Butterbeer
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Author Notes: Butterbeer (yes! from the magical world of harry potter!) is meant to taste "a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch." This version is nonalcoholic, so kids can have it too, but for an adult butterbeer you can replace the cider with Woodchuck hard apple cider and add a few glugs of spiced rum for good measure! - arielleclementine
Food52 Review: More hot toddy than punch, this sweet concoction is inspired by Harry Potter's wizardry and will surely be enjoyed by both kids and adults. A sweet and buttery syrup combines with apple cider and vanilla to create a velvety, warm cider base. The ginger ale adds a little pep and the unsweetened whipped cream balances out the 'almost' too sweet butterbeer. Do try the adult version, add a dash of rum to cut the sweetness. - jvcooks
Serves 6-8
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 cup ginger ale
- whipped cream, for garnish
- Make the butterscotch syrup: melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, 1/4 cup cream, and sea salt. Whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla and cider and heat until very hot, and the butterscotch syrup has dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in ginger ale. Serve with loads of whipped cream on top.
- This recipe is a Community Pick!
- This recipe was entered in the contest for A & M's Annual Smackdown / Your Best Hot Toddy
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Punch
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about 1 month ago basileorri
This is probably the most random comment ever but where can I buy that mug!
It's gorgeous!!
& also, I definitely intend upon making this during the holidays... two more seasons to go! (:
6 months ago Hollyeve
I made this twice this Thanksgiving weekend and it was a big hit. The first time I only made a single batch, the second time I doubled it. Absolutely a keeper.
about 1 year ago Christine_K
Has anyone try this cold? Thank you!
about 1 year ago arielleclementine
Hi! I haven't intentionally served this cold, but I have had it after it had come to room temperature, and I still thought it was pretty tasty. I think it would be pretty nice over ice! Please let me know how it goes if you end up trying it!
over 1 year ago lapadia
Lovely recipe and photo!
over 1 year ago arielleclementine
oh thank you! i wanted to put it in a big beer stein for the photo, but i didn't have one, so i settled for one of my mom's tea cups :)
over 1 year ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
I had heard of butter beer but never knew what it was, now I do. What a wonderful recipe! Tippin the hat to Mr. Potter and crew. Thanks for posting this. Very festive!
over 1 year ago arielleclementine
thanks so much! anything warm, sweet, and apple-y, with gratuitous whipped cream is ok in my book :)
over 1 year ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Oh love this - especially the two versions! I've wondered and wondered what butter beer was.
over 1 year ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
boulangere, this is really amazing stuff!! we make it a lot. arielleclementine, might be a good contender for this week's theme!!
over 1 year ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Great to know, mrsl. I can so see making this when the "kids" are here for Christmas.
over 1 year ago arielleclementine
thanks friends! you guys are really nice :)
almost 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
We've made this a few times already. It's awesome! On the menu for tomorrow's festivities, of course!
almost 2 years ago arielleclementine
Oh hooray! And thank you! I'm lucky to live near the Alamo drafthouse, which allows you to bring your brand new (read: scream-y) baby to special matinees of new releases! Can't wait to see it!!
almost 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
haha! isn't the alamo drafthouse the one that ejected the texting psycho lady? I want to go there! Kids are seeing it in 3-D tomorrow midnight.They will probably be scream-y too. And they're teenagers. :)
almost 2 years ago arielleclementine
the very same! they're so cool. also, you're hilarious :)
over 2 years ago campagnes
Holy cow.. this sounds wonderful!
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
thanks so much!
over 2 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
This looks just wonderful! I'm making this over the holidays for sure!!!
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
hooray! thank you!
over 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Funny!!! The Literal Harry Potter Trailer is really funny too: http://www.youtube.com...
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
yeeessss! love it!
over 2 years ago healthierkitchen
I'm sure my daughter will want to try this!
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
thanks! i hope she loves it :) i remember the first time my mom made us 'magic cookies' (what she called seven layer bars), i was captivated with the idea of them being magical. it's fun to be a kid!
over 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
Yummy....for an adult version I bet a rum or bourbon would be great in this!
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
absolutely! this was my attempt to recreate the virgin butterbeer sold at the alamo drafthouse, the awesome theater here in austin where i saw the latest HP movie. they also sold an alchoholic one, which was made with woodchuck apple cider and sailor jerry spiced rum!
over 2 years ago drbabs
Barbara is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Sounds yummy! (Even though I don't get the Harry Potter reference...am I the only person in the universe who hasn't read those books?!)
over 2 years ago hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
pretty much!
over 2 years ago Lizthechef
It was the winter drink of choice for the magic students in the books ...I want to go to Hogwarts!
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
thanks, drbabs! give the books a spin if you have a chance- they're really wonderful :)
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
oh me too, Lizthechef! more specifically, i'd like to be at one of the Christmas feasts at Hogwarts!
over 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
Oh, yum! My kids will lurv this! Perfect to bring along in a thermos to a quidditch tournament!
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
thanks mrslarkin! oh man, did you see the quidditch world cup on the news a month or so ago? so much fun!
over 2 years ago mrslarkin
Mrs. Larkin is a trusted source on Baking.
yes! a blast! I loved the last movie (I got weepy at the end). Can't wait for the next one. Have you seen Potter Puppet Pals on youtube? So so funny.
over 2 years ago arielleclementine
yes! i love love those! i also love brad neely's 'wizard people' - where he narrates the entire first movie terribly (nsfw!): http://www.youtube.com...