Hot Butterbeer Recipe

Indulge in the magical warmth of Hot Butterbeer – a delectable elixir that will ignite your taste buds and transport you to the enchanting world of wizardry. Served steaming hot, this spellbinding concoction of butterscotch, brown sugar, and cream soda with other flavors brewed in is pure magic.

Hot butterbeer in glass mugs topped with whipped cream.

What is Hot Butterbeer Made of?

Hot Butterbeer is a wonderfully indulgent beverage that captures the essence of cozy wizarding world treats. It’s similar to Harry Potter Butterbeer, which is the authentic version similar to what you’ll sip at Universal. There’s also Frozen Butterbeer for those warmer times of year.

A delightful beverage made by combining brown sugar, butter, rum extract, and cream soda. The brown sugar and butter create a rich, caramelized sweetness, while the rum extract adds a warm and aromatic note. When mixed with cream soda, this concoction becomes a comforting, hot drink that’s reminiscent of the famous wizarding world treat.

Ingredients Needed

Hot butterbeer ingredients.
  • Butter – While I personally opt for real butter when preparing this recipe to indulge in its rich flavor and creamy texture, it’s worth noting that you can alternatively incorporate butter extract as a suitable alternative.
  • Rum Extract – Butterbeer is non-alcoholic, yet it boasts a sumptuously rich and sweet flavor profile. The inclusion of rum extract provides a subtle, tantalizing hint of that distinctive flavor note typically associated with alcoholic beverages.
  • Heavy Cream – I personally prefer to use Heavy Cream, which plays a dual role in this recipe – it’s used in the brown sugar mixture as detailed below, and it’s also whipped to create a luxuriously creamy topping. However, if you prefer alternatives, you can also opt for either Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream to achieve a similar effect.

How to Make Hot Butterbeer

Hot butterbeer step one.
  1. Melt the brown sugar. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and water. Optionally, you can attach a candy thermometer to the side. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring consistently. As soon as it reaches 240º F or achieves a rolling boil (typically around 5 minutes), lower the heat to a simmer.
  2. Make the brown sugar mixture. Incorporate the butter, a pinch of salt, and cider vinegar into the melted brown sugar. Stir diligently until the butter is completely liquefied and all the ingredients blend seamlessly. Remove the mixture from the heat source, and gently mix in the rum extract.
Harry Potter hot butterbeer step 3.
  1. Arrange. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons (or more if desired) of the brown sugar base mixture into the bottom of each glass. 
  2. Heat the cream soda. In a small saucepan heat the cream soda slightly until just warmed. You can also place it in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat it in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Then pour it over the brown sugar mixture and gently stir the two together.
Hot butterbeer process step 5.
  1. Beat the whipped topping. In a medium bowl using a handheld electric mixer beat 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the heavy cream together until it’s thickened and starts to form soft peaks.

FAQS

What is hot butterbeer at Universal?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal offers a beverage called “Hot Butterbeer.” It is a delightful, warm variation of the famous wizarding beverage featured in the Harry Potter series. It’s made with a blend of rich, creamy flavors, including butterscotch and other secret ingredients, and served hot. This beverage is known for its sweet and comforting taste

Is butterbeer hot or cold?

At Universal Studios and in the Harry Potter series, you’ll find both hot and cold versions of this magical drink. Cold Butterbeer is a popular choice, served in a frosty mug with a sweet and creamy butterscotch flavor, similar to cream soda. If you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, there’s also Frozen Butterbeer, which offers the same delightful taste but in a slushy, frozen form. For those seeking a warmer, comforting option, there’s Hot Butterbeer, a non-alcoholic treat with a rich and soothing butterscotch flavor, perfect for sipping during colder months or as a special seasonal indulgence.

Is hot butterbeer good?

The taste of Hot Butterbeer, much like its cold and frozen counterparts, is a matter of personal preference. Many fans of the Harry Potter series and visitors to the Universal Studios theme parks enjoy Hot Butterbeer for its rich, comforting, and butterscotch-like flavor. It’s often described as a warm, sweet, and indulgent beverage, perfect for sipping on a chilly day.

Harry Potter hot butterbeer in a glass mug.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Add milk or cream. Some versions add milk instead of cream soda, however, I recommend using half cream soda and half milk if you’d like to make this version. This was the true flavors are not compromised.
  • Butter Type: Traditionally, Hot Butterbeer is made with real butter for its rich flavor. However, you can use margarine or replace the butter with 2 tablespoons of butter extract.
  • What to serve with hot butterbeer? This magical drink pairs well with various Harry Potter-themed treats, such as Pumpkin Pasties, Butterbeer Cookies, or a Happee Birthdae Harry Cake, for a complete wizarding world experience.
  • Drizzle some butterscotch syrup on top. To add to the overall flavor drizzle some butterscotch syrup on top.
Hot butterbeer in a glass mug.

Hot Butterbeer Recipe

Experience the enchanting embrace of Hot Butterbeer, a truly delightful elixir that will kindle your taste buds and whisk you away to the mesmerizing realm of wizardry. Served piping hot, this captivating blend of butterscotch, brown sugar, and cream soda, infused with a medley of secret flavors, is nothing short of pure enchantment.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: English
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 563kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Candy Thermometer optional
  • Stand Mixer or handheld mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • 6 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Rum Extract
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 12 ounce bottles Cream Soda

Instructions

  • Melt the brown sugar. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and water. Optionally, you can attach a candy thermometer to the side. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring consistently. As soon as it reaches 240º F or achieves a rolling boil (typically around 5 minutes), lower the heat to a simmer.
  • Make the brown sugar mixture. Incorporate the butter, a pinch of salt, and cider vinegar into the melted brown sugar. Stir diligently until the butter is completely liquefied and all the ingredients blend seamlessly. Remove the mixture from the heat source, and gently mix in the rum extract.
  • Arrange. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons (or more if desired) of the brown sugar base mixture into the bottom of each glass. 
  • Heat the cream soda. In a small saucepan heat the cream soda slightly until just warmed. You can also place it in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat it in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Then pour it over the brown sugar mixture and gently stir the two together.
  • Beat the whipped topping. In a medium bowl using a handheld electric mixer beat 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the heavy cream together until it’s thickened and starts to form soft peaks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 458mg | Potassium: 135mg | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 1399IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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About The Author

Aimee

I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by my space here and love to connect with new friends through food. I’ve always felt sharing meals brings people together, which is one of the many reasons I began this site.

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