A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

In the South, butter makes everything better — even cocktails. Although most people think winters are mild where I live on the coast of North Carolina in Morehead City, I’ve

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

In the South, butter makes everything better — even cocktails. Although most people think winters are mild where I live on the coast of North Carolina in Morehead City, I’ve

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

hot buttered rum recipe

hot buttered rum recipeIn the South, butter makes everything better — even cocktails. Although most people think winters are mild where I live on the coast of North Carolina in Morehead City, I’ve always been cold-natured and enjoy hot cocktails this time of year. When I moved to the western part of the state to attend college, I started drinking rich and creamy cappuccinos to keep warm in the harsh winter climate since I wasn’t a big coffee drinker. As an adult, I’ve learned to enjoy this cocktail while relaxing by the fireplace.

You might be thinking to yourself, “Drinking butter?” Yes. This buttery, sweet, and spicy combination creates a rum-based wintertime cocktail you’ll enjoy throughout the season.

It all starts with making a simple spiced butter mixture with honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Top it off with N.C.-based Muddy River Distillery rum and boiling water to create the ultimate cocktail that serves up cold-weather comfort. This recipe makes enough spiced butter for three cocktails, but you can always double or triple the recipe and have it in the fridge on standby for when the mood strikes.

Do you have a favorite hot wintertime cocktail?


  • ½ stick butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ⅛ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 shot dark rum
  • Boiling water

Prepare the spiced butter by placing butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.

In a large coffee mug, add 1 tablespoon of the spiced butter. Add 1 shot of rum and boiling water. Stir well to combine until spiced butter is melted.

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