Who needs a fireplace when you have a mug of something warm, rich, sweet and boozy? This rum-based cocktail from Vanmag’s 2022 Bartender of the Year, Jeff Savage of Botanist, brings the holiday spirit with winter spice and seasonal citrus—and it’s a merry alternative to the classic mulled wine or rum-soaked eggnog. Don’t be frightened by the addition of butter: it dates back to the 1600s and it’s the secret weapon for making the coziest cocktail of the season.
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Hot Buttered Rum
Serves 1
45 ml spiced rum 100 ml hot water (plus more for heating mug)
30 g spiced buttered sugar (recipe follows)
1 orange peel
1 dehydrated lemon wheel (optional)
Cinnamon stick
Method
- Pre-heat a coffee mug with hot water.
- Discard the water, then build the rum, 100 ml hot water and buttered sugar into the mug.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink.
- Stir with cinnamon stick, then top with dehydrated lemon wheel. Drink up.
Spiced Buttered Sugar
200 g butter
400 g demerara sugar
Pinch nutmeg
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch clove
Method
- Bring butter to room temperature.
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, then cover and refrigerate.
- Makes enough for around 20 cocktails.
