Buttered Rum

Buttered Rum or more commonly referred to as Hot Buttered rum is a classic cocktail or spiced drink which is served during Christmas or other winter holidays. It is often served as a hot drink at informal get-togethers; and this rum based hot drink is quite popular at parties, mainly because it can be made quickly.

History

This drink has its origins in Europe. Spiced alcoholic holiday drinks have been around for many centuries. It is believed that this drink became popular in 1700’s when the liquor was hugely imported from Jamaica. In many European countries the water supplies often became scarce during the chilly winter months and people always resorted to alcohol. They often devised creative ways to prepare and serve it. The warming drinks like the spiced and buttered rum was considered vital in many cold and poorly insulated homes to withstand the onslaught of weather.

Some historical anecdotes contradict this theory and suggest that the drink gained popularity in America and its past can be traced back to the days of colonization.

Preparation

Mostly all recipes use the same batch of ingredients which includes slices of soft butter, brown sugar, light or dark rum, hot water and spices of choice, if desired. The base ingredients, butter and sugar, are first added to the mug and mixed well. Spices, if any to be used, are added along with the base ingredients. This forms the base mix of buttered rum which is sometimes known as batter. The mix can be refrigerated and rum and hot water is added to it before serving and stirred well. This helps serving a round of hot drink at parties pretty quick.

Serving

The buttered rum is usually served plain after garnishing with cinnamon sticks, whipped cream and another holiday garnishes. It can be served with various party cocktails throughout the year, although traditionally it is teamed with Christmas drinks such as mulled wine, egg nog, and spiced ciders. Like most other Christmas drinks this beverage also contains alcohol and its intake is recommended in moderate amounts. Non-alcoholic variations of the drink are prepared by using fruit juices.

Variation

• Generally the drink is served as a hot drink, but in some Caribbean countries it is served as a cold drink which is prepared using buttered rum mix, spice mixture and ice. The drink is garnished using an orange twist before serving. The spice mixture is added to water and sugar and boiled for about an hour until it reduces to ¾ of its volume. The drink is removed from heat and strained through sieve and refrigerated. This drink is usually considered fit for consumption after 24 hours.
• A very popular variation of this drink known by the name “Jay’s Hot Buttered Rum” is served at Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon and it is prepared by creaming hot drink with vanilla ice cream.  The ice cream rum beverage is served in paste form in cocktail glasses after chilling.