Need something to keep the chill away and bring a bit of indulgence to your evening? Hot Buttered Bourbon combines warm spices, creamy butter, and a shot of bourbon for a drink that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day or to impress guests at your next holiday gathering. Follow along and learn how to make this rich, inviting drink.
Equipment
To make Hot Buttered Bourbon, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Mugs: Choose heat-resistant glass or ceramic mugs to serve the drink.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the spiced butter mixture.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To cream the butter and spices together.
- Measuring tools: Spoons and jiggers for accurate ingredient portions.
- Kettle or pot: To heat the apple cider.
- Spoon: For stirring the cocktail.
Having the right equipment ensures a smooth preparation process and enhances your drinking experience.
Ingredients
For the spiced butter mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
For each cocktail:
- 2 tablespoons spiced butter mixture
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- 6 ounces hot apple cider
These ingredients combine to create a balanced blend of flavors. The spiced butter adds richness, while the bourbon provides warmth and depth.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter mixture to a mug.
- Pour 1.5 ounces of bourbon over the butter.
- Heat apple cider until steaming.
- Slowly pour 6 ounces of hot apple cider into the mug.
- Stir well until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.
This simple process results in a delicious, comforting cocktail. The hot cider melts the butter, creating a creamy texture and releasing aromatic spices.
Tasting Notes
Hot Buttered Bourbon offers a complex flavor profile. The first sip reveals the smooth, caramel notes of bourbon, followed by the rich, creamy texture from the melted butter.
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide a comforting aroma and taste.
The hot apple cider adds a fruity sweetness that balances the strong bourbon. As you drink, you’ll notice how the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and boozy notes.
The cocktail’s warmth spreads through your body, making it an ideal choice for cold evenings. Its rich mouthfeel and layered flavors make each sip a satisfying experience.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Hot Buttered Bourbon, you might like these related drinks:
- Hot Buttered Rum: The classic version using rum instead of bourbon.
- Hot Toddy: A simpler hot cocktail with whiskey, honey, and lemon.
- Spiked Hot Apple Cider: Apple cider with your choice of spirit, often rum or bourbon.
- Irish Coffee: Hot coffee with Irish whiskey and whipped cream.
- Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced red wine, sometimes with added brandy.
These cocktails share the warming, comforting qualities of Hot Buttered Bourbon. They’re perfect for cold weather and offer various flavor profiles to suit different tastes.
History
The origins of Hot Buttered Bourbon can be traced back to the traditional Hot Buttered Rum. Hot Buttered Rum dates to colonial America, where rum was plentiful and hot drinks were necessary to combat cold winters.
Colonists would add rum to hot water mixed with butter, sugar, and spices. This concoction served as both a comforting beverage and a believed remedy for colds and flu.
As bourbon gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the South, it began to replace rum in many cocktails. The switch to bourbon in this classic recipe likely occurred in the late 19th or early 20th century.
Today, Hot Buttered Bourbon represents a modern twist on a centuries-old tradition. It combines the American spirit of bourbon with the comforting warmth of its rum-based predecessor.
Quick Pro Tips
- Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- Soften butter to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Make a large batch of spiced butter and store it in the fridge for quick cocktails.
- Experiment with different spices to create your unique blend.
- Warm your mugs before adding ingredients to keep the drink hot longer.
- Use fresh apple cider for a more pronounced apple flavor.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon to your taste preferences.
- Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
When to Serve
Hot Buttered Bourbon is ideal for various occasions:
- Winter gatherings: Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
- Après-ski: Warm up after a day on the slopes.
- Fall festivals: Pair with autumn activities like pumpkin picking or hayrides.
- Fireside sipping: Enjoy while relaxing by a crackling fire.
- Dessert alternative: Serve as a sweet, boozy end to a meal.
- Cold weather comfort: Soothe yourself on chilly, rainy, or snowy days.
This versatile cocktail adds warmth and cheer to any cold-weather occasion. Its rich flavors and comforting qualities make it a welcome addition to many fall and winter events.
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