What Is Hot Buttered Rum And What Does It Taste Like?

If you've ever wondered whether or not you should try hot buttered rum, you definitely should. Though it sounds both amazing and kinda gross, like most junk foods, that's also what makes it so good. Hot buttered rum is just the cocktail you need to warm up on incredibly cold days thanks to its cozy spices. The richness from the added fat doesn't hurt either. But, if you're not familiar with the drink, then you might be curious about what is in it.

Hot buttered rum is typically made by creaming brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt with an electric mixer in a bowl. To the smooth sugar and butter mixture, you add rum and hot water (via Food Network). Some people choose to use cider instead of water for added flavor (via Spoon University). Next, stir until the mixture dissolves and serve the hot buttered rum in four mugs garnished with cinnamon sticks. It sounds straightforward enough, but this can be a labor-intensive drink.

According to Liquor, it's better to make a butter batter that you keep in the freezer until it's time to pour the drinks. By making a batter with sugar, spices, butter, and a bit of ice cream, the mixture melts and combines with the rum and water a lot better. It even helps you avoid the otherwise off-putting oil slick that can appear on the top of the drink. It's also important to use the right kind of high-quality butter for this cocktail.

If you're still having difficulty picturing how all of these flavors and textures come together, then you should think of it like a mug of apple cider that's spiked with rum. Like spiked apple cider, hot buttered rum has many spices that create a warm and cozy flavor that's perfect for the winter season. The sugar and honey also add a nice depth of flavor along with sweetness (via The Spruce Eats). That's why this is a great beverage with the perfect level of sugar and spice.

The butter also adds a depth of flavor and richness to the overall drink too. Similar to drinking a mug of hot chocolate made with a noticeable amount of heavy whipping cream, good butter adds an almost creamy flavor to the drink. It also can leave that slick buttery texture on your tongue when you drink it, which is actually enjoyable to some. To avoid a lot of slick-feeling butter on top of your drink though, it's important to make sure the butter and sugar mixture is very well dissolved into the rum and water.

So, trying ordering a hot buttered rum or making a batch at home. You just might love the seasonal cocktail.