Honey buttered rum is a cozy holiday cocktail that combines the warming spices of hot buttered rum with the natural sweetness of honey.
Growing up, we knew the holidays were approaching when my mother lit the fireplace for the first time. The first fire usually meant colder weather and a promise that the Christmas decorations would follow. The second fire each season became its own little ritual — the night we decorated the tree. We’d gather around the hearth, listen to holiday records and sip steaming cups of hot chocolate.
As the years passed and our family changed, the rituals evolved. The record player was replaced with modern playlists, and the hot chocolate made way for grown-up beverages. But the fireplace tradition remained: one annual evening where we sit together in front of the fire and enjoy a special drink while catching up.
This year I’m introducing a new favorite to that tradition: honey buttered rum. It keeps the familiar warmth and spice of the classic hot buttered rum but adds a smooth honey flavor that softens the edges and makes the drink feel especially festive.
Honey Buttered Rum Drink Recipe
If you plan to spend time by the fire in the coming days, this drink is a great companion. My honey buttered rum uses Tate+Lyle® Honey Granules for the honey element, which blends honey flavor with the convenience of a free-flowing sugar. Honey granules are a practical option to add honey taste to drinks and baked goods without the stickiness of liquid honey.
To make the honey butter component, simply blend softened butter with honey granules and warm spices. Spoon the mixture into a mug, add spiced rum, and top with boiling water for a comforting, boozy hot drink. It’s easy to scale for a crowd and makes an inviting drink to serve at small gatherings or family celebrations.
Honey granules can often replace liquid honey in recipes. A common conversion to start with is: 1 cup liquid honey = 1 cup Tate+Lyle® Honey Granules plus 1/4 cup additional liquid to the recipe. This helps maintain the proper moisture balance in baked goods and beverages.
Below is the full recipe, including ingredient amounts, simple preparation steps, and nutritional information so you can plan servings and pairings for your holiday get-together.
Honey Buttered Rum
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Cocktails | Cuisine: American | Servings: 8 | Calories per serving: 178.2 kcal
Author: Jenny Bullistron
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup honey (or 1/2 cup honey granules equivalent)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 ounces spiced rum (per serving)
- 3/4 cup boiling water (per serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat the softened butter with the honey (or honey granules), cinnamon and nutmeg until well combined. Shape or place the butter mixture into a small bowl and refrigerate until firm.
- For a single serving, spoon 2 tablespoons of the chilled butter mixture into a heatproof mug. Add the spiced rum, then pour the boiling water over the butter and rum. Stir thoroughly until the butter mixture has melted and fully incorporated into the drink.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes and Tips
- To make a batch ahead, prepare the honey butter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Scoop the pre-measured portions into mugs when ready to serve.
- Adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or by choosing a different type of rum. Dark rum will give a deeper flavor, while lighter rums will keep the drink brighter.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and replace with strong brewed tea or apple cider for a warming mocktail.
- When using honey granules in baking or beverages, remember to add a bit of extra liquid if substituting for liquid honey to maintain texture and moisture.
- This drink pairs well with simple desserts like shortbread cookies, ginger snaps or a slice of spiced pound cake.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 178.2 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.7 g | Protein: 0.2 g | Fat: 11.4 g | Saturated Fat: 7.2 g | Sugar: 17.4 g
If you enjoy this recipe, try preparing the honey butter ahead of time for easy serving during holiday gatherings.
