Harry Potter’s Hot Butterbeer

Creamy, warm and absolutely delicious, this homemade hot butterbeer recipe is simple to make and everything Harry Potter fans could wish for.

Why go all the way to Florida or California to Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter, when you can make your very own cup of Butterbeer right in your own home? This super simple version tastes just like the real thing, and it will instantly transport you right into the world of your favorite witches and wizards.

What is Butterbeer

If you’re not familiar with this particular drink, it first appeared in book 3 of the Harry Potter series, “The Prisoner of Azkaban. It came from the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade, brewed by Madame Rosmerta, herself, though her version was known to be extra sweet. It was described as tasting “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch”. It is served cold in bottles or hot in “foaming tankards.”

Today, we are focusing on the hot variety because it honestly is the only one I truly acknowledge. Cold butterbeer just never scratches that itch for me.

Is Butterbeer Alcoholic

In the books, butterbeer does seem to have some sort of alcoholic component, however small. It is enough to get house elves drunk, and it is known to lower inhibitions in students if enough is imbibed. But for the most part, it’s just a nice warming drink. Many recipes online are alcoholic, as well. Rum is a common addition. However, this version does not use alcohol.

Does Butterbeer Taste Like Butter

While there is butter in butterbeer, it is used for the butterscotch, and it doesn’t really inform the taste of the final drink. It helps make the drink creamy and delicious, but it doesn’t really taste of actual butter.

Does Butterbeer Taste Like Root Beer

No. Butterbeer and Root Beer have very different tastes. Butterbeer is made with cream soda, which is a much milder taste than root beer. It also has a butterscotch and milk mixture, which gives it a very creamy texture rather than an acidic, bubbly presentation like root beer.

How to Make Butterbeer

Butterbeer is very simple to make. It has only a few ingredients which are all readily available at your local supermarket if you don’t already have them in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 3.4 oz box Butterscotch Instant Pudding
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups cream soda
• whipped cream (optional, for serving)
• butterscotch syrup (optional, for serving)

First, combine the milk, butter and brown sugar in a medium-large pot. Heat over the stove top until fully dissolved, whisking often.

Add in the butterscotch instant pudding mix and vanilla, whisking until combined.

Remove from the heat, then whisk in two cups of cream soda.

If serving now, return to stove top to heat through, or alternatively, pour into a heated crockpot to keep warm.

Serve with whipped cream and a drizzle of butterscotch syrup.

Not too bad, right? Thick, creamy and utterly delicious. It makes four servings of the most decadent dessert drink you’ve ever imagined. It tastes utterly of fall and winter and dragons and magic and invisibility cloaks. It makes mouths happy. Try it with these Butterbeer Cookies to REALLY lock in that flavor.

It’s another great addition to any Harry Potter Birthday Party idea, and you need to check out our Harry Potter Birthdae Cake for another fun treat.