Butterbeer Recipe

Have you ever wondered what butterbeer tastes like or how it’s made? Here’s everything you need to know about the wizarding world’s favorite drink, along with some easy recipes you can try at home.

This easy, family-friendly butterbeer recipe is inspired by the iconic drink from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It combines a cream soda base with a rich, buttery foam topping.

Ingredients

For the base

• 4 cups chilled cream soda
• ¼ cup butterscotch syrup 

For the topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp sugar (white granulated or powdered)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup melted butter, unsalted 

Instructions

1. Create the butterscotch base: In a large pitcher, combine the chilled cream soda and butterscotch syrup. Stir gently until the syrup is fully incorporated.
2. Make the buttery foam: Using a stand mixer or a mixing bowl with a hand mixer, whisk the heavy cream until it starts to form soft peaks. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes thick and stiff peaks form.
3. Assemble the butterbeer: Pour the cream soda mixture into mugs or glasses, filling them about three-quarters of the way.
4. Add the foam: Spoon or pipe a generous amount of the buttery foam onto the top of each drink.
5. Serve and enjoy: For an extra flourish, drizzle additional butterscotch syrup over the foam. Serve immediately.

Pro tips and variations

• For a richer flavor: Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in the foam for a smoother texture.
• For an alcoholic version: For adults, add 1.5 oz of vanilla vodka and 1 oz of butterscotch schnapps to each glass before adding the cream soda base.
• For frozen butterbeer: Blend the chilled cream soda with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and some butterscotch syrup. Top with the buttery foam.
• For hot butterbeer: Heat milk, butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a saucepan. Serve warm and top with the buttery foam for a cozy treat. 

Frequently asked questions

Did they drink butterbeer in Harry Potter?

Yes, butterbeer is a popular drink in the wizarding world and is frequently consumed by Harry, Ron, and Hermione at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade.

How many calories are in butterbeer?

The calorie content varies depending on the specific recipe. The Universal Studios version is a rich and sugary drink, and copycat versions can range from 110 to over 370 calories per serving.

Is butterscotch beer the same as butterbeer?

While some commercial products like “Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer” are designed to taste similar to butterbeer, they are not the same product. They can be great alternatives, but they are not the officially licensed product from Universal Studios.

Can kids drink butterbeer?

Yes, the butterbeer at Universal Studios is non-alcoholic and safe for children. If making it at home, be sure to use a non-alcoholic recipe, as the one presented here is. If you’re adapting an alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol to make it kid-friendly.

Looking for more drinks recipes? Explore our drinks section.