Cozy Night In: Hot Buttered Rum Recipe (Single Serving)
As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, comforting drink. And when it comes to cozy winter beverages, hot buttered rum reigns supreme. This isn’t your average cocktail; it’s a hug in a mug, a delicious blend of spices, butter, sugar, and of course, rum, that will warm you from the inside out.
This recipe is specially designed for a single serving, perfect for those evenings when you want to treat yourself without making a whole batch. No need to share (unless you really want to!), and no leftover batter taking up precious fridge space. Just pure, unadulterated hot buttered rum goodness.
## Why This Single Serving Hot Buttered Rum Recipe Works
* **Perfectly Portioned:** No more measuring out large batches or wondering what to do with leftover batter. This recipe is tailored for one, making it easy to whip up a cozy drink whenever the mood strikes.
* **Customizable:** While this recipe provides a solid foundation, feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness to your liking. Want a little extra cinnamon? Go for it! Prefer a hint of nutmeg? Add a pinch!
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this hot buttered rum comes together in under 10 minutes. It’s the perfect drink for those moments when you need a little relaxation but don’t have a lot of time.
* **Incredibly Delicious:** The combination of warm spices, rich butter, and smooth rum creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. It’s the perfect drink to sip on while reading a book, watching a movie, or simply enjoying the quiet of a winter evening.
## Ingredients for Your Single Serving Hot Buttered Rum
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
* **1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened:** The butter provides richness and helps create that signature creamy texture.
* **1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed:** Brown sugar adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness that complements the spices perfectly. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
* **1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Cinnamon is a classic spice that adds warmth and a touch of sweetness.
* **1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg:** Nutmeg provides a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the drink.
* **Pinch of ground cloves:** Cloves add a warm, slightly spicy note that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
* **Pinch of ground ginger:** Ginger adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that brightens up the flavor profile.
* **1 ounce (2 tablespoons) dark rum:** Dark rum provides a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the spices and butter. You can also use spiced rum for an extra layer of flavor.
* **6 ounces (3/4 cup) boiling water:** The hot water helps melt the butter and sugar, creating a smooth and creamy base for the drink.
* **Optional garnishes:** A cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pat of butter for extra indulgence.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mug:** Choose a mug that is heat-resistant and large enough to hold the drink comfortably. A 12-ounce mug is ideal.
* **Small bowl:** For mixing the butter, sugar, and spices.
* **Spoon:** For mixing the ingredients.
* **Kettle or saucepan:** For boiling the water.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Single Serving Hot Buttered Rum
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious single serving of hot buttered rum:
**Step 1: Prepare the Buttered Rum Base**
* In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Use a spoon or fork to mix the ingredients until they are well combined and form a smooth paste. This is your hot buttered rum base.
**Step 2: Combine and Mix**
* Place the buttered rum base into your mug. Pour the dark rum over the base.
**Step 3: Add Hot Water**
* Carefully pour the boiling water into the mug, over the buttered rum base. Be careful, as the mug will be hot.
**Step 4: Stir and Dissolve**
* Use a spoon to stir the mixture thoroughly until the buttered rum base is completely dissolved and the drink is smooth and creamy. This may take a minute or two, so be patient.
**Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy**
* If desired, garnish your hot buttered rum with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pat of butter. Take a sip, relax, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic winter beverage.
## Tips for the Best Hot Buttered Rum
* **Use softened butter:** Softened butter will mix more easily with the sugar and spices, creating a smoother base. Leave the butter out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
* **Don’t skip the spices:** The spices are essential for creating the signature flavor of hot buttered rum. Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best results.
* **Use good quality rum:** The rum is the star of the show, so choose a good quality dark rum or spiced rum that you enjoy drinking. Avoid using cheap, low-quality rum, as it will affect the taste of the drink.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little more brown sugar or a touch of honey or maple syrup.
* **Serve immediately:** Hot buttered rum is best served immediately, while it’s still hot and creamy. If you let it sit for too long, the butter may separate from the liquid.
## Variations and Additions
While the classic hot buttered rum recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to try:
* **Spiced Rum:** Use spiced rum instead of dark rum for an extra layer of flavor. Spiced rum typically contains notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and other warm spices.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of caramel.
* **Honey:** Use honey instead of brown sugar for a more floral and complex sweetness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the buttered rum base for a richer, more decadent flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Grate a little orange zest into the buttered rum base for a bright, citrusy note.
* **Lemon Zest:** Similar to orange zest, lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy flavor.
* **Apple Cider:** Substitute some of the boiling water with apple cider for a fall-inspired twist.
* **Coconut Oil:** Substitute coconut oil for butter for a vegan version.
* **Bourbon:** Replace rum with bourbon for a different flavor profile. Bourbon is known for its caramel and vanilla notes.
## Serving Suggestions
Hot buttered rum is the perfect drink to enjoy on a cold winter evening. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Serve it after dinner:** Hot buttered rum makes a great after-dinner digestif.
* **Pair it with dessert:** Enjoy it alongside a warm slice of apple pie, gingerbread, or chocolate cake.
* **Sip it while reading a book:** Curl up with a good book and a mug of hot buttered rum for a cozy and relaxing evening.
* **Enjoy it by the fire:** Sit by the fire with friends and family and share a round of hot buttered rum.
* **Give it as a gift:** Package the dry ingredients (butter, sugar, spices) in a pretty jar with instructions for making hot buttered rum. This makes a thoughtful and unique gift for friends and family.
## Make Ahead Tips
While this recipe is designed for a single serving, you can easily scale it up to make a larger batch of the buttered rum base. Simply multiply the ingredients by the desired number of servings. The buttered rum base can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to make a drink, simply scoop out the desired amount of base and follow the instructions above.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use salted butter?**
While unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe, you can use salted butter in a pinch. However, be sure to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty drink.
* **Can I use a different type of rum?**
Yes, you can use different types of rum in this recipe. Dark rum is recommended for its rich, molasses-like flavor, but you can also use spiced rum, aged rum, or even white rum. White rum will result in a lighter-flavored drink.
* **Can I make this recipe without alcohol?**
Yes, you can make this recipe without alcohol. Simply omit the rum and substitute it with an equal amount of hot water, apple cider, or strong brewed tea. The resulting drink will still be warm, comforting, and flavorful.
* **How do I store leftover buttered rum base?**
Leftover buttered rum base can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to bring the base to room temperature before using it.
* **Can I freeze the buttered rum base?**
Yes, you can freeze the buttered rum base for longer storage. Store the base in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw the base in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
## Hot Buttered Rum Single Serving Recipe
This recipe makes one perfect serving of hot buttered rum. Get ready to enjoy a cozy night in!
**Yields:** 1 serving
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 2 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of ground cloves
* Pinch of ground ginger
* 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) dark rum
* 6 ounces (3/4 cup) boiling water
* Optional garnishes: cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pat of butter
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
2. Place the buttered rum base into a mug. Pour the dark rum over the base.
3. Carefully pour the boiling water into the mug.
4. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the buttered rum base is completely dissolved.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a pat of butter, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting single serving of hot buttered rum! This simple recipe is perfect for those cold nights when you need a little something special to warm you up. With its warm spices, rich butter, and smooth rum, it’s a drink that’s sure to become a favorite.
## Final Thoughts
Hot buttered rum is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of warmth spreading through your body on a chilly evening, the aroma of spices filling your senses, and the comforting taste that reminds you of home. This single serving recipe makes it easy to enjoy this classic beverage anytime, without the fuss of making a large batch. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a mug of hot buttered rum and savor the cozy moments.