There’s a chill in the air... and you know what that means—it’s Hot Buttered Rum Season at Trader Vic’s!
This warm, spiced cocktail is the ultimate way to welcome fall. Whether you're wrapping up in a blanket or meeting friends for drinks, nothing beats the comforting combo of butter, spices, and a healthy pour of rum to chase away the cold.
What Is Hot Buttered Rum?
Hot Buttered Rum is a traditional American cocktail made with rum, hot water, sugar, butter, and spices. It's rich, warming, and a bit decadent—perfect for cozy nights and crisp autumn days.
Wait… Is There Really Butter in It? 🧈
Yes—real butter! That’s not just a clever name. In fact, the original method called for dropping a pat of butter into a mug with rum, sugar, and water, and then plunging a red-hot poker from the fireplace into the drink to melt and blend it all together.
This old-school colonial technique not only heated the cocktail—it added a unique, smoky flavor. It was practical and theatrical. (We recommend modern tools these days.)
Where Did Hot Buttered Rum Come From?
The drink traces back to Colonial America, particularly in New England, which was a booming hub for rum production in the 1600s and 1700s. At one point, colonists were consuming more than five gallons of rum per person annually. With so much rum around, they found plenty of creative ways to enjoy it—especially in warm, spiced drinks for cold winters.
Trader Vic’s Hot Buttered Rum Recipe
Want to make your own? Here’s how we do it at Trader Vic’s:
Ingredients:
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2 teaspoons Trader Vic’s Hot Buttered Rum Batter
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1 1/2 oz Trader Vic’s Light Rum
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Boiling hot water
Instructions:
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Add batter to a preheated mug.
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Pour in boiling hot water and stir.
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Add rum and enjoy!
Try it with bourbon or brandy for a twist, or substitute hot milk instead of water for a creamier version.
🍁 Whether you’re staying in or stopping by, there’s no better way to warm up this fall.
Hot drinks, cold nights, and tiki traditions—that’s the Trader Vic’s way.
