Every Harry Potter fan knows what Butterbeer is. But if you’re a muggle and have no idea what it is, here’s a quick lesson for you:
Butterbeer-101
Butterbeer is the most popular beverage in the Wizarding world. It’s sold all over the wizarding world either hot or cold as the weather permits. The author has described it as tasting like butterscotch, but less sickly-sweet.
Butterbeer has a very small alcoholic content – low enough that underage kids can also drink it, and high enough to get house elves drunk. But don’t worry, the elves make themselves a kick-ass hangover cure for Butterbeer.
For a long time, we wondered what this magical drink would taste like. We need not wonder any more. All we need to do, is get to Orlando’s Universal Studios. The Harry Potter World at the park serves Butterbeer, both hot and cold. But since the park caters to patrons of all ages, you can get an alcoholic version for the grown-ups and a non-alcoholic version for the little elves in the family. And they both taste excellent!
Creation of Butterbeer
It is said that the Executive Chef of Universal Parks and Resorts began developing Butterbeer three years before the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at the park. He met with J.K.Rowling, toured places in Great Britain that inspired her to write about Butterbeer (including Hogs Head Pub in Edinburgh), and developed several versions of the drink. These drinks were then served to J.K.Rowling, who then picked the one that was the clear winner, which is what’s being served at the park today.
This one here, is a clear winner. It’s simple and comes very close to tasting like the real deal. Sure, nothing is as good as the ones served at the Harry Potter world, but this one comes very, very close. I wish it was a little fizzier though, the one at the park maintained its intense fizziness till the last sip, but I’m sure that can be fixed by running them through a siphon.
For us home cooks without the fancy tools of a professional kitchen, this recipe is a compromise that’s easily made. And until the next trip the Universal Studios, this should do quite nicely!
Thanks to DesignDazzle for creating this simple, 5-Ingredient magical replica of the most coveted wizarding drink.
Note to readers in India
– You can make your own marshmallow creme from scratch using this recipe or buy it from Amazon India for a slightly higher price.
– You should find the butter and rum extracts + whipping cream in Waltax Road, Chennai. See my post on Chennai Baker’s Guide for more details.
This recipe makes quite a lot, so it’s best made for a large gathering. Make the topping in advance and refrigerate for up to a week. Mix the flavouring into the cream soda and refrigerate. When ready to use, assemble and serve immediately.
5-Ingredient Non-Alcoholic Butterbeer
- Prep Time:5m
- Total Time:5m
- Serves: 10
- Yield: 2 litres
Ingredients
- 2 litres Vanilla Flavoured Cream Soda
- 2 tbsp. butter extract
- 2 tsp. rum extract
For the creme topping
- 200 g (7oz) marshmallow creme
- 1 c whipping cream
- 1 tsp. rum extract
Instructions
- Pour the butter extract and rum extract into the 2 litre cream soda bottle. Gently roll back and forth on the counter a few times to disperse the flavours without agitating the gas. Chill until ready to use.
- To prepare the cream topping, combine the marshmallow cream, whipping cream and rum extract in a bowl. With an electric mixer, whisk on high till you get soft peaks.
- To serve, place a tablespoon of topping cream in the glass, and pour the soda over the cream for a frothier topping. Else, you can spoon the frosting over a cold glass of cream soda for a more creamier topping.
Jane says
Since your adding the butter and Rum extracts why can’t you just use vanilla extract? much cheaper then what the vanilla cream soda costs. I don’t have a clue on how much to add but maybe someone else can give it a try and let us know, I’m not able to play with it right now maybe next week.
mycuppatea says
I absolutely love this recipe! Tasted exactly like the one I had in Harry Potter Studios! Definitely 5 stars. Thanks so much for helping me with this.
amanda says
boo that cream soda on amazon.ca is over $100 crazy and don’t think it is sold here in Canada. do you think clear cream soda with vanilla flavouring would work?
Tina Dawson says
I haven’t tried it myself, but why ever not! Give it a go! And yes, I’m with you, $100 is crazy to give to cream soda! It retails here for like a dollar or two.
Melinda Edwards says
Can one make the cream up ahead of time or will it not hold?
Tina Dawson says
No it will hold. Keeps well refrigerated for upto a week, I think, so yes, you can make it in advance.
Jennie says
Made this recipe for my son’s Hogwarts birthday party and it was perfect! We have been to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios and can vouch it tastes just like the real thing! Thanks for sharing!
Tina Dawson says
That makes me SO happy, Jennie! Thank you for letting me know!
Krista says
What do you mean by siphon to keep the fizziness? I can’t wait to try this, but would like a more fizzy drink. The alcoholic one I had was flat and it just didn’t taste right. I need to go to Universal Studios!
Tina Dawson says
It will be fizzy as long as you don’t let out too much of the soda gas while mixing the flavors into the bottle. I’d say do that just before serving.
Caitlyn (the world's no.1 Harry Potter fan) ? says
OMG this is the best recipe I ever saw. Thanks so much. I can’t wait until I get to make it. Oh, and I think the marshmallow fluff is a great substitute for the froth.
Kourtney says
Hello! I’m hoping to make this for my daughter’s HP this weekend. I’ve never heard of butter extract. Can you tell me where you can get it?
Tina Dawson says
If you are in the United states, you should find it in supermarkets like Kroger/Publix in the extracts section. I always get mine from Kroger.
Caitlyn (the world's no.1 Harry Potter fan) ? says
I’m in Australia. Were could I find it from here?
Tina Dawson says
I’m afraid I can’t speak to what’s available in Australia! 🙂 What exactly are you looking for Caitlyn?
AHarkins says
Try Amazon. They have everything.
Heather says
We loved the frozen version at the park. Any suggestions for obtaining that?
Tina Dawson says
I’ve never tried the frozen version, unfortunately, so have no background to work off of. But the next time I’m there, will definitely try and see if I can replicate it. Thanks for