Drinks

Hot Buttered Bourbon Recipe

ByEthan Lark December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Introduction

Hot Buttered Bourbon is a cozy and indulgent drink perfect for chilly evenings. This comforting cocktail blends warm spices, rich butter, and smooth bourbon to create a luxurious treat that feels like a hug in a mug.

A clear glass cup filled with a light brown coffee layer at the bottom, topped with a thick, white frothy foam layer sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder. On the foam layer in the center, two cinnamon sticks lie side by side. The cup sits on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks placed nearby and delicate pearl-decorated twig decorations around, creating a cozy, warm setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
1 to 2 shots bourbon (such as Bulleit)
4 to 5 ounces boiling water
1 to 2 tablespoons buttered bourbon mix
Whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You can store this buttered bourbon batter in a sealed container in the fridge for future use.
Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pour 1 to 2 shots of bourbon into a mug, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the buttered bourbon mix. Fill the mug with 4 to 5 ounces of boiling water, whisking constantly until the butter mixture melts completely and blends with the bourbon and water.
Step 3: Top your drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately for a warm, spiced delight.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of bourbon and buttered mix to suit your taste, making the drink stronger or sweeter as you prefer.
For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based butter alternative and coconut whipped cream.
Add a cinnamon stick for garnish and extra aroma.

Storage

Store the buttered bourbon batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, simply stir and add to your drink as directed. Leftover prepared drinks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently reheat them on the stove, whisking to recombine ingredients.

How to Serve

A clear glass cup filled with three layers: the bottom layer is a warm brown coffee, the middle layer is thick white foam partially covering the coffee, and the top is garnished with two cinnamon sticks laying diagonally and a light dusting of cinnamon powder mainly on one half of the foam. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered cinnamon sticks and delicate twig decorations with small white beads around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the buttered bourbon batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it easy to whip up a quick drink whenever you want.

What bourbon works best for this recipe?

Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking. Bulleit is a popular choice for its bold flavor, but any good-quality bourbon will work well to balance the sweetness and spices.