 at 10:52 AM - Reply

    Sounds perfectly wonderful – and I bet it is even medicinal if you have a cold!

  13. sippitysup January 6, 2017 at 8:29 PM - Reply

    I’m about to die from the worst cold I’ve ever had. Maybe it’s the flu. I don’t know, but this hot boozer is well-timed. I just wish it weren’t virtual. GREG

    • chef mimi January 7, 2017 at 9:30 AM - Reply

      Oh no! I’m so sorry! Well, this can’t hurt!

  14. hotlyspiced January 8, 2017 at 11:47 PM - Reply

    That sounds so good I can almost smell it! It must have an amazing aroma as it’s cooking. I do love how when you’re at the snow you can always get some sort of hot toddy to drink. I’ve never made hot buttered rum and did in fact wonder if there was actually any butter in it! I see there’s plenty xx

    • chef mimi January 9, 2017 at 8:26 AM - Reply

      Yes, there definitely is butter. I guess it could seem a little odd, drinking melted butter, but it works!

  15. A Cookbook Collection January 10, 2017 at 4:56 AM - Reply

    Oh god this sounds delicious! I have never had hot buttered rum but I think I’ll have to remedy this at the weekend. :-)

  16. Frank Fariello January 15, 2017 at 12:22 PM - Reply

    My my, now doesn’t this sound like just the thing to enjoy by a roaring fire… May try this tonight!

  17. Tamar January 21, 2017 at 7:47 AM - Reply

    Look forward to making this the next time I’m having a cozy stay-in night!

  18. Kara's Rum Quest February 16, 2017 at 12:21 AM - Reply

    Oh my gosh, that looks amazing!

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