I’m not sure how a holiday without butter would go down, but I don’t think I want to be a part of it. If ever an ingredient deserved a holiday theme song, butter might be it! Or bourbon might be it. We can debate over our second round of this warm bourbon cocktail! This hot buttered bourbon is warm, cinnamony, buttery romance. It sips like a special occasion. The butter melts into the apple cider and spices, adding creaminess and depth to every sip, while the smooth bourbon keeps the drink from being overly sweet. Hot buttered bourbon is guaranteed to keep you toasty and happy on the inside, even if the weather is drizzly and chilly on the outside.

How to Make Hot Buttered Bourbon

The inspiration for my hot buttered bourbon cocktails came from a classic winter warmer, hot buttered rum. I updated the typical buttered rum recipe to include two of my favorite cold-weather ingredients: bourbon, and apple cider. I also kept the recipe easy to make—no need to prep and chill the spiced butter ahead of time.

The Ingredients

Apple Cider. A classic ingredient for a fall cocktail. I love how apple cider tastes with the spices, butter, and bourbon. (If you do too, you’ll also love this Apple Cider Cocktail.)Butter. This cocktail isn’t greasy or heavy; rather, the butter makes it smooth, creamy, and utterly delightful.Honey. For a touch of warmth and sweetness. Spices. Cloves, cinnamon, and ginger come together to make this drink taste truly cozy. Bourbon. Hot bourbon drinks are a true treat!

Cinnamon Sticks. A fun and flavorful garnish.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. To Reheat. Gently rewarm hot buttered bourbon in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot. Stir frequently.

Saucepan. An essential tool for every kitchen. Ladle. Perfect for serving your hot buttered bourbon cocktails. Measuring Spoons. Double-sided spoons = fewer dishes to wash.

Cheers! I hope this warm bourbon apple cider cocktail warms your spirits (and your belly too!). Good bourbons for cocktails include Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, and Buffalo Trace. I also love Four Roses and Basil Hayden’s. Basil Hayden’s is the lightest, so if you are new to bourbon, it’s a good entry point. If you’d prefer a hot buttered whiskey, try using a rye whiskey instead (Bulleit Rye, High West, and Redemption Rye are all excellent optoins). Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.

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