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    Home » Classic Cocktails » Hot Butter Bourbon is the Perfect Drink for Cool Fall Nights

    Published: Nov 20, 2020 · Modified: Feb 26, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Hot Butter Bourbon is the Perfect Drink for Cool Fall Nights

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you're looking for something delicious to keep you toasty as temperatures drop, look no further than a warm, spicy Butter Bourbon cocktail.

    Butter Bourbon cocktail served in clear glass cups.
    A nice rich Bourbon cocktail served warm is just the ticket for cool autumn nights.

    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
    • These photos show the ingredients need to make the 'batter' for the drink.
      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?

    Butter Bourbon cocktail served in clear glass cups.

    Hot Butter Bourbon is the perfect Drink for Cool Fall Nights

    Kevin Mayfield
    Warm, smooth Butter Bourbon is perfect to sip on cold fall nights.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 Small Mugs
    Calories 71 kcal

    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

    Notes

    Feel free to use other spirits such as Rye or Rum
    Remember to bring the butter to room temperature first
    The batter will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 weeks--if it lasts that long!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Fall Drinks, Hot Bourbon, Hot Butter, hot cocktails, hot toddy, madmen cocktails, mid century cocktails, Winter Cocktails
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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