Raise a glass to Harry Potter with 3 recipes for butterbeer

  • By Jessi Loerch Herald Writer
  • Friday, October 25, 2013 3:06pm
  • Life

“Why don’t we go and have a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks, it’s a bit cold, isn’t it?” — Hermione Granger, in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”

It is a bit cold, isn’t it? I lit the first fire of the season recently. I’m constantly craving a warm drink to ward off the chill.

Very unfortunately, J.K. Rowling did not include a recipe for butterbeer with the Harry Potter books. Since she didn’t, I decided I’d have to try it out for myself.

I gathered some friends and we went to work. And by work, I mean we leaned against the counters in the kitchen and drank warm drinks. I know, I know, but someone has to do the hard jobs.

To give your butterbeer a boozy kick, I suggest adding butterscotch schnapps. Spiced rum and honey whiskey also go nicely with these, although they taste less authentic to me.

For a nice-looking finish and a bit more decadence, top any of these drinks with lightly sweetened real whipped cream and a drizzle of butterscotch syrup.

This first recipe was the favorite of the majority of our group.

Butterbeer with milk and spices

  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps or butterscotch syrup (or amount to taste)
  • Whipped cream to garnish (optional)

Combine all ingredients (except schnapps, if using) in a pan. Warm gently on stovetop until combined. Pour into mugs, add schnapps and whipped cream if desired, and serve. Makes 2 servings.

This recipe is a bit fussier, but all the hard work can be done in advance.

Butterbeer with ice cream

  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Cream soda

Blend together all the ingredients. A stand mixer makes this a snap, but a hand mixer works, too.

Refreeze the mixture. When ready to use, soften the mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a large scoop to 4 large mugs and top with cream soda. Makes 4 servings.

This is the simplest of the recipes, and could be easily doubled or more to feed a crowd.

Butterbeer with cream soda

  • 1/2 cup butterscotch syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • Cream soda

Melt butterscotch and butter together until smooth. Pour into 4 tall glasses. Top with cream soda. Stir gently to combine. Makes 4 servings.

Recipes adapted from multiple sources

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