If you're looking for something delicious to keep you toasty as temperatures drop, look no further than a warm, spicy Butter Bourbon cocktail.
Hot Butter Bourbon is Part of American History
In Colonial America it was not unusual to serve up a hearty butter rum drink for its perceived health benefits. Over the years the drink evolved featuring different spirits such as Rye and my favorite, Bourbon. It is a customary drink to warm up with on chilly fall nights, and has become a holiday favorite.
Hot buttered drinks came back in favor in the mid century era after the 1937 novel Northwest Passage was published, which referenced it several times. It became a staple in the Tiki drink era too -- more of those to come, I promise!
Making this drink requires a little advanced planning as well as some cooking to make a 'batter' that is used for mixing. Once you've made the batter, place it in a covered container and let chill for at least an hour. After that, you'll just scoop out a little with a bar spoon and mix it up!
Butter, Sugar and Spices Fully mixed, warm batter.
Ingredients for a Butter Bourbon
While some of the flavors may change depending on which recipe you try, there are a couple of key ingredients for this drink:
- Unsalted Butter
- Bourbon
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Ground Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Hot Water
You can also add some additional spices such as Anise, but I prefer to keep it simple.
Tips for Success
This recipe requires a bit more time and cooking than most cocktails need, but it's well worth the bit of extra effort.
- Soften the butter to room temperature so it is easier to mix
- Use a spicy Bourbon such as Blanton's for a good balance to the sugar
- Use a mixing glass to combine all of the ingredients together before pouring into sipping cups
Do you prefer Bourbon or Rum in your drink?
Hot Butter Bourbon is the perfect Drink for Cool Fall Nights
Ingredients
The Batter:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar it doesn't have to be exact
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
The Drink:
- 3-4 scoops batter
- 2 ounces Bourbon
- 6-8 ounces hot water
Instructions
To make the batter:
- Place a stick of butter in a mixing bowl
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves and nutmeg
- Use a fork to mix until it forms a smooth batter
- Use a little heat if you like to make the butter easier to work with
- Once the batter is thoroughly mixed, spoon into a covered container and chill
To make the drink:
- Using a bar spoon, scoop out the batter and place into a mixing glass
- Add the bourbon
- Add the hot water and stir
- Pour into small glasses
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