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I think I am one of the few people in the universe who has not read the Harry Potter series. Although I love to read, I have commitment issues when it comes to reading books, and a whole series is just more than my ADD attention span can handle.
My husband and son are big fans of the book series, so when we recently went to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and were immersed into the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter, they were just a tad bit stoked. I knew enough from watching some of the movies to be enchanted as well. Walking through the streets you immediately felt transported to another land.
To be honest with you, even though I don’t know much about Harry Potter, I was willing to hang out anywhere that had this delicious drink concoction called Butterbeer. Apparently, Butterbeer is the beverage of choice for the Wizards at Hogwarts Academy. One sip from the closest beverage cart and I was hooked. In fact, we had so many great things to eat and drink on our vacation, but of all of it, my craving for Butterbeer hasn’t ceased.
Our friend Katie gets her first sip of Butterbeer!
What does a food blogger do when they are craving something? First beg Chef Steven Jayson, who created the recipe, to share his secret. When this results in no avail, scour the internet trying to find copycat recipes or create the recipe itself. The Butterbeer created by the chef at Islands of Adventure and approved by J.K. Rowlings herself is a buttery and creamy mixture made without ice cream. I found this recipe on Fox News and decided it seemed the closest in ingredients to what I tasted at Islands of Adventure in Orlando. Close, but not quite… but delicious nonetheless! To get the real thing, I think I’m just going to have to go back to Universal Studios in Orlando…sooner rather than later!
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5 from 2 votes
Almost Like Butterbeer from Harry Potter
adapted from a Fox News recipe
Author Dine & Dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream divided
- 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
- Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda
Instructions
In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer.
Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.
To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.
I’m sharing this post as part of the I’m Lovin’ It roundup on TidyMom!
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reader Interactions
Comments
thepickyeater says i’m a big HP fan….and i love the books and wands in the background !! magical post indeed 🙂
- Kitten with a Whisk says
I found the Butterbeer to be a bit too sweet for my taste. I will say that I was so mad when after I bought mine, I was informed they served it frozen as well. Next time, I’ll get it frozen.
.
- Kristen says
I loved it, but those people (like my husband) who thought it was too sweet did like the frozen version a lot better!
- SuperJenn says
Um. … YEAH!!! Butterbeer. Oh my goodness.
No other words…nothing seriously intelligent to say… looks GREAT!! LOL - Esi says
Are you kidding me? This is awesome. I love all things HP.
So fun! My hubby and I have both read all of the books (and, I am currently re-reading them to keep myself occupied while I am recovering!)… I will have to make this the next time we get together with our other Potter-fanatic friends 🙂
- Cookbook Queen says
This looks so good. I’ll have to try it since I wont be at Harry Potter Land anytime soon. My son would love making it with me!!
- Amanda says
OMG! Butterbeer! I am a huge HP fan and being the foodie that I am, I often thought about what butterbeer might taste like while reading the books. And now I can give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
- SMITH BITES says
oh yeah . . . come to mama, you little butterbeer, you . . . and honestly? it’s almost 100 degrees today and this little gem would taste mighty fine, oh yes indeedy!! HUGE HP fan and have wanted to hit that theme park since it opened – have heard nothing but rave reviews!!!
- Deliciously Organic says
Oh, wow. I cannot wait to try this. Thank you!!
OMG I am such a book freak that I about had a heart attack to see a drink perched atop a book!! I am always after my husband about this – he has no qualms about using my books as coasters if I leave one laying around near his spot at the table. Eeek!! 🙂
I remember when I first read a story about the Harry Potter series in a magazine many years ago. I actually bought the first two books early on before HP became a phenomena here in “The States” and when I’d bring them to work to read on my break everybody wanted to know what Harry Potter was!
This sounds like sweet drink that’s for sure – I love the cream soda added, but it’s sort of born from a buttered rum it seems. Funny that JK just made it up! I saw that you had to consume it right away and that several had try to smuggle one out of the park but it didn’t last. Wonder why? Maybe I’ll get to try one myself at Universal. 🙂
- Kristen says
Mary – that totally cracks me up! I never even thought twice about putting the glass on top of the book 🙂 Sorry to unnerve you 😉
- Marla says
OMG – this caramely soda drinky sounds fantastic. I can see why it governed your trip & cravings 🙂
I am not a Harry Potter fan either, I too lack commitment! However, from the moment you initially posted about this beverage, I was smitten! So glad you found a substitute, we can’t wait to try it.
- Asha says
Rest assured you’re not the only one. I finally started reading the books two weeks ago! Nice post. The drink looks so yummy.
- Sara says
I LOVE Harry Potter and I LOVE this recipe! My hubby and I went to Universal a few weeks ago and the frozen butterbeer is the best. I cannot wait to try this out.
- Wenderly says
I have never read Harry Potter either Kristen! I thought that I was the only one!
That butterbeer looks lip-licking-good!
I must be out of the loop b/c I’d never even heard of this before, but it sounds addictive!
