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Bourbon Butterbeer – Alcoholic Butterbeer Recipe

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Last Updated on December 4, 2022 by The Noms

We love some Harry Potter, and this alcoholic butterbeer recipe is an homage to the books (or the movies) whichever!

 

As Halloween quickly approaches, its time for a little fun with spooky or magic inspired cocktails. One source of inspiration for us has been the Harry Potter books. With our oldest boy discovering the world of Harry Potter via us reading the books aloud to him, he has taken us back to the wonderful magical world of Hogwarts.

 

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Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktail - orange cocktail in snifters with dry ice cloud on black plate, purple and green glitter stems. Black cauldron with dry ice behind

 

Butterbeer

We recently read the chapter about the young wizards and witches’ trip to Hogsmeade, where they partake in Butterbeer. Butterbeer has captured the imagination of lots of readers (us included) so we wanted to make a a cocktail that would pay homage to this famous wizard beverage, so we came up with our Bourbon Butterbeer.

 

Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktails in brandy snifters. Ginger beer bottle and dry ice in cauldron behind

 

What is Butterbeer?

We have seen lots of different versions of Butterbeer, from ones that use marshmallow fluff, to ones that are made from 3 different sodas and served piping hot! But, we hadn’t seen one that would be a cool bubbly cocktail. In the books,

 

Butterbeer is described as tasting kind of like a less sweet butterscotch, so we wanted to start out with something that would bring some of those caramel flavors to the cocktail. In any event. we went with a nice sweet bourbon which brings a warm hint of vanilla, caramel and baking spices. This alcoholic butterbeer recipe is light, but perfect for fall as well!

 

Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktail in brandy snifter, ginger beer bottle and dry ice in cauldron behind

 

How to Make Butterbeer?

We wanted to capture some butterscotch flavor as well, but a traditional butterscotch sauce is awfully thick. This wouldn’t really work in a cold cocktail, as it tends to get really thick. Wanting a smooth drinking cocktail, we came up with a delicious buttered brown sugar syrup.

 

 

The buttered brown sugar syrup brings a rich deep sweetness, and a beautiful caramel color, plus a hint of buttery flavor. The hint of butter adds another dimension of flavor to the syrup, making this more than just a sweet addition.

 

Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktail in brandy snifter, dry ice cloud in glass

 

What ingredients to Use in Butterbeer?

Wanting a little bit of a fall flavor, we grabbed one of the quintessential fall ingredients, apple cider. Apple cider pairs really well with bourbon and caramel (and is one we have used successfully in other drinks,) This combination really worked right out of the box.

 

The apple cider adds a tart freshness and brings an earthy depth to the Bourbon Butterbeer. A splash of spicy ginger beer brings a bit of bubbles and gives the cocktail a crisp snappy finish.

 

Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktails in brandy snifters. Dry ice in cauldron behind

 

What would Harry Potter Think?

No magical inspired cocktail would be complete with out a little showmanship! We dropped in a couple of pea sized chunks of dry ice which quickly chills down the drink while causing it to bubble and smoke.

 

The resulting fog and bubbles definitely feels like something that a wizard would dream up, and the dry ice imparts just a hint of bitterness to the Bourbon Butterbeer. This helps keep this version of Butterbeer balanced and refreshing.

 

Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktail - orange cocktails in brandy snifters with dry ice clouds on top. Green glitter branches and black cauldron with dry ice behind. Gold print black books

 

Once the bubbling stops, blow off the fog and sip away, and see if this alcoholic Butterbeer recipe takes you to a magical place! Maybe if you are reading Harry Potter while drinking it! Check this cocktail out, as well as other Halloween ones here!

 

Make sure to pair it with our Halloween Charcuterie!

 

Cheers!

 

Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and tag #gastronomcocktails so we can see all the wonderful recipes YOU recreate from this site!

 

You can also subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a delicious recipe again!

 

Like this recipe? Try these below, too!

Polyjuice Potion - a Vodka PunchPolyjuice Potion Cocktail

 

Halloween Oreo Monster BrowniesHalloween Oreo Monster Brownies

 

Other Halloween Cocktails

 

Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktail
Yield: 1

Bourbon Butterbeer - A Harry Potter Whiskey Cocktail

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

An adult version of the Harry Potter movies favorite drink, this cocktail is perfect for any evening.

Ingredients

Buttered Brown Sugar Syrup

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon butter extract

Bourbon Butterbeer

  • 1.50 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce buttered brown sugar simple syrup
  • 4 ounces apple cider
  • 2 ounces ginger beer
  • Ice or dry ice (if dry ice a very very small chunk, the size of a pea)

Instructions

For the Bourbon Butterbeer

Combine all ingredients and stir in glass. Serve with dry ice for effect (optional).

For the Buttered Brown Sugar Syrup

Combine water and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. When cool, add the butter extract.

Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Note on Dry Ice: Don't let the ice cubes touch your mouth or skin, and don't drink them. Wait until they melt (the bubbling stops), before drinking your cocktail.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 261Total Fat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 0gSugar: 17.3gProtein: 0.1g

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Bourbon Butterbeer Cocktail, orange cocktails with dry ice clouds on top, cauldron in back with dry ice, purple and green glitter branches

 

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Mia Johnson

Wednesday 28th of November 2018

I am a huge beer lover! Can't wait to try this out!

linda

Friday 8th of September 2017

What is butter extract?

The 'Noms.

Sunday 10th of September 2017

It's like vanilla extract, but butter. Here's a link to some: Imitation Butter Extract 2 oz

Kiki

Tuesday 18th of October 2016

Looks and sounds AMAZING! I love the addition of bourbon! Makes EVERYTHING better , right ?!This needs to be tried! Cheers, Kiki

The 'Noms.

Monday 24th of October 2016

Thanks much! Bourbon does make everything better!

Ashley - The Traveling Gals

Friday 7th of October 2016

I don't like bourbon but I still want to try this because it looks so good!

The 'Noms.

Friday 7th of October 2016

The bourbon is very subtle in this, so I think you may not even notice it! Hope you try it out!

Adaleta Avdić

Thursday 6th of October 2016

Yum! I love beer and bourbon. Combine the two & you have a delicious mix of things! xx Adaleta Avdic

The 'Noms.

Friday 7th of October 2016

The bourbon and the ginger beer go great together! Thanks!

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