Oh — why did I wait so long to make hot buttered bourbon?
I’d had this on my list for three years. Time slipped by with seasons, babies and other ideas, and I never got to it — until now. I regret the delay. This drink is everything.
This is the winter cocktail: cozy, warming and perfect for sitting by the fire on New Year’s Eve. Honestly, it might even beat a glass of champagne — and I love champagne.
The clever part is making a sweet, spiced butter ahead of time. You can prepare the batter in advance, store it in the fridge, and have it ready whenever you want a bourbon drink. It keeps well and makes serving effortless.
You can prep the butter, chill it, and pull it out when you need a quick, comforting drink.
About the butter
It’s basically frosting. Brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and warming spices — think spiced brown sugar buttercream. The texture and flavor are decadent, and yes, you can absolutely taste it with a spoon while you’re making it.
We whisk this butter into bourbon. While some recipes use rum, bourbon is my preference — it adds depth and warmth that I love.
To make the drink, add 1–2 shots of bourbon to a mug, stir in a spoonful or two of the buttered mix, then top with hot boiling water and whisk until smooth. The result is silky, spiced and incredibly comforting — the butter melts into the drink and creates a rich, satisfying texture.
Top it with whipped cream for an extra touch. I prefer lightly whipped, unsweetened cream — it balances the sweetness and melts into the drink for an indulgent finish.
What a wonderful way to wind down the year.
Hot Buttered Bourbon
Hot Buttered Bourbon
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Ingredients
buttered bourbon batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
to make 1 drink:
- 1 to 2 shots bourbon (I love Bulleit)
- 4 to 5 ounces boiling water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons buttered bourbon mix
- whipped cream for serving
Instructions
-
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, spices and salt. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fully combined. Transfer the buttered mix to an airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately.
-
To make a drink, bring a pot of water to a boil. Place 1–2 shots of bourbon in a mug, add 1–2 tablespoons of the buttered bourbon mix, then fill the mug with boiling water. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Top with whipped cream and serve.
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to follow @howsweeteats on Instagram and tag #howsweeteats. You can also share a photo on the Facebook page. I appreciate you so much!
Decided: this is my grown-up hot cocoa.