This recipe for Hot Vegan Butterbeer tastes just how you've pictured the most beloved drink in the Harry Potter Universe! With notes of warming spices and creamy butterscotch, it is also easily made into a spiked cocktail that is perfect for a cool evening.
Butterbeer FAQs
Butterbeer is a drink featured prominently in the Harry Potter universe, a popular series of books (and films). Butterbeer can be served hot or cold and is enjoyed by all ages in the series. It was first mentioned in the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Students who attend Hogwarts School will often purchase it on visits to Hogsmeade Village, at establishments like the Leaky Cauldron.
Yes, butterbeer has a very slight alcoholic content in the series, but really not enough to impact humans. House elves (like Winky), however, can easily get get intoxicated while drinking it. Butterbeer can be made with or without alcohol.
In the wizarding world, it is described as having a "less-sickly butterscotch flavor." It is available for purchase at Harry Potter theme parks as well.
It is possible that it draws inspiration from Buttered Beer, a beverage featured in A Good Huswifes Handmaide from the year 1594. During the Tudor period, this drink was made from beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter.
Ingredients to Make Vegan Butterbeer
- 1-2 TBS vegan butter, such as Miyokos
- ¼ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- ½ cup nondairy milk, such as almond or coconut, divided
- 1 tp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ TBS lemon juice
- Optional shot of vodka or creme soda
Some Tips to Perfect This Recipe
If you'd like a foamier final product, you may use a blender or steamer to whip some of the milk. The recipe will instruct where to do that, if you'd so choose. Vegan milk does not foam very easily but this can lend a bit of an airier quality to the final product.
Vodka is the best alcohol if you'd like to spike this recipe, and butterscotch schnapps would also be a nice (albeit sweeter) option if you have it on hand. I have also added light rum but this has a bit more of a "kick" to it, so keep that in mind.
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For an alcohol-free version, use a high quality creme soda (like Boylan's) to top if off.
I recommend that you make this recipe right before serving (instead of ahead). Nondairy milk can separate one it's been heated and cooled, so the best texture is guaranteed right after mixing.
More Warming Drink Recipes to Try Next
Vegan Butterbeer
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar slightly packed
- 3 TBS water
- 1-2 TBS high-quality vegan butter such as Miyokos (more butter will make it richer)
- ½ cup nondairy milk such as almond or coconut, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ TBS lemon juice
- 1.5 oz 1 shot vodka, optional
- Cream soda optional
Instructions
- In a small pot over medium heat, combine brown sugar and 3 TBS water. Stir until sugar starts to melt, 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in vegan butter, half (¼ cup) of the milk, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice. Remove from heat once butter melts and mixture is slightly thickened.
- For a foamier final beverage, whip the remaining ¼ cup milk in a mixer or frother with half of the butterscotch mixture. If you do not feel like doing this, feel free to add the remaining ¼ cup milk right into the pot.
- Carefully (it's still hot!), pour the butterscotch mixture into a large mug. If desired, top with a shot of vodka or a splash of cream soda (for fizz).
Sue0523 says
I love this! Perfect for a night like tonight- cold and wet.
Emily says
Yay, thank you for rating!
Harry P. says
Yum - can't wait to give this a try.
Emily says
I appreciate 5 stars, Harry!