Have you wondered about butterbeer since the first Harry Potter book? We’re sharing the easiest butterbeer recipe using only three ingredients! Learn how to make it and more fun details about this yummy drink.
Butterbeer appears throughout the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels. The drink first appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which is the third book in the series.
The author gives few details on the actual taste or how it’s made. However, it has become a symbol of the Potter universe, especially since fans can now drink it at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
It the perfect drink to serve if you’re hosting a fun Halloween party or a Harry Potter-themed party! Set up a station for guests to make their own or have a tray prepared with glasses filled with butterbeer!
Before you try our recipe, scroll through to learn more about butterbeer’s interesting history, and find out whether the popular drink has alcohol.
What Is Butterbeer Made Of?
Recipes online vary, but the easiest way to make it is using these 3 ingredients:
- Cream Soda
- Butterscotch Syrup – Purchase it here.
- Butter Extract – Purchase it here.
Lower Sugar Alternative for Butterbeer
If you’re looking to make butterbeer with lower sugar, try using Zevia Cream Soda. It’s a naturally sweetened, zero sugar, cream soda with a vanilla, butter flavor. It’s very flavorful and goes great with this recipe.
Rimming the Glass
To add a little more charm to the glass, rim it with yellow sprinkles! Wet the outer edge and rim of the glass with water and then dip it into a plate of sprinkles. Roll it around until the entire rim is coated.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Butterbeer Recipe
- Rim the inside of the glass with butterscotch syrup and let it drip down the sides.
- Fill the glass with a few ice cubes and add the cream soda and butter extract into the glass.
- Stir and enjoy it!
Is There Alcohol in Butterbeer?
Although the brew in the Harry Potter books has a slight alcohol content, the version served at Universal Studio pubs is alcohol-free and kid-friendly. Think of it as Hogwart’s version of root beer, misnamed but still delish.
What Does Butterbeer Taste Like?
JK Rowling describes butterbeer as a little more sickly than butterscotch. That probably means it’s even sweeter than butterscotch if that’s possible. Online reviewers who had it at Universal say butterbeer tastes like a coke float or really sweet birch beer. Since Rowling made it up for the books, it’s probably open to interpretation.
How Does JK Rowling Describe Butterbeer?
Butterbeer is described as tasting a little bit like butterscotch. It’s served at numerous locations within the Harry Potter wizarding world. In the books, the drink has some alcohol. Hermione, Harry, Ron and other wizards and witches drank it when visiting Hogsmeade.
Who Invented Butterbeer?
Butterbeer may be based on a drink from the 16th century. Buttered beer is referenced in a cookbook from 1588. That recipe included sugar, nutmeg, eggs, beer, cloves and, of course, butter.
Steve Jayson is the man behind the 21st-century version available at Universal Studios. As the Corporate Executive Chef of Universal Orlando, Jayson brought the drink to life after the Harry Potter attractions opened at the amusement park.
Today, butterbeer is the preferred beverage at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. You can order butterbeer at Hogsmeade, located in the Islands of Adventure, and at Diagon Alley, located in Universal Studios.
Frozen Butterbeer
There are now three ways to enjoy butterbeer. The cream soda and butterscotch drink with a sweet topping originally came in cold and frozen versions. Later, universal began serving steaming hot butterbeer. You can also get butterbeer fudge and ice cream.
Whichever incarnation of this sweet drink you prefer, drinking it is sure to put a smile on your face. If you’re really in the mood to relive the Harry Potter adventures, pop in one of the movies as you sip on this delicious beverage and catch up with good friends.
Since Universal has never spilled the butterbeer regarding the actual ingredients, it remains a bit of a mystery. Try our recipe for a neat theme drink at a party or get-together.
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Easy Butterbeer Recipe
Ingredients
- 11 ounces cream soda, 10-12 ounces works. Whatever fills the cup.
- 1 tsp butter extract
- 2 tbsp butterscotch syrup, This is used to rim the glass.
Instructions
- If you're going to rim the glass with sprinkles, you'll do that first. Wet the rim of the glass with water and dip into a plate full of sprinkles.
- Rim the inside of the glass with butterscotch syrup and let it drip down the sides.
- Add ice to the glass and pour in the cream soda.
- Add in the butter extract.
- Stir and enjoy!
Betsy says
My kids are going to FLIP over this drink! So delicious. Even without the cool Harry Potter theme, this drink is so perfect for the kids because it’s so good!
April says
This is probably one of the easiest butterbeer recipes I’ve tried. Yummy!
Lisalia says
Just PERFECT! This was my fave treat at WDW. And now I can make it at home without all the fuss and mess. A simple and classic recipe. Thanks for this yummy recipe
Chelle Thompson says
I like this dish. It’s great and delicious. Your recipe is awesome. I followed it. After that, I did better than I expected. Before, I rarely made this dish but now I love to make it. Thank you very much for your great sharing. Yummy…