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If you love the cozy aroma and warmth of our mulled wine, this classic Hot Buttered Rum is your next obsession. I’m talking about pure, velvety, nostalgic winter perfection.

But the secret is that you shouldn’t be making this from scratch every time you want a mug! The true wow factor of this recipe is the Make-Ahead Magic. We’re creating a luscious, perfectly spiced batter that you can whip up now and freeze for instant cozy all season long.

This is the ultimate no-stress, low-effort hack for the holidays. The butter is infused with rich brown sugar, vanilla, and plenty of warming spices—the ultimate flavor infusion. When you drop a frozen pat into a mug and add hot water and rum, you get a showstopper drink that tastes like it took an hour, but took you 30 seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Make-Ahead Magic: The batter keeps for months in the freezer! Just pre-slice it into single-serving pats and drop a frozen pat right into your mug—no need to thaw.
Pure Nostalgia, No Stress: This recipe dates back to the colonial era! It’s the definition of a classic winter warmer, and our recipe keeps the process simple.
Customizable Wow Factor: Once the batter is made, you can mix it with dark rum, bourbon, or even hot apple cider for a non-alcoholic treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, ensure your butter is softened. This is essential for getting that smooth, light, velvety texture when you whip it. In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This is our “creaming” technique that makes the batter melt perfectly in your mug.

Next, add the sugars. Slowly beat in the brown sugar and powdered sugar until they are fully combined and the mixture is fluffy. The powdered sugar is the simple trick that gives the batter a final, professional, smooth texture.

Now for the flavor infusion. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, allspice, and freshly grated nutmeg (trust me, it’s worth the tiny bit of effort for the amazing flavor!). Finish with a half teaspoon of salt—this is the secret to balancing all that rich sweetness. Mix until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the luscious batter.

Finally, the make-ahead magic. Scrape the batter onto a sheet of parchment paper. Roll the batter into a firm log, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly and chill it in the fridge until it’s solid. This is your no-stress freezer prep!

Serving the Drink (Per Serving)

When you’re ready for instant cozy, grab a mug!

Slice the chilled log into 1.5-inch thick “pats” (about 2 tablespoons each).
Place one pat of the spiced butter batter into your mug.
Add 2 ounces of Dark or Aged Rum.
Pour 4–6 ounces of boiling water over the top.
Stir vigorously until the batter is completely melted and dissolved. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a grating of fresh nutmeg.

Ava’s Notes

Fresh Nutmeg is the Wow Factor: Don’t skimp on this! Pre-ground nutmeg loses its vibrant, aromatic flavor fast. Grating a fresh nutmeg seed makes a world of difference—it’s the simple trick that makes this taste truly next-level.
The Make-Ahead Pro Tip: For the ultimate no-stress approach, slice the chilled log into individual pats before freezing. Store the pats in a freezer-safe bag. They can be dropped directly into the mug—no need to thaw!
Swapping Spirits: The batter is also incredibly delicious with bourbon (for a smokier profile) or brandy (for an elegant, fruit-forward warmth).
Non-Alcoholic Version: Simply swap the rum for hot milk or hot apple cider! You can add a splash of vanilla syrup for extra flavor depth.

Tools You’ll Need

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: This is essential for getting the butter light and fluffy—no hand-mixing here!
Large Mixing Bowl: For the creaming process.
Nutmeg Grater: Optional, but highly recommended for that amazing, fresh nutmeg flavor.
Parchment Paper: For rolling and shaping the log.