How to Make Harry Potter Butterbeer - Alcoholic, Non-alcoholic, Warm and Frozen Recipes
How to make all the best Harry Potter Butterbeers and where they actually originated.
Hey muggles! Fancy delving into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with some homemade Butterbeer? Well I’ve got you covered with not 1, not 2, but 4 Butterbeer recipes perfect for any taste. Whether you’re starting your annual Christmas Harry Potter marathon or looking to throw a Harry Potter themed party.
We’re going to go through the classic alcoholic butterbeer, this is the adult butterbeer recipe. We also have a non-alcoholic Butterbeer for anyone going sober this year or who is wanting to make this for kids.
I’ll also show you 2 of my favourite twists - warm butterbeer with winter spices and frozen butterbeer. Aswell as delving into where butterbeer really started and the history of buttered beer.
Harry Potter Butterbeer
In J.K. Rowling's magical universe, Butterbeer is described as a slightly alcoholic drink with a taste reminiscent of butterscotch. The characters in the Harry Potter series often enjoy it at iconic locations like the Three Broomsticks or the Hog's Head Inn.
After the introduction of butterbeer in Harry Potter, it almost instantly took off. An actual part of the wizarding world people could make at home. But did J.K. Rowling invent this drink? Is it possible to authentically recreate it? and what even is authentic butterbeer suppose to taste like?
Which Harry Potter first mentioned Butterbeer
The first time we encounter Butterbeer is in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" when Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. The warm, frothy mugs of Butterbeer are a staple in the magical community, offering a sense of comfort and camaraderie.
Why is Butterbeer called Butterbeer
Now, you might be wondering why it's called Butterbeer when there's no actual butter in it. Well, the "butter" part of the name likely comes from its rich and creamy taste, resembling the smoothness of butter. The "beer" part is a nod to its slightly fermented, fizzy nature, even though it's not a true beer.
So there is no Butter in it, and there is no Beer in it. Which can understandably cause a bit of confusion.
Is Butterbeer Meant to be Alcoholic?
Yes, it is! In the Harry Potter series, Butterbeer is meant to be alcoholic. It does contain a small amount of alcohol, but it's not enough to get even the house elves tipsy. It's more about the warm, cozy feeling it brings.
The confusion with this comes from universals wizarding world of Harry Potter. As they do serve butterbeer except its non alcoholic. Which makes one wonder, was teenage Ron, Harry, and Hermione going to the pub for non alcoholic beers? Doesn’t seem like any teenagers I know…
Butterbeer Beyond the Wizarding World
Now, let's talk about Universal Studios and their take on Butterbeer.
Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal Studios has brought the magic to life with their own version of Butterbeer, and you can find it at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But why is it not closer to what we see in the movies?
Well, Universal studios and especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is meant for kids. Even though yes, it’s a dream for all us adults. So they’d be cutting themselves short if they were selling alcoholic butterbeer. Hence the creation of the Non-alcoholic butterbeer. The mocktail version.
It’s as simple as that. If you want the official butterbeer, you’re asking for a non-alcoholic version. If you’re wanting one more similar to Harry Potter, then you have to go else where. But where?
Availability Outside Universal
Unfortunately, the magical reach of Butterbeer doesn't extend beyond the walls of Universal Studios. If you're craving a sip of this wizarding delight, a visit to the theme park might be in order. Copywrite and trademarks etcetera.
Which is exactly why we make our own!
What is Butterbeer Supposed to Taste Like?
Imagine a sweet symphony of butterscotch and cream soda dancing on your taste buds. That’s what Butterbeer is suppose to taste like. Butterbeer is meant to be a treat, a bit fizzy, and with a creamy finish.
So, as we embark on our journey to make our own Butterbeer, let's channel the magical vibes from the Harry Potter series and bring a bit of that wizardry into our kitchens.
Did J.K. Rowling Invent Butterbeer?
No, but yes. Yes because the butterbeer we know today is strongly associated with Harry Potter, and therefor, J.K. Rowling. But you won’t find an explanation in the books or movies about how to make or what is actually in Butterbeer. We can only assume that ourselves.
As for the no J.K. Rowling did not invent butterbeer, that’s because it’s likely inspired (though we can’t say for sure but can strongly assume) by buttered beer.
Origins of the real Butterbeer
Back in the 16th/17th century beer had a short shelf life. We didn’t have refrigeration, bottling or preservatives. So when things began to go bad, we found other ways to use it. Such as the creation of mulled wine. When wine went bad, people added spices to hide the gone off flavours and mulled wine was born.
Or the invention of vinegar.