- dan says
A tasty heart-attack in a glass. You must need to be a wizard to zap all the fat and cholesterol away 🙂
On that same note, I must try it at least once in my life. Ohhhhhh.
- Allison [Haute Box] says
I haven’t read the Harry Potter series either, most likely for the same reason….commitment issues and attention span. However, you def have my attention on this butterbeer!
- Karly says
I’ve always imagined the butterbeer to taste quite a bit like a rootbeer float. I might just have to go ahead and test it out. My HP-lovin’ son would love this!
- Nelly Rodriguez says
Definitely bookmarking this to make on the weekend!! YUM!
- Bee says
I’ve been looking for a good way to copy butterbeer, and maybe even add some liquor to it. I think subbing the rum flavoring for actual rum might do the trick 🙂
- Andrew says
Thumbs up for the little kid!
Butter beer , it is DELICIOUS! I highly recommend using your recipe! HAHA! I’m with you with the commitment issues. The book has to be pretty outstanding for me to read it… and I don’t think I could ever get through the whole HP series.
But gosh darn it you have me drooling with the butterbeer recipe. How freakin’ clever!
- Steve @ HPD says
so, sort of a hot buttered rum, except not hot, and with no rum, and lots of other stuff … so, i guess i have no idea what it is!! cheers!
- Julie M. says
Kristen, this looks fabulous! I have to admit that I’ve never read the series either. I do however, have the first book on request from the library to start reading with the boys. I think I’ll make a batch of this beer once we start reading; yum!
- TidyMom says
I haven’t read the books either Kristen………but my girls are BIG fans!!
I’ll have to make this for them!
- Heather says
Thank you!! Just what I needed for my daughter’s Harry Potter birthday party later this month! I can’t wait to try and make it! 🙂
- Kristen@PrettySweet says
Woo hoo! I’m excited that you found a recipe! I love HP and think this butterbeer would great for a party celebrating the last movie coming out soon. =)
I too have difficulty committing myself to reading books and series but HP captivated me. Loved it! Thanks for the butterbeer!
- Bakerbynature says
My nephews are hooked on this stuff; I was just glad to find out there was no real beer in it; for them… they are 8 and 12. Looks frothy and refreshing.
What a fun drink! I’m not even a HP fan, but I would totally try this.
I’d like to invite you to share this recipe on my weekly link-up, Sweet Tooth Friday. I hope to see you there. http://alli-n-son.com/2011/06/02/mini-peach-cobblers
- Tracy says
I haven’t read the books either, but my sister made me watch all the movies when she stayed with us over her winter break so now I’m a HP fan. 🙂 I can’t wait to make this for her; I know she’ll love it!
- MikeVFMK says
Kristen, I haven’t read the entire series either. Matter of fact, I didn’t read anything beyond the first one. Better hurry before all the Potterheads come chasing after me!
Love the look of the drink. It would surely quench my terrible thirst right now!
I went to Islands of Adventure in April and LOVED the butterbeer. I wish they sold it in cans or something so I could take it home!
I wonder why it has ‘beer’ in the name. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, but I always wondered if she meant it to actually be alcoholic. They did order it in bars… either way, I’m all over trying this recipe when we re-watch all the movies right before the next one comes out!
- Kristen says
I often wondered that too – I think because people kind of relate it to a root beer type drink. However, in doing some reading it appears that if certain characters drink it, they do get a bit tipsy. I’m not a HP reader, so I’m not sure… Good questions 🙂
- Randi says
It is, in fqct, alcoholic in the books-albeit minimally so. You would have to drink quite a bit to get tipsy. It seems it’s only really very potent to house elves, and even they have to drink a few to get there =] hope that helps.
- Prince says
Just thought I’d let you non-Harry Potter fans know that the reason its called “Butterbeer” is because in the books, the drink has a miniscule amount of alcohol in it. To get tipsy from it would mean drinking quite a bit, which left people confused when Hermione got tipsy that one time. hahaha
As for this recipe, I haven’t tried it yet, but I intend to. I’ve read every book ever since I was a child, and the final movie is out in a few weeks.
I’m totally in Harry Potter mode right now. lol
I’ve seen this recipe before on the Fox thing, but now that I’ve seen that others have tried it and liked it, I’ll give it a go sometime.
Thanks!
- Professor Ritadi says
Currently getting ready for a week of Harry Potter (beginning July 11, and leading up to the midnight premiere of the last movie), so my kids and I are in total Harry Potter fan mode right now. 😉 Thank you for the recipe – I will definitely have to try it. (I had created my own simple version just using gingerale & butterscotch syrup for several HP parties in the past.) Maybe it won’t be as sweet if I use gingerale instead of cream soda.
BTW – I have often heard Gingerale referred to as Gingerbeer in BBC productions, so although it makes us in the USA think of an alcoholic beverage, it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be. Yes, in the books JKR does say that it contains a tiny bit of alcohol, (as Winky the house-elf gets drunk after drinking several bottles of it – HPGoF) but I imagine it to have about as much as a bottle of ODouls beer, which, although it is marketed as an non-alcoholic beer, does contain a tiny bit, 0.5%.
