When January winds whip through the trees and the world feels a bit too frosty, there’s nothing quite like settling in with a mug of rich, velvety hot buttered rum. Every year on January 17th, we celebrate National Hot Buttered Rum Day—a holiday dedicated to one of the coziest, most comforting winter beverages ever created.
Warm, spiced, creamy, and gently sweet, hot buttered rum has a history that traces back to colonial America, where rum was abundant and warming drinks were essential. Today, this nostalgic cocktail is beloved for its blend of rich butter batter, aromatic spices, and the gentle heat of rum. It’s the kind of drink that turns cold evenings into warm memories.
And the best part? Making it at home is surprisingly simple—and incredibly delicious.
Let’s celebrate the holiday with a batch of homemade hot buttered rum mix you can scoop and use all winter long.
Hot Buttered Rum
(Makes about 2 cups of batter / Enough for 10–12 servings)
Ingredients:
Hot Buttered Rum Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Each Serving
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 to 3 tablespoons rum, to taste
Directions:
- Cream the butter and sugars.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth—about 5–7 minutes. - Add ice cream and spices.
Mix in the softened vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and creamy. - Freeze the mixture.
Transfer the batter to a covered container and store it in the freezer.
(It will stay scoopable and ready whenever you are.)
To Serve
- Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of the frozen batter into a mug.
- Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over it.
- Add 1–3 tablespoons of rum, depending on how cozy you want your evening to be.
- Stir until melted, inhale the warm spice aroma, and enjoy.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use a dark or spiced rum for richer flavor and deeper winter spice.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks or a light dusting of nutmeg.
- This batter makes a wonderful hostess gift—just pack it in jars and add a ribbon.
- Try swapping vanilla ice cream for butter pecan for an even nuttier twist.
Celebrate National Hot Buttered Rum Day in Comfort
Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace, hosting a winter gathering, or simply looking for a nightcap to warm your soul, hot buttered rum is the perfect companion. With this simple homemade batter, you can celebrate National Hot Buttered Rum Day in true cozy style—today and all season long.
Cheers to warm mugs, spiced sweetness, and winter nights made a little more magical.
Thank you to Taste of Home for the cozy recipe!