Making a Rumchata Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail is honestly one of the coziest ways I know to enjoy something sweet and warm at home. This recipe brings together RumChata, spiced rum, good butter, and a handful of pantry spices for a creamy, comforting treat.
I like that I can throw it together in just a few minutes with stuff I usually have on hand. When I want something smooth and comforting on a chilly evening, this is what I reach for.
The flavors stay mild, and the drink isn’t overpowering. It’s honestly a great choice for sharing—friends, family, whoever’s around.
Rumchata Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- A small saucepan is key for melting and mixing the butter, spices, and sugar.
- I grab a heatproof glass or mug to serve, since the drink comes out very hot.
- A whisk helps blend the butter in so the texture turns out smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons make it easier to get the amounts right.
- I usually keep a long spoon handy for one last stir before serving.
- If I’m making a few drinks at once, a ladle works for pouring the hot mixture into each mug.
- A kitchen towel is smart to have nearby for spills—trust me, it happens.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is short, but every one matters for how this turns out. Here’s what I use:
- 2 oz RumChata
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- I start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted, I add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Whisking until the sugar dissolves is important, but I’m careful not to let anything burn. Next, I pour in the hot water slowly, whisking again to get everything mixed up.
- Then I take the pan off the heat and stir in the RumChata and dark rum. Doing this off the heat keeps the alcohol from cooking out—and helps avoid any weird curdling with the RumChata.
- I pour the drink into a heatproof mug. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll garnish with a cinnamon stick or a bit of nutmeg.
- This is definitely best served right away, while it’s still warm and creamy.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
First sip of the Rumchata Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail? Creamy and smooth, every time. The texture is rich, almost silky from the melted butter and RumChata together.
I taste cinnamon, vanilla, and the kind of warm spice you get from the RumChata mixing with the butter and brown sugar. The rum adds a gentle caramel note that just fits.
What stands out to me:
- Sweetness: Moderate, with brown sugar and vanilla hints
- Spice: Definitely there—cinnamon, a bit of nutmeg
- Creaminess: Pretty high, thanks to both butter and liqueur
- Alcohol: Noticeable, but never overwhelming
This drink just feels warming, especially when it’s cold outside. I love that the butter adds a soft, comforting layer, and the RumChata brings in that subtle dairy-like taste.
After each sip, the spices kind of linger on my tongue. The finish is smooth—not too sweet, not harsh, just right.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have RumChata around. That’s when I reach for other creamy liqueurs instead.
If I’m skipping the alcohol, I’ll just mix some half-and-half with a splash of cinnamon syrup. Not quite the same, but it works in a pinch.
Honestly, if rum’s not your thing, bourbon or even spiced whiskey can do the trick too.
About the butter—I’ve tried both salted and unsalted. Either is fine, though salted adds a little extra oomph.
Sometimes I switch up the sweetener. Maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar? Why not. The flavor shifts a bit, but it’s still cozy.
And if dairy’s off the table, almond milk creamer or oat milk creamer steps in nicely. Still creamy, just no milk or cream needed.
