Hot Buttered Rum is a delightful holiday cocktail made with sweetened butter, hot frothed milk, warm spices, and a splash of spirits (adults only) or rum extract (for all ages). This post is sponsored by Milk Means More and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. All opinions are my own.
John Steinbeck was on to something when he asked, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” (John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley: In Search of America.) While I’m typically not a huge fan of Steinbeck’s work–specifically the “Timshel!” ending in East of Eden–I can’t argue that the warmth of summer does indeed feel like a grand blessing after months of wintry snow.
The view from the porch as I sit and type this post.
Today begins the days of near continuous snow fall here in northern Michigan. We can usually count on at least an inch or two of lake effect snow per day during this time of year, with an extra helping of heavy flurries sprinkled throughout the winter. We’re expected to see up to a foot of snow today! Like an actual 12-inches of snow, not the exaggerated snowpocalyptic predictions on the news.
Needless to say, the Sons are beyond excited for the first Big Snow of the year. Son #1 has already adjusted his snowboard bindings and checked his gear. Sons #2, #3, and #4 have lined their skis against the wall in the garage next to my truck, lest I forget to take them in for a preseason edge and waxing. I think that they’re ready for snow days!
As for me, my recent foot surgery delays my return to the slopes for awhile. Although, I’m not entirely banned from skiing this winter. Provided that I can still fit that swollen foot into my ski boots in a few weeks, of course! If not, I’ll sit by a warm fire in the ski lodge while the boys are out “shredding” the hills.
Things could definitely be worse. 😉
No wintry warm up is complete without a soothing, hot beverage to help chase the chill away. We are habitual in our cravings for a hot, tasty beverage upon coming in from the cold. It’s difficult stocking the pantry with enough Mayan Hot Cocoa Mix to keep up with our hot chocolate consumption. I’m not kidding. My boys will go out in the snow 57 times per day, and they want a mug of hot cocoa every time they come in. That’s a whole lot of hot chocolate!
With that kind of volume, I like to change up the variety with the occasional Vanilla Steamer or Skinny Peppermint Mocha Latte, just to keep them on their toes. Besides, it’s nice to sip on something that’s different from the standard fare but every bit as delicious.
Hot Buttered Rum is a delightful change from ordinary hot beverages with it’s sweetened butter, hot frothed milk, warm spices, and a splash of spirits (or rum extract) to chase away the chill. I usually make Hot Buttered Rum with alcohol-free rum extract for a safe mock-tail for the kiddos. The alcohol-free version of Hot Buttered Rum is like sipping on an extra creamy butterscotch candy. The “leaded” version of Hot Buttered Rum is every bit as decadent, but with a warm bite from the spirits.
Either version of the drink is perfect for holiday entertaining. Just imagine the comfort of coming in from the cold and wrapping your hands around all of that buttery, sweet, and frothy charm found in a mug of Hot Buttered Rum. Adding a cinnamon stick for stirring gives Hot Buttered Rum a extra helping of charm on a cold winter’s day. So while the warmth of summer is nice, I’ll gladly bask in brisk snow days for awhile with a steamy mug of Hot Buttered Rum.
P.S. I adore these sweet blue Coleman 12 oz. Enamel Mug
Warm up from the inside out with Hot Buttered Rum!
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Kirsten Kubert
Yields 4 Servings
Hot Buttered Rum is a delightful holiday cocktail made with sweetened butter, hot frothed milk, warm spices, and a splash of spirits (adults only) or rum extract (for all ages).
15 minPrep Time
5 minCook Time
20 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- For the Beverage—
- ¼ C. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ C. packed light brown sugar
- 4 C. 2% milk
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 4 Tbs. rum, divided, to taste (adults only)
- -OR-
- 1 tsp. alcohol free rum extract, divided, to taste (non-alcoholic version)
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- Optional Garnishes for Serving—
- 4 Tbs. freshly whipped cream (sweetened)
- Additional nutmeg for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir the brown sugar into the softened butter to combine. Scoop the sweetened butter into tablespoon sized balls, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet. Freeze the butter for 5 minutes while heating the remainder of the beverages.
- Whisk the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the milk. Warm the spiced milk in a small sauce pan set over medium heat until it begins to simmer and froth around the edges, stopping just short of boiling. Divide the hot milk between four mugs.
- Remove the sweetened butter from the freezer, and then place one ball into each mug of hot spiced milk. Pour either rum or alcohol free rum extract into each mug. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring.
- Optionally, add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg to the beverages prior to serving for a pretty presentation. Serve hot.
Notes
Hot Buttered Rum can be made as a hot cocktail with alcohol, or with an alcohol free rum extract for a non-alcoholic version for all ages to enjoy.
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