When it came to beer, a good way to use the bad stuff was to use it in cooking or cover the horrible taste with spices. Which is exactly how buttered beer got it’s start. This version literally was beer and butter. However it was more similar to eggnog.
Buttered Beer
The oldest recipe for buttered beer comes from The good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin. Published in 1594 by Richard Jones in London. A highly recommended read if you are a 16th century house wife wanting to make mutton and carrots…
However it does like I mentioned, Contain the oldest recipe known for true Buttered Beer. Here is that recipe;
Take three pintes of Beere, put five yolkes of Egges to it, straine them together, and set it in a pewter pot to the fyre, and put to it halfe a pound of Sugar, one penniworth of Nutmegs beaten, one penniworth of Cloves beaten, and a halfepenniworth of Ginger beaten, and when it is all in, take another pewter pot and brewe them together, and set it to the fire againe, and when it is readie to boyle, take it from the fire, and put a dish of sweet butter into it, and brewe them together out of one pot into an other.
You can learn more about the Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin here.
But as you can see, it’s basically eggnog with beer and butter. A warming alcoholic recipe which today we would call butterbeer if it was indeed still around. And is exactly what they would be drinking if Harry Potter was a true story.
Alcoholic Version of Universals Butterbeer
However, if you don’t want to be beating eggs in the kitchen for the authentic stuff, consider keeping the recipe similar to Universal with a alcoholic twist.
For those looking to add a touch of magic with spirits, consider incorporating butterscotch schnapps or spiced rum into the mix. Just be mindful not to go overboard – we're aiming for a delightful buzz, not a full-blown wizarding hangover.
Non-alcoholic Version
For the non-alcoholic version we can just fully copycat that of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But the easiest method is just to do what we’re going do in this article. Which is adding some butterscotch and vanilla to a creamy fizzy base, aka, Cream Soda.
And as Harry Potter Butterbeer is just a twist on Buttered Beer, we’ll also take our own liberties and I’ll show you how to further twist the recipe with a hot spiced version and a frozen version. So you can enjoy Butterbeer whether it’s winter or summer.
Easy Alcoholic Butterbeer
Let's start with the OG Butterbeer recipe that captures the essence of J.K. Rowling's magical creation. I remember my first sip transported me straight to the cozy corners of Hogsmeade.
Ingredients
Cream soda
This is what will give our butterbeer that slight fizz and that creamy taste/texture. This ingredient is basically both the butter and beer part of our recipes. So it’s crucial you go with Cream soda. I personally use a no added sugar version as we’ll be adding schnapps, so we want to keep that sugar content down.
Butterscotch Schnapps
Speaking of Schnapps, Butterscotch schnapps will be added and for obvious reasons. Butterbeer in Harry Potter is described as tasting like Butterscotch, so the easiest way to replicate that is adding butterscotch. The schnapps will add some alcohol content as well as sweeting our butterbeer.
TOP TIP: I also tried this with salted caramel schnapps and it was just as nice, if not nicer. Not such an authentic butterbeer, but a bloody good twist.
Vanilla Vodka
Vanilla will add to that creaminess we’re after and by going with a vanilla flavored vodka, we also get the alcohol content.
Whipped cream
It’s got to look like beer, right? So we need a nice white foam head. Which these ingredients so far don’t give us, so a squirting of whipped or squirty cream will just do that. It’s more for the aesthetics and making it actually look like proper butterbeer, but it also adds to that sweetness, creaminess and you’ll get the perks of having a Hermione Granger styled butterbeer tash.
Butterscotch syrup or sauce (optional)
Lastly is completely optional but a drizzle of butterscotch on top of your cream looks amazing and will give that intense butterscotch smell. But as far as keeping this authentic, I’d leave it out.
Preparation
Pour the cream soda into a mug along with the schnapps and vodka.
Top it off with whipped cream
Add a generous drizzle of butterscotch syrup.
Glassware
Glassware is important to the over all vibe of the drink. You can use any old glass but if you really want to immerse yourself in the Wizarding World I’d get something that screams Harry Potter, such as one of these…
The Classic Glass Tankard
Heatproof Mug
Old Fashioned Magically Tankard
Alcoholic Butterbeer Variations
As for the variations on the alcoholic version, here are a few things you can do;
Swap the vanilla vodka for spiced rum for a winter warmer butterbeer.
Swap the butterscotch for salted caramel for a caramel twist.
Swap the butterscotch schnapps for butterscotch syrup for a sweeter version
Replace the cream soda with actual beer. Go with something lighter such as a seasonal pale ale or brew your own homemade beer and add that.
Butterbeer Video Recipe
If the old written recipe isn’t for you or you want to see this in action, then check out the video below on alcoholic and non-alcoholic butterbeer.
Non-alcoholic Butterbeer Recipe
For our underage wizards and non-drinkers, fear not! You can still experience the magic without the spirits.
Substitutions
Replace the traditional butterscotch schnapps with butterscotch-flavored syrup, and vodka for vanilla essence and voilà – a kid-friendly version that's just as enchanting.
However I like to keep it even simpler by adding swapping out both schnapps and vodka in place of vanilla and butterscotch extracts.
Maintaining the Flavor
Don't skimp on the whipped cream; it adds that extra touch of magic that makes all the difference. Getting the extracts just right can also take some practise. I recommend starting with 2 drops each and adding your cream soda, then taste and adjust.
Warm Butterbeer Recipe
Now, let's talk about 2 variations that are gaining some popularity. Both of which you can make non alcoholic and alcoholic.
Firstly we have hot butterbeer which is perfect for cozying up on the sofa binge watching Harry Potter. Afterall, it is the time of the year! (its December for me right now) We can also make it more winter ready by adding some spices either right into a our warm butterbeer, or garnished on top.
I use winter spices like ginger and cinnamon, but you can add whichever spices you like. If you don’t have one of the spices on the list, just replace it with more of another, or something new.
Frozen Butterbeer Recipe
On the opposite side of warm butterbeer, we have frozen butterbeer. Perfect for the summer. Every now and then a frozen recipes goes crazy (who remembers frose?) and I’m hoping, this will be the next frozen delight to take of because my gosh is it delicious!
It’s also not the first time I’ve made a frozen movie inspired cocktail. Anyone for a frozen little mermaid margarita?
You’ll also need a blender for this recipe. If you don’t already have one check out this blender comparison for drinks.
All Recipes for Harry Potter Butterbeer
Harry Potter Butterbeer 4 ways (Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic, Warm and Frozen)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the cream soda into a mug along with the schnapps and vodka.
- Top it off with whipped cream
- Add a generous drizzle of butterscotch syrup.
- Pour the cream soda into a mug along with both extracts and stir to combine.
- Top it off with whipped cream.
- Add a generous drizzle of butterscotch syrup.
- Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and gently heat.
- One the pot is steaming and has reached a drinkable temperature. Take it of the heat and strain into a heatproof glass.
- Garnish with a grating of nutmeg and serve.
- Pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth.
- Pour out into your chosen glass and garnish with a drizzle of butterscotch.
Notes
As for the variations on the alcoholic version, here are a few things you can do;
- Swap the vanilla vodka for spiced rum for a winter warmer butterbeer.
- Swap the butterscotch for salted caramel for a caramel twist.
- Swap the butterscotch schnapps for butterscotch syrup for a sweeter version
- Replace the cream soda with actual beer. Go with something lighter such as a seasonal pale ale or brew your own homemade beer and add that.
For the non-alcoholic version
Don't skimp on the whipped cream; it adds that extra touch of magic that makes all the difference. Getting the extracts just right can also take some practise. I recommend starting with 2 drops each and adding your cream soda, then taste and adjust.
For the warm Butterbeer
Optionally you can serve this garnished with whipped cream and butterscotch similar to the cold version.
For the frozen Butterbeer
Swap the vanilla vodka for spiced rum for a frozen SPICED butterbeer twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
214.78Fat
4 gSat. Fat
2.5 gCarbs
15.89 gFiber
1.08 gNet carbs
14.8 gSugar
14.2 gProtein
2.04 gSodium
25.9 mgCholesterol
12.94 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
The Ultimate Harry Potter Cocktails
Hosting a Harry Potter party? Well Butterbeer is just the start. I’ve created 4 cocktails, each one themed on a different Harry Potter house. Perfect for your Harry Potter movie marathon or party. You can view the full list of Harry Potter drinks and tips for hosting parties here. Or check out some of the below recipes for the specific house themed drinks.
Gryffindor Cocktail Recipe
Ravenclaw Cocktail Recipe
Slytherin Cocktail Recipe
Hufflepuff Cocktail Recipe
More Movie inspired Drinks
Movie inspired cocktails is kind of a little niche of mine here on this side of the internet. So if you like butterbeer, Assuming you like movies and drinks. In which case me and you are going to be best friends. Do you like Star Wars? Because I also have a Baby Yoda cocktail you can make.
Or perhaps you’re more of a Disney fan. In which case how about my Cruella De Vil cocktail.
Or how about any of these cocktails on my ultimate list of cocktails inspired by movies. or any of the below.
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
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