Old-Fashioned Hot Buttered Rum

Old-Fashioned Hot Buttered Rum is a decadent winter classic made with dark rum, a spiced butter mixture, and hot water. Often served around the holidays or après-ski, this drink delivers layers of molasses-like sweetness, warm spice, and creamy richness. The base “batter” is made from brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla, making it a dessert-like indulgence that soothes and delights. Top with a cinnamon stick and serve piping hot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 5

Servings: 8

Course: beverage, Hot cocktail

Cuisine: American, colonial inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 quarts hot water
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup butter
1 pinch salt
6 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
2 cups rum
1 cup sweetened whipped cream
ground nutmeg to taste

Equipment

Mug or heatproof glass
Small saucepan
Spoon (for stirring)
Measuring spoons/cups
Optional: electric frother or blender for whipped butter mix

Method

Combine hot water, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a 5-quart slow cooker; add cloves and cinnamon sticks.
Cover slow cooker. Cook on Low for 5 hours. Stir in rum.
Ladle buttered rum into mugs. Top with whipped cream; sprinkle with nutmeg.

Notes

Cozy, rich, and deeply comforting, this warm cocktail wraps you up like a fireside blanket with a sweet-spiced kick.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Old-Fashioned Hot Buttered Rum