Books

7 Butterbeer Recipes To Enjoy This Fall

by Julia Seales

Harry Potter fans first read about Butterbeer in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Students took trips to Hogsmeade, where they tasted the sweet beverage at the Three Broomsticks. Harry believes it is “the most delicious thing he'd ever tasted” and describes how it “seemed to heat every bit of him from the inside.” So how does it really taste, and how can you make Butterbeer? I'm here to tell you.

Obviously, Potter fans were entranced by this beverage. If something is described as the most delicious thing someone has ever tasted, readers aren’t content to just accept that — they want to taste it for themselves. And though you can now purchase Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it’s a foam-topped cream soda type beverage that doesn’t quite match the book description (though it is honestly pretty delicious).

Luckily, there are tons of Potter fans who are also fantastic chefs, and number one on the list of Harry Potter food and drinks to cook is Butterbeer. Forget pumpkin juice, fire whisky, and any of the various confections described at Hogwarts feasts (well maybe don't completely forget them, because there are so many opportunities to make great HP-inspired cocktails) — the truly great beverage in the Harry Potter universe will always be Butterbeer. It signified Harry’s rebellion and freedom when he escaped to Hogsmeade, the thrill of exploring the magical world, and the comfort of friendship. This is a truly magical beverage. Here are a few enchanting recipes that will warm you from the heart — and the stomach. The best part is that many of them use similar ingredients, so you have the perfect excuse to try them all.

1. Universal-Style Butterbeer

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Ingredients needed:

  • Cream Soda
  • Heavy Cream
  • Butterscotch Sauce

This is the classic recipe that tastes like the Butterbeer you'll find at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Find the full recipe from Bake Me Away.

2. Frozen Butterbeer

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Ingredients needed:

  • Cream Soda
  • Whipping Cream
  • Butterscotch Topping
  • A Blender

This one's also served in the parks, but the only difference is that you'll need a blender to mix the frozen concoction. Find the full recipe from No Biggie.

3. The Butterbeer Milkshake

Ingredients needed:

  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Cream Soda
  • Butterscotch Syrup
  • Whipped Cream
  • Butterscotch Chips

If you love the idea of frozen Butterbeer, but you want to go full milkshake, this is the recipe for you. It blends the butterscotch and cream soda flavors with actual ice cream, so you get full frozen perfection. Find the full recipe from The Disney Diner.

4. Vegan Butterbeer

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Ingredients needed:

  • Club Soda
  • Butterscotch Syrup
  • Vegan Butter

Just sub out the butter and you have an alternative, vegan option for everyone's favorite wizard drink. Find the full recipe from I Eat Grass.

5. Boozy Butterbeer

Ingredients needed:

  • Butterscotch Schnapps
  • Whipped Cream Flavored Vodka
  • Cream Soda
  • Marshmallow Fluff

Want to amp up your Butterbeer recipe? This boozy, sweet recipe is great for parties. Find the full recipe from Intoxicology, and find the enchanting Butterbeer bottle above from TheGloomyLight on Etsy.

6. Boozy Vegan Butterbeer

Ingredients needed:

  • Bottled Dark Beer
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Dairy-free Soy Margarine
  • Dairy-free Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Dairy-Free Vanilla Soy Milk

For vegans looking for a ~boozier~ Butterbeer recipe, this one is sure to please. It gets extra points, because it uses actual beer as an ingredient. Find the full recipe from About Food, and pour your finished creation into the above mug by OhSoCraftyByJennie on Etsy.

7. Classic Hot Butterbeer

Ingredients needed:

  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Brown Sugar
  • Hot Butterscotch Topping
  • Cream Soda

You can't go wrong with the classic hot Butterbeer, as described by J.K. Rowling herself. Butterbeer is supposed to warm you up, and this sweet, hot classic will do just that. Find the recipe from The Tiptoe Fairy.

Images: Giphy (2)