Anyway, looking so forward to the last movie, and our week of partying!
🙂 - monica says
Hey! can i replace cream soda with ginger beer?
- Nathan says
From my experience, Ginger Beer is well…very Ginger-y. It’s not really a sweet soda, more peppery flavor. The only use I’ve seen it for is Moscow Mules, a vodka drink. The flavor of Ginger Beer is more or less a liquid “Pickled Ginger,” the pink stuff you get with sushi. But, to each person’s taste, you may end up liking it.
- Andy says
Paula Deen would love this.
- Belle says
I just made this recipe. It’s delicious, if not a not too sweet. It tastes just like what I had in Orlando Studios.
- Nathan says
When I returned from Universal, I HAD to have this drink again. The recipe that I was able to create is pretty spot on, the only problem I had was the “foam” layering on top, and the “foam” not causing the soda to bubble over. Perhaps using a natural Cream Soda would work rather than a more carbonated can one. Anyway, what I did (it’s shorter steps, but product may be harder to come by,)
Mixed 3/4 Cream Soda and 1/4 Root Beer in a Pint Glass (after all, I figured the Beer in butterbeer had to have something)
Next, I took ISLAND OASIS Ice Cream (you can get it @ restaurant supply store) It’s the liquid that restaurants like Olive Garden/Red Lobster, others use in their Island Oasis Machines (those blender things they use to make Daquiris) They come in Quarts and have a creamy texture already.
Then, I took, 1/2 a teaspoon of Butterscotch Pudding Powder and mixed that into the foam.
Finished!
Again, the only obstacle I found to matching the recipe from Universal, was getting the Cream to float, perhaps whipping rather than stirring would help. And for someone not in the restaurant business, finding the Oasis mix may be hard. But next time you’re at the restaruant, ask if you can buy one off of them, I’m sure they’d be happy to sell. Next up, creating an alcoholic version. - Lynetta Warren says
I just returned from Universal/Isalnds of Adventure and the frozen butterbeer was AWESOME!!!!! I have to try this recipe becuase out of everything I experienced on my Florida vacation, that butter beer is what I miss the most! I was actually looking online to see if they shipped it when I found this recipe! Go figure! LOL
- Barbara says
We just spent a week with Harry and Hermione in Orlando. I became addicted to butterbeer so I am excited to try to make it myself. But there is so much to be said for imbibing in the environment of Hogsmeade. However, when the final movie opens next week, it is imperative to raise a butter beer toast to the entire cast and crew! Long live the world of Harry Potter. It made kids love to read!
- Jen says
We are having a Harry Potter marathon and this stuff is DELICIOUS! We put it in the freezer for awhile, even better! We didn’t try it at the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter because the lines were so long, but I can’t imagine it tastes any better than this! Thanks for sharing!
- Mindi says
So excited! My son is having a having a HP birthday party next week!
- Julia says
I’ve never read or seen an HP book or movie…you’re not alone. But I’d drink this, yes I would. In fact, I might even have to make it, looks SUPER tasty!
- Jenn says
I am not an experienced cook, and I do not know exactly what cider vinegar is. After researching it, is it the same thing apple cider vinegar, or are they 2 seperate things?
Anyways, love Harry Potter and cannot wait to make this later today!!
- Ginnette says
Hi, I hope you can answer me… I don’t have cream soda in my country… do you think club soda will do the job?? I am dying to try the butterbeer! Thanks
- Yeesha says
Yes, club soda will work too. 🙂
- Shane says
This is the best video for a amazing recipe for Butter Beer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypnkVfwUUaM&feature=channel_video_title
- Alexial says
Actually the WWoHP reciepe is completely dairy free, foam and all.
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- karen says
I too am obsessed with recreating the butter beer from Universal. I have whipped together so many different cream sodas with vanilla ice cream and most recently caramel ice cream, so far they are close, but just not as good. They could totally market butter beer in stores, I would buy it!!!
- Pepper Mint says
I wonder what this would be like with Guinness instead of cream soda…
- Matt says
What if you only want to make two glasses???? Would the ingredients change????
- Jaron DeVito says
This is great! i’ve never known how to make Butter Beer. I wish i could make it now but i dont have the ingredients to make it. i am glad i know how to make it.
- Delight Davoli says
We need to try it out.
Can’t wait to try this…we just got back from our trip and I’m craving this stuff!!
- Marion says
This very simple recipe was a hit with my family. Squeeze some caramel ice cream topping (Smuckers)into the bottom of a cup, fill the cup with cream soda to about 1-2 inches from the top, add whipped whipping cream and give a stir. Delicious!
- Kristen says
That sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
- Nova says
The butterbeer in the book was served hot.
- Rebecca C. says
Best Butterbeer recipe I’ve tried. I made this for my sisters surprise Hogwarts birthday dinner and she loved it. Thank you! Her boyfriend thought it tasted just like Universal’s and we were there less than 4 months ago. - Frances says
Tastes just like the butter beer that we had in Orlando!
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