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Chilly, winter nights are upon us and we are all looking for ways to warm up. This old-fashioned Hot Buttered Bourbon cocktail is a delicious way to do just that. It is rich and creamy with hints of apple and cinnamon, and then there is the bourbon!

Two glasses with Hot Buttered Bourbon and a cinnamon stick, with a bottle of Four Roses bourbon in the background.

The first sip will bite. The second sip will have you guessing which flavor is in the background. By the fourth sip you notice the creamy butter flavor and how smooth it is going down. From this point forward you just sit back and enjoy every sip.

What you need to make this cocktail:

White bowls with bourbon, apple cider, butter and two cinnamon sticks and piece of nutmeg laying on a marble counter and title graphic running across the top.

I used Four Roses Bourbon because it is smooth and delicious on it’s own. Knob Creek is another good option, but a bit stronger.
Fresh nutmeg grated over the top with a microplane is ideal, but ground nutmeg can be substituted.
There is no substitute for real butter. Nothing can compare to the taste and texture.
If you cannot find apple cider, substitute unfiltered apple juice.

How to make a Hot Buttered Bourbon Cocktail.

Pour hot water into two small glasses or mugs, set aside.

Heat the bourbon, apple cider and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer.

Bourbon, apple cider and two cinnamon sticks in a saucepan.

Add the butter and stir until melted.

Bourbon, apple cider, two cinnamon sticks and two pieces of butter heated in a saucepan.

Remove the cinnamon sticks and dump the water out of the glasses. Divide the cocktail between the warm glasses, sprinkle with nutmeg and serve immediately.

Hot Buttered Bourbon with apple cider and cinnamon sticks.

Serve with fresh cinnamon sticks for a festive look.

I searched for the back history on this cocktail, but couldn’t really find anything. The only thing that I could find is that this is drink is beloved by Southerners of a certain age, and it was originally made with Wild Turkey bourbon.

What is the difference between Hot Buttered Rum and Hot Buttered Bourbon?

Hot Buttered Rum contains water and sugar, Hot Buttered Bourbon contains apple cider which adds sweetness without added sugar. Hot buttered bourbon is also a smaller portion. Both are delicious, but the bourbon version is my favorite!

More delicious hot alcoholic drinks:

Enjoy!!