After a bit of a break, we’re back with the fourth installment of our Bartender’s Favourite cocktail feature! Today is January 17th which means one thing - National Hot Buttered Rum Day! The perfect drink to help you warm up this winter! This delicious toddy is traditionally made with dark or spiced rum, brown sugar, and cloves. 

Believe it or not, this tasty cocktail was first invented during the colonial period. Back in the 1650s, Jamaica began importing molasses to Colonial America, and soon, rum was everywhere in New England. During the harsh winters, people began looking for new ways to enjoy their new favourite spirit. Most families had their own variations on hot buttered rum as they believed rum was nutritious and strengthened the body! 


The cocktail got a revival during the 1940s as a Tiki drink usually served in a ceramic mug or modified to become Coffee Grog. Today, it’s still a popular seasonal treat that helps get us through that January slump!  Some variations call for vanilla ice cream or Chai tea, while others like to use organic coconut oil to make it a bit healthier. The braver among us might even replace the water with cider! 


In this blog post, we’ll show you a selection of our delicious rums you can use to make it. And for those taking part in Dry January, we also have a no alcohol option too! 


Ingredients 

2 Parts rum of choice 

1 ½ teaspoons of brown sugar

1 teaspoon of Vanilla extract 

3 Cloves (optional)

1 Knob of unsalted butter

180ml of hot water

Pinch of Salt

Cinnamon stick and nutmeg, to garnish


Step 1) Combine butter, vanilla extract, sugar, spices and salt in a mixing bowl. Beat until well combined.


Step 2) In a heat-proof glass or mug, pour the rum into the spiced butter mixture and stir. The remaining batter can be stored in an airtight container in fridge for future use.


Step 3) Pour in the hot water and stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. Garnish with cinnamon stick and nutmeg.


Our Rum Recommendations 


Now that we’ve learned the history and how to make it, let’s get to the fun part: choosing the perfect rum to help you celebrate the day! 




1) Havana Club 7 Year Old Rum 


Our first choice is from this well-known brand that demonstrates great quality. Havana Club 7 Year Old is well balanced with rich, complex notes of vanilla, toasted oak and toffee apples. Finishes powerful and full-bodied with continued notes of honey, chocolate, cocoa, sweet tobacco, dry fruits, and spicy notes. Bound to help make a solid Hot Buttered Rum!


ABV: 40% | €38.50




2) Plantation Stiggins Smoky Formula Rum


A truly unique rum with delicious aromas of pineapple aged in peated whiskey barrels! This original creation offers delicious exotic notes enveloped in delicate smoke, born from the collaboration between Plantation Rum and the Irish distillery Teeling. This rum’s wonderfully exotic caramelized fruits, roasted spices, and citrus zest make it a fine choice!


ABV: 40% | €62.50




3) Diplomatico Mantuano Rum


Replacing the Diplomatico Reserva Rum, the Mantuano has been aged for up to 8 years. Mantuano is ideal for mixing in cocktails while also maintaining its complexity for those who prefer to drink it neat. Opens with aromas of dried plums, oak and a delicate spiciness. Complex and well-balanced on the palate, following on with notes of dried fruits, wood, and vanilla.

ABV: 40% | €40.00




4) Saison Reserve Rum


From Jérome Tessendier, who is famed for making superb cognacs, comes Saison Reserve Rum. Think plentiful notes of dried fruit, caramel, manuka honey, and exotic spices. This rum is a blend of three different terroirs: Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad which have been primarily aged in American white oak casks for up to eight years before being finished for twelve months in French oaks barrels.


ABV: 43.5% | €47.95




5) Pusser's Blue Label Rum


A Royal Navy style rum inspired by the Admiralty’s blending recipe last used in the 1970s. Deliciously smooth with flavours of demerara sugar, molasses, dried fruits, island spices, and caramel with a mild burn on the finish. Works fabulous for cocktails and has just the right depth and kick for a Hot Buttered Rum!


ABV: 42% | €40.00



6) Akal Chai Rum


The first and only ultra premium Chai Rum in the world rated at a rare 95 points. High altitude, single estate teas from India are combined with aromatic, tropical botanicals and then blended into limited reserve West Indies rum which is aged in bourbon barrels. Expect sophisticated and complex slightly nutty notes which evolve quickly into caramel and vanilla with a final tingling spice note. 


ABV: 30% | €54.50




7) Foursquare Spiced


A superb spiced rum flavoured with real spices and herbs, unlike most popular brands. Expect a complex array of sweet Caribbean spices with a slight ginger finish. Try this in a Mojito to give the cocktail an extra kick! The spicy backbone makes this a superb choice for a Hot Buttered Rum!


ABV: 40% | €47.50




8)  Flor de Cana 5 Year Old Gold


This is a fantastic golden 5 year old rum that has won more than twelve international medals including a Gold Medal and a Best in Class at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2005 and 2007 respectively. This rum’s soft entry leads to a round, dry, medium-bodied palate with caramel, sugar cane, and peppery spice flavours. Finishes with a dash of toasted coconut shavings and pepper. Very clean and pure. Perfect for mixing in a Hot Buttered Rum or other rum-based cocktails.


ABV: 40% | €33.00 




9) Caleno Dark & Spicy


Looking for an alcohol-free option? Then this golden and spicy non-alcoholic rum is the one for you! Packed with flavours of pineapple, coconut, ginger, black cardamom, vanilla, kola nut, lime, and spices. All the incredible flavours of a Hot Buttered Rum without the guilt!  We recommend trying this one over ice, with a generous squeeze of lime, and topped with ginger ale for a flavour fiesta! 


ABV: 0% | €27.50


We hope you enjoyed our blog post! If you can’t find the perfect rum, then make sure to check out our full range of fantastic rums here. And be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram @Irishdrinkshop this #NationalHotButteredRumDay! We’d love to see your fabulous creations! Slainté! 


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