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This easy Harry Potter Butterbeer recipe is every bit as delicious as the version we love from Universal Studios. It’s one of our favorite wizarding treats and the best part is that with just four ingredients, it’s super easy to make too!
Originally posted January 2021 – Updated June 2024
Because my girls and I are such big Harry Potter fans, one of our favorite things to do is head to Universal and spend our day in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. While the rides are amazing (Hagrid’s is by far our favorite), I never leave without ordering a tall glass of butterbeer for me and my girls to share!
It’s so good that I just had to figure out a way to make it at home. I experimented with a few different ingredients, adding extracts and other ingredients, but I found that the simplest recipe was actually the very best!
So you don’t need to buy any special extracts or even turn on the stovetop for this recipe. All you need is four ingredients and you’ll have a butterbeer that’s every bit as good as the one you’d get in the parks.
The bonus? It’s perfect for Harry Potter movie nights and birthday parties too!
Tip: Did you know that there are multiple versions of butterbeer at the parks, from ice cream to fudge? If you’re planning to visit soon, I’ve got everything you need to know about Butterbeer At Universal Studios, from all the delicious varieties to where you can find each one in the park!
What is Butterbeer?
In the Harry Potter books, this tasty drink is a favorite among the wizarding students at Hogwarts. If you’re wondering what butterbeer tastes like, it’s described in the book as a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch. That may not sound too appetizing but trust me, there’s a reason why it’s their favorite drink!
Does Butterbeer have alcohol?
Though the version in the book has a small alcohol content (it’s known to get the house elves a little tipsy), most of the real-life recipes don’t contain alcohol. That being said, I have made a tasty alcoholic butterbeer with Butterscotch Schnapps and vanilla vodka.
What is Butterbeer made of?
In the books, Butterbeer is made of just three ingredients: butterscotch, sugar and water. However, we muggles make it a little differently.
I’ve found that there’s actually more than one way to make this recipe. Most have a cream soda base and use anything from butterscotch syrup, caramel syrup, heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, rum extract, melted butter, butter extract and sometimes even brown sugar.
But after testing several versions, I learned that the easiest way is actually the best. All you need are four simple ingredients to make the perfect butterbeer recipe (three if you want to cheat)!
Ingredients
Our easy recipe has just four ingredients:
- Cream soda
- Butterscotch syrup
- Heavy Whipping Cream*
- Powdered Sugar*
Tip: Don’t want to make whipped cream from scratch? You can skip the heavy whipping cream and sugar and use store-bought whipped cream instead.
How to make Butterbeer
Step 1: Start by preparing the whipped cream. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Once soft peaks begin to form, add the powdered sugar.
Step 2: Continue to whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
Step 3: Now pour approximately two ounces of cream soda and a tablespoon of caramel syrup into each mug. (This recipe makes two servings).
Step 4: Mix together. You’ll want to be sure the syrup and cream soda are well blended.
Step 5: Pour in the remaining cream soda.
Step 6: Stir gently, just until ingredients are mixed. Be sure you don’t stir too much or you’ll lose some of the carbonation).
Step 7: Top with whipped cream. I like to use an icing bag to make it pretty but that’s totally up to you!
Step 8: Add a little butterscotch topping over the whipped cream
We like to serve ours in mugs but you can use tall glasses or even some fun Hogwarts inspired tumblers.
Where can you buy butterbeer?
If you want to buy butterbeer already made, you won’t find a lot of options. You can buy Flying Cauldron Butterbeer on Amazon but otherwise you’ll have to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, take the Harry Potter Studios Tour in London or visit the Harry Potter store in NYC. Don’t worry though, this simple recipe tastes just like the real thing!
Try a Starbucks Butterbeer Frappuccino
I only recently discovered that Starbuck has a special Harry Potter frappuccino on their secret menu…pretty cool, right? Just order a Creme Frappuccino and ask for three pumps of caramel, three pumps of toffee nut syrup and a drizzle of caramel over the top.
More Butterbeer Recipe Ideas
- Hot Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Shots
- Butterbeer Jello Shots
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
- Butterbeer Fudge
- Butterbeer Poke Cake
- Butterbeer Cookies
- Butterbeer Cupcakes
- Butterbeer Pie
4.68 from 235 votes
Easy Butterbeer Recipe
Author Lisa O’Driscoll | Fun Money Mom
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
This easy butterbeer recipe tastes just like the drink you love from Universal. It's the perfect drink for Harry Potter birthday parties or just a fun movie night at home.
Equipment
1 Stand mixer
Measuring spoons
beer mug
1 icing bag
1 icing tip
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 cups cream soda
- 2 tbsp. butterscotch syrup
- Extra butterscotch to drizzle over the top
Instructions
With a stand or hand mixer, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
1/2 cup heavy cream
Add powdered sugar and continue to mix on high until stiff peaks form.
1 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar
Fill an icing bag (optional) and set aside.
Pour about two ounces of cream soda into each glass.
2 cups cream soda
Add one tablespoon of butterscotch syrup to each (add a little more if you want a stronger butterscotch flavor).
2 tbsp. butterscotch syrup
Stir until cream soda and butterscotch are blended.
Divide the remaining cream soda between the two glasses and stir gently. Don't stir too much though or you'll lose some of the carbonation.
Top butterbeer with whipped topping.
Drizzle with butterscotch syrup and enjoy.
Extra butterscotch to drizzle over the top
Video
Notes
- If you can’t find butterscotch syrup, butterscotch sauce is essentially the same thing.
- To save time, you can use store bought whipped cream instead of making your own.
- Make a frozen version by adding vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 68mg | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 0.2mg
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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So good, right? Check out my frozen butterbeer or even make some pumpkin juice! They’re perfect for your next Harry Potter movie marathon or party!
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