A cocktail made with boiling water, sugar and spices is traditionally referred to as a "toddy," and made with whiskey or sherry. Warm alcoholic beverages, like toddies, have their origins in Europe where wines and ciders were mulled with spices to take the chill off cold winter days.
History of Hot Buttered Rum
After molasses began being imported to Colonial America from Jamaica, and distilleries opened in New England in the 1650's, colonists began adding distilled rum to hot beverages such as toddies and nogs, creating beverages such as hot buttered rum and eggnog, among others. In the contemporary United States, the term "hot toddy" and "hot buttered rum" can be used interchangeably, although variations of each will occur regionally.
Spiced rum drinks are especially popular during the winter months. Charles Coulombe, author of Rum: The Epic Story of the Drink that Conquered the World, writes that rum has always been an "important component of American holiday celebrations", and given the Puritanical ban on outright celebration of religious holidays, hot toddies and spiced rum drinks share an association with American civic holidays, such with New Years and Thanksgiving.
Hot buttered rum is made by blending a buttered rum batter with dark rum - rum which has been barrel aged for a considerable length of time to retain a deeper, molasses flavor. Use of light rum or spiced rum is also an option and may be preferred by those who appreciate the mild or spicier taste, respectively. Recipes for buttered rum batter, dating at least as far back as a 1917 publication of the The Ideal Bartender, include butter, nutmeg and sugar at the very minimum. Commercial hot buttered rum batters often add powdered sugar, rum flavor, and other mulling spices.
Recipe for Hot Buttered Rum or Hot Toddy Batter
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 oz unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg or mace
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp salt
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly. Refrigerate in an sealed air-tight container for up to two months. This mixture can also be frozen for up to one year before using. Makes eight servings.
Preparing a Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp refrigerated hot buttered rum batter
- 6 oz boiling water
- 1 1/2 oz dark rum
- 1 Tbsp light cream (optional)
- nutmeg for garnish
In a hot beverage mug, combine hot buttered rum batter with boiling water, stirring well until dissolved. Add in rum and cream, if using. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serves one.
Non-Alcoholic Hot Buttered Rum Beverage
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp refrigerated hot buttered rum batter
- 2/3 cup boiling water
- 1/3 cup vanilla ice cream
- whipped cream (optional)
- nutmeg for garnish
In a hot beverage mug, combine hot buttered rum batter with boiling water, stirring until well dissolved. Stir in ice-cream and mix until incorporated. Top with whipped cream, if using, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serves one.
Stephanie Jolly - Stephanie is an active food scholar, nutrition professional and former culinary tour guide. Though Stephanie enjoys food on nearly every ...
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