Experience the enchantment of Harry Potter Frozen Butterbeer! Delight in the wizarding world’s most beloved treat, now in a frozen form. Immerse yourself in the creamy, butterscotch magic, as you savor every icy sip. Quench your thirst for adventure with this spellbinding concoction that captures the essence of J.K. Rowling’s universe.
Universal Studios Frozen Butterbeer Recipe
Frozen Butterbeer at Universal Studios is a delightful and magical treat that brings the wizarding world of Harry Potter to life. This refreshing beverage is a frozen take on the iconic Butterbeer, featuring a creamy and velvety butterscotch flavor, perfectly blended with a frosty chill.
It’s the ultimate way to cool down and experience a taste of the enchanting universe created by J.K. Rowling. With this recipe, you don’t even need to leave your kitchen to make the most magical cold butterbeer recipe.
Ingredients Needed
- Butter – I lean towards utilizing real butter in this recipe to enhance it with its rich flavor and creamy texture; however, you also have the option of using butter extract.
- Rum Extract – Frozen butterbeer is a non-alcoholic beverage known for its delectably rich and sweet taste. The addition of rum extract provides a subtle yet tantalizing note of flavor, reminiscent of the delightful nuances often associated with alcoholic beverages.
- Heavy Cream – I prefer to employ heavy cream, both in the brown sugar mixture detailed below and for creating a luscious whipped topping with a creamy texture. Alternatively, you have the option to use either Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream.
- Cream Soda Ice Cubes – Similar to Coffee Ice Cubes you’ll need to pour half of the cream soda into an ice cube tray and freeze it before preparing this recipe.
How to Make Frozen Butterbeer
- Make cream soda ice cubes. Before getting started on the recipe you’ll need to freeze 2 bottles or 24 ounces of cream soda to make cream soda ice cubes.
- Melt the brown sugar. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, blend together the brown sugar and water. If you have one, attach a candy thermometer to the side (optional) and continue to stir the mixture as it comes to a boil. Once it reaches 240º F or reaches a vigorous rolling boil, typically taking about 5 minutes, lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Add the final brown sugar mix ingredients. Incorporate the butter, salt, and cider vinegar into the melted brown sugar mixture. Continue to stir until the butter is entirely melted, and all the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Remove the mixture from the heat source and gently fold in the rum extract. Allow the mixture to cool down entirely.
- Blend the cream soda. Place 1 tray of cream soda ice cubes into a blender along with 12 ounces of cream soda. Blend until it’s thick and frothy.
- Arrange. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons (or adjust to your preference) of the brown sugar base mixture into the bottom of each glass. Next, pour in cream soda, filling the glass to approximately 3/4 full, and then stir the contents together.
- Make the whipped topping. Using an electric mixer or a handheld mixer and a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the heavy cream until it thickens and begins to form soft peaks.
- Garnish. Spoon the whipped topping onto each glass.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- If the mixture is too thin. Add more cream soda ice cubes to the blender and blend until you reach the thickness you want. This is why I only add 12 ounces of cream soda to the blender to start. You can always add more if it’s too thick.
- Chill Your Glasses. For an extra frosty experience, chill your serving glasses in the freezer before pouring in the Frozen Butterbeer. This will help keep the drink cold and refreshing.
- Prepare Ahead: You can make the brown sugar base ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to blend up your Frozen Butterbeer. You will need to slightly warm the mixture so it reverts back to a liquid state.
- Non-Dairy Options: If you prefer non-dairy options, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. You can also use Vegan Whipped Cream. It may alter the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious.
- Want to try it hot? Make this Hot Butterbeer Recipe for a comforting and magical treat.
Serving Suggestions
Frozen Butterbeer is a delightful and refreshing treat that can be served on various occasions and in different settings. Here are some suggestions for when to serve it.
- Harry Potter Movie Marathons: Host a Harry Potter movie marathon night with friends or family and serve Frozen Butterbeer as a special treat.
- Wizarding World Themed Parties: This drink is a perfect addition to any Harry Potter-themed party, whether it’s a birthday celebration, Halloween party, or just a gathering of fellow Potterheads. Add a Harry Potter Birthday Cake or Pumpkin Pasties for added treats.
- Wizarding World Celebrations: Commemorate significant dates in the Harry Potter series, such as Harry’s birthday on July 31st or Back to Hogwarts on September 1st. You’ll definitely need a Happee Birthdae Harry Cake for this event.
- Harry Potter Book Club Meetings: For book club meetings discussing the Harry Potter series, serve Frozen Butterbeer to enhance the thematic experience.
FAQS
The primary difference between regular and frozen Butterbeer lies in their texture and temperature. Regular Butterbeer has a creamy, frothy texture, akin to a cream soda float, served at a cool but not icy temperature. In contrast, Frozen Butterbeer is served in a slushy or smoothie-like form, with a much colder, ice-cold temperature, making it ideal for hot days. While both share the iconic butterscotch flavor, the texture and presentation distinguish them, offering unique experiences to enjoy in the Wizarding World.
Frozen Butterbeer is indeed available at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios theme parks. However, please note that offerings at theme parks can change over time, so I recommend checking the latest menu and availability on the official Universal Studios website or contacting the park directly.
Frozen Butterbeer is primarily served as a specialty beverage at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios theme parks, however, this recipe makes it easy to prepare at home.
More Harry Potter Recipes
Frozen Butterbeer Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Electric Mixer or handheld mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Rum Extract
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 liters Cream Soda or 4 12-ounce bottles
Instructions
- Make cream soda ice cubes. Before getting started on the recipe you'll need to freeze 2 bottles or 24 ounces of cream soda to make cream soda ice cubes.
- Melt the brown sugar. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, blend together the brown sugar and water. If you have one, attach a candy thermometer to the side (optional) and continue to stir the mixture as it comes to a boil. Once it reaches 240º F or reaches a vigorous rolling boil, typically taking about 5 minutes, lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Add the final brown sugar mix ingredients. Incorporate the butter, salt, and cider vinegar into the melted brown sugar mixture. Continue to stir until the butter is entirely melted, and all the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Remove the mixture from the heat source and gently fold in the rum extract. Allow the mixture to cool down entirely.
- Blend the cream soda. Place 1 tray of cream soda ice cubes into a blender along with 12 ounces of cream soda. Blend until it's thick and frothy.
- Arrange. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons (or adjust to your preference) of the brown sugar base mixture into the bottom of each glass. Next, pour in cream soda, filling the glass to approximately 3/4 full, and then stir the contents together.
- Make the whipped topping. Using an electric mixer or a handheld mixer and a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the heavy cream until it thickens and begins to form soft peaks.
- Garnish. Spoon the whipped topping onto each glass.
Notes
- If the mixture is too thin. Add more cream soda ice cubes to the blender and blend until you reach the thickness you want. This is why I only add 12 ounces of cream soda to the blender to start. You can always add more if it’s too thick.
- Chill Your Glasses. For an extra frosty experience, chill your serving glasses in the freezer before pouring in the Frozen Butterbeer. This will help keep the drink cold and refreshing.
- Prepare Ahead: You can make the brown sugar base ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to blend up your Frozen Butterbeer. You will need to slightly warm the mixture so it reverts back to a liquid state.
- Non-Dairy Options: If you prefer non-dairy options, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. You can also use Vegan Whipped Cream. It may alter the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious.