Butter rum is a sweet and richly flavored liquor that blends rum with the creamy, buttery taste of butterscotch. It’s a smooth, warm, and comforting spirit often enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails, baked goods, and other recipes.
What does butter rum taste like?
The predominant flavor notes in butter rum are caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla. The richness of the rum combines with the sweet, creamy butterscotch for a flavor reminiscent of buttered rum with a hint of spice. The vanilla undertones add an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Butter rum has a smooth, velvety texture and a sweet, but not overly cloying flavor. It tastes like a liquid, boozy version of butterscotch candies or butterscotch pudding. The rum gives it a slight kick without being harsh or overpowering the rich, buttery notes.
What ingredients are in butter rum?
Butter rum is made by infusing rum with butter extract and often other flavorings like vanilla or spices. The primary ingredients are:
- Rum – Usually a golden or spiced rum.
- Butter extract – Provides the signature buttery, butterscotch flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Adds hints of vanilla and smoothness.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are commonly used.
- Brown sugar or molasses – For extra caramel sweetness.
The exact recipes vary between brands, but the butter and vanilla extracts are essential for achieving that recognizable butter rum profile.
What’s the alcohol content of butter rum?
As a liqueur, butter rum typically has an alcohol content between 30-40% ABV (60-80 proof). This is a bit higher than many cream liqueurs but lower than a straight rum.
The alcohol gives it the kick of a spirits-based drink while the added butterscotch and spices make it sweet and smooth enough to sip.
What does butter rum pair well with?
Butter rum’s sweet, creamy flavor profile makes it very versatile for mixing into a variety of foods and beverages:
- Cocktails – Combine with fruit juices, soda, milk, coffee, Irish cream, or eggnog.
- Desserts – Add to recipes for cakes, pies, cheesecakes, custards, ice cream, etc.
- Hot drinks – Splash into coffee, tea, apple cider, or hot chocolate.
- On ice – Enjoy chilled or over ice for easy sipping.
- Straight – Its richness balances well unmixed in small amounts.
Butter rum’s sweetness calls for pairing it with some tart or slightly bitter flavors. Fruits, coffee, chocolate, and eggnog are especially complementary.
What are some popular butter rum cocktail recipes?
Here are a few classic cocktail recipes that showcase butter rum’s flavor:
Butter Rum Old Fashioned
- 2 oz butter rum
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange twist
Place sugar and bitters in an Old Fashioned glass. Add ice and butter rum, stir to blend. Garnish with orange twist.
Butter Rum Hot Toddy
- 1.5 oz butter rum
- 4 oz boiling water
- 1 tsp honey
- Lemon wedge
Add butter rum, honey, and lemon wedge to mug. Pour in boiling water, stir to blend. Allow to cool slightly before drinking.
Buttered Rum Eggnog
- 1 oz butter rum
- 2 oz eggnog
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick
Combine butter rum and eggnog in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into glass. Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon.
Where can you buy butter rum?
Some brands of butter rum liqueur include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain Morgan | One of the most popular and widely available brands. |
| Trader Vic’s | Tropical, spiced butter rum made with Jamaican rum. |
| Cruzan | Virgin Islands rum blended with natural flavors. |
| Haus Alpenz | Artisanal butter rum from St. Lucia. |
Butter rum can be found at most liquor stores, bars, and anywhere spirits are sold. It’s often stocked alongside other flavored liqueurs and rum varieties.
Can you make homemade butter rum?
Absolutely! Butter rum is easy to whip up at home with just a few ingredients:
- 1 cup spiced or golden rum
- 1/4 cup butterscotch schnapps
- 1 tbsp butter extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Shake or stir thoroughly to blend. Allow to infuse for 1-2 days before using. Keeps for up to 1 month refrigerated.
Adjust the schnapps and extracts to taste for a sweeter or more buttery flavor. Feel free to experiment with your own spice blends too.
Conclusion
With its lush, butterscotch flavor and velvety texture, butter rum offers a truly decadent spirit-drinking experience. Sipped on its own or incorporated into cocktails and sweets, this liqueur’s touch of rum and vanilla makes for a delicious warming treat. Though you can buy it in stores, butter rum is also simple to DIY at home. Next time you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, give this buttered booze a swirl.