Yes, I know Harry Potter has been seriously waning in popularity since the turn of the century, but it’s time to break out the capes and witch hats again because I think this drink is seriously going to bring on a Harry Potter reprisal!
For those who DARED not to read the fabulous book series that is Harry Potter, let me tell you about this drink called butterbeer. Like our muggle root beer is non-alcoholic, so is this favorite drink among the wizarding world. I don’t recall how J.K. Rowling described the taste in the series, but I did come away with the impression that it was the most wonderful drink in the entire world and I imagined it as sweet and smooth and creamy. I always wanted to try it and apparently I’m not the only one because if you Google “butterbeer recipe” you’re going to come up with a slew of them.
Most recipes assume that the base flavor for butterbeer is butterscotch and I went with that here in this recipe. It is seriously sweet and seriously good. And seriously fattening. Which is why your kids will love you for serving it at their birthday & Halloween parties. Let me tell you in advance though, you’re going to regret it if you don’t at least double the amount of whipped cream. Butterscotch and whipping cream equals whipped cream nirvana. I could have just eaten that alone and been happy.
I’m sending this recipe over to Cheryl from The Southern Cookbook for the BSI (blogger secret ingredient) contest featuring butter this week. I seriously would probably never have made this scandalous drink (I mean, you’re drinking butterscotch syrup with cream soda, for heaven’s sake! Topped with butterscotch whipped cream! Scandalous!) except it was the first thing I thought of in connection to butter. And yes, this drink really does have butter in it. I’m kinda horrified at myself all over again. But it was worth it–it’s so good!
BUTTERBEER
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
1 cup brown sugar (I used light)
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
2 teaspoons rum extract (optional)
2 liter of cream soda
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 on a candy thermometer. Stir in the salt, vinegar, and cold butter until melted, then stir in 1/4 cup of the whipping cream. Scrape into a 2-cup glass measuring cup and set aside to cool to room temperature. You can place the butterscotch syrup in the fridge to cool it faster, but don’t let it get cold or it will be difficult to mix with the cream soda. Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixture to beat until it reaches soft peaks.
To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup per glass) add 1/4 cup cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped cream on top.
Recipe source: Spork or Foon
Veronica's Cornucopia 
Goodness Veronica! What are you creating here? I bet you could bottle this stuff and sell it. I would be willing to try it. It looks good! Butter? Wow, I can’t believe you added butter. Can you taste the butter in it? It looks refreshing. Was it really sweet?
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I know–I’m ridonkulous! Still can’t believe I did that as I’m totally OPPOSED to drinking calories. I like to chew them, you know? Yeah, there’s butter in it but it’s part of the butterscotch syrup so it’s not weird and clumpy and you can’t tell it’s there. It’s smooth and creamy and yes, really sweet! You can use as much syrup as you want. I used a lot.
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Ok butter beer ! You have a huge culinary imagination for inventing this ! I’m just almost speechless lol And how does it taste ? You know you wouldnt think its good just by reading the recipe name but it all sounds good ! Way too go Veronica…..I bet this post sounds stupid lol I just don’t know what too say lol….
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I wish I’d invented it but I followed another recipe, linked beneath my recipe. Well, it tastes like butterscotch and cream soda, I guess! Really sweet. It’s good but I think kids would dig it more than adults.
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funny, when I watched the movies I assumed it was a flavored beer much like hot buttered rum. Boy was I ever wrong! This looks like a great drink for after shoveling snow (can you tell I am over this summer thing?)
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Aren’t we all? Yes, I was really wishing it was cold outside as I drank it at room temperature. I also drank it cold, which was more refreshing for the temp right now. But it would be best enjoyed warm in the winter, fo sho.
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Makes my teeth hurt just thinking about it!! LOL SWEEEEEEEEEEET!
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Oh my, this would be great for a halloween party or any party at all…
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I’m can’t even imagine this? Carla said what I was thinking “my teeth hurt thinking about it!” Wow, I have to admit, I don’t think I would ever make this but when I come over for lunch, you’d better have one of these waiting for me!! (with rum of course!)
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You made butterbeer!!!!! Omgosh I am a huge Harry Potter fan! Veronica this is the coolest thing ever!
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Yes! Finally! A fellow Harry Potter fan! yay! Make this for your daughter on Halloween–she’ll love it.
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To be honest, I haven’t even read this post yet. All I saw was butterbeer. Two of my favorite B words (and things period) combined? My mind is totally blown and I’ll take a few moments and compose myself before I find out what this butterbeer is.
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Aw, sorry Pops–I didn’t use beer here at all! But there is butter in it. :)
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Yes. I see that now. But this looks DELISH!
And yeah, I didn’t read the HP books. :-P
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I didn’t read the series myself, my son did and pretty much everyone I know did though…lol! I’m thinking my neighbor kids would LOVE this. I try new drinks out on them all the time, they love it :)
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HAHAHA! I love it! ( definatly a saver for Halloween, the kids will love it!) Awesome awesome post :)
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Hi! I discovered your blog and I’m so glad I did! That butterbeer looks SO GOOD! I’m definitley creating it sometime! (Avid HP fan :)
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Come on. It says butter, and then it says beer. Butter+ beer. What’s not magical and super about it? Gosh Veronica. I wish you had a gallon of this. I wish I was there to toast you with a huge jar of butterbeer.
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The cream is always the best part. When I order a frapuccino at Starbucks, thats the part that I savor and pick out with my straw. This sounds good (and scandalous!)
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You could just fill up the mug with the cream alone and have a great “drink.” I’m glad you made this it is a real treat.
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I love this Veronica! I’ll admit I’m a huge nerd and I still enjoy Harry Potter, lol! I was curious about Butterbeer so I’m glad you shared this!
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I loved the Harry Potter series. This is a must try Veronica. I always have cream soda here, it’s my favorite!
Thanks
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I love Harry Potter, too!! This is so creative and sounds delicious!!!
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I so want to make this. just waiting until it cools down here!
I love Harry Potter too. Thanks Veronica!
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Hi. Saw your recipe on All Through the Year Cheer. I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Read all seven books, the last one in a week (which is quick for me). I have always wanted to try butter beer, since Harry and the gang first enjoyed it. They actually sell it at the Universal Studios Harry Potter theme park. My nephew tried it and loved it.
Thanks for sharing it! Great idea for Halloween:)
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An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
I think that you ought to publish more about this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people do not speak
about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!
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