Description
This make-ahead hot buttered rum batter is a cozy, comforting drink mix that you can whip up in minutes and keep in the fridge for weeks. Perfect for cold nights, holiday gatherings, or a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup (240ml) dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 6–8 ounces (180-240ml) hot water, apple cider, or milk (for serving)
- Whipped cream or a cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Soften the butter: Take 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter out of the fridge at least 1-2 hours before starting. It should be soft enough to press a finger into easily, but not melted.
- Mix the dry spices: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice. Whisk together with a fork and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
- Add the spices and salt: Sprinkle the spice mixture and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt over the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on low speed just until combined, about 15 seconds.
- Pour in the rum and extracts: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in 1 cup dark rum. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (if using). Beat until smooth and glossy, about 30 seconds.
- Scrape and stir: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Give the batter a few final stirs by hand to ensure even mixing.
- Transfer to a jar: Spoon the batter into a 16-ounce glass jar or container. Press down gently to remove air pockets, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal tightly.
- Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best): The batter needs time to firm up and for flavors to meld. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
The batter actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the dark rum with 1 cup of strongly brewed chai tea (cooled) or apple cider, and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken. Do not freeze the batter as it will become grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons batter
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
Keywords: hot buttered rum, make-ahead, holiday drink, winter cocktail, rum batter, easy recipe