Hot buttered rum is among a family of spiced drinks popular during the holiday season. The drink is made with butter, rum, sugar, and spices, and diluted with hot water which warms it. After a day in brisk winter weather, a hot buttered rum can be a pleasant way to warm up and relax. Usually, hot buttered rum is served in thick ceramic mugs which will retain the heat without cracking. The drink tends to be sweet, with a strong kick from the rum that makes it quite delicious.

Like many hot alcoholic drinks, hot buttered rum has its origins in Europe. Spiced drinks made with various alcohols have been around for thousands of years. Hot buttered rum probably entered the scene in the 1700s, when the potent liquor began to be imported from the Jamaican colonies. When water supplies were potentially dangerous, people often consumed a great deal of alcohol, and came up with creative ways to prepare and serve it. In the winter, warming drinks were vital in poorly insulated, cold buildings.

The base for hot buttered rum is sometimes called a batter, and can be made up to one month ahead of time. The batter can be frozen and scooped out as needed. To make a batter for classic hot buttered rum, mix one stick unsalted butter with two cups light brown sugar, one teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves. Blend the ingredients well and keep them until they are ready for use.

To make hot buttered rum, put two tablespoons of the mixture into a mug and pour approximately three ounces of rum over them. Add boiling water and stir until all the ingredients have blended. You can serve the hot buttered rum plain, or you can add whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or another holiday garnish. Hot buttered rum should be served immediately, as the ingredients will begin to separate as it cools.

Hot buttered rum can be served with cocktails year round, although traditionally it is served with Christmas drinks such as egg nog, mulled wine, and spiced ciders. Like other heated alcoholic Christmas drinks, hot buttered rum still contains alcohol and intake should be moderated. If you are serving hot buttered rum at a party, make sure to have nonalcoholic options available for young guests and drivers, so that they do not feel left out of the holiday celebrations.