Earthy, sweet, and warm, this single-serving Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy way to start or end a cold day. Made right in a large coffee mug, it combines butter, sugar, rum, and a scoop of ice cream for a rich, comforting drink that takes only minutes to prepare.
Hot Buttered Rum Mix
There’s something irresistible about a warm rum drink as the weather grows chilly. This Hot Buttered Rum Mix is quick, no-cook, and perfect when you want a single indulgent serving. All you need is a mug, your favorite dark or spiced rum, a few spices, a pat of butter, and a spoonful of ice cream for a luxuriously creamy topper.
Hot Buttered Rum Mix: Ingredients & Substitutions
Simple pantry ingredients make this drink easy to customize. Below are the essentials and a few substitution ideas.
Ingredients
- Butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar — these form the rich, sweet “buttered” base that will melt into the drink.
- Dark Jamaican rum or spiced rum — use your favorite bottle. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Ground nutmeg — a light sprinkle on top brings warm aroma and flavor.
- Hot coffee or simmering water — to fill the mug and balance the rum.
- Vanilla ice cream and a pinch of cinnamon — the ice cream adds creaminess and body; cinnamon complements the spices.
How to make Hot Buttered Rum Mix
1. Combine the buttered base. In the bottom of a large coffee mug, mix together butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until blended.
2. Add rum and creamy elements. Pour in the rum, add the ice cream and a pinch of cinnamon, then fill the remainder of the mug with hot coffee or simmering water. Stir until the ice cream and butter melt together, creating a creamy topping.
3. Garnish and serve. Finish with a dash of nutmeg and enjoy immediately while hot.
Hot Buttered Rum Mix: FAQs
This is a single-serving recipe—perfect for one mug.
About five minutes from start to finish.
Alcohol level depends on how much hot liquid you add. It’s comparable to many wines when prepared as directed, so serve only to adults.
Yes — simply omit the rum and replace it with more hot coffee or flavored creamer for a kid-friendly version.
No. Try cinnamon, coffee, caramel, or dulce de leche ice cream, or substitute a flavored coffee creamer instead.
Try maple syrup, cloves, a cinnamon stick garnish, allspice, or a drop of vanilla extract. You can also swap rum for whiskey for a different but delicious flavor.
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Nutella Hot Chocolate
- Rum Punch Cocktail
- Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Peppermint Eggnog Punch
- Mulled Wine
1 serving
Hot Buttered Rum Mix
Equipment
- Large coffee mug
- Measuring spoons
- Stirrer or fork
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 ½–2 fl oz dark Jamaican rum or spiced rum
- 2 tablespoons vanilla ice cream
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- ½ cup simmering water or hot coffee
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine the butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar in the bottom of a large coffee mug until well blended.
- Pour in the rum, add the ice cream and cinnamon, then fill the remainder of the mug with simmering water or hot coffee. Stir until the ice cream and butter melt together and form a creamy topping.
- Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg and serve immediately.
Notes
- Try different ice cream flavors like coffee, cinnamon, sea salt caramel, or dulce de leche.
- Flavored refrigerated coffee creamer can replace ice cream for a lighter option—sweet cream, vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut work well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.