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Cozy Brown Sugar Buttered Rum: Easy Winter Cocktail

cozy brown sugar buttered rum - featured image

A warm, buttery cocktail made with brown sugar and dark rum, perfect for cozy winter evenings. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, at room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed; light or dark)
  • 2 ounces dark rum (e.g., Appleton Estate or Kraken)
  • 1 cup hot water (just off the boil)
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or star anise (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream or whole milk (for a creamier version)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter and sugar: Place the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or fork, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a thick, golden-brown paste (about 1-2 minutes).
  2. Add the rum: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour in the 2 ounces of dark rum and stir until fully incorporated.
  3. Add the hot water: Pour in 1 cup of hot water (just off the boil) and stir well. If using, add a splash of heavy cream or milk. Add the pinch of sea salt and stir again. Taste and adjust sweetness or rum as desired.
  4. Pour and garnish: Pour the mixture into a mug. If using, add a cinnamon stick or star anise. Let it sit for about 30 seconds before drinking.
  5. Optional: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter for smooth blending. Avoid boiling water to prevent butter separation. Stir constantly when melting butter and sugar to prevent burning. Adjust rum to taste. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter. The butter-sugar paste can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: buttered rum, brown sugar cocktail, winter cocktail, warm cocktail, easy cocktail, cozy drink, rum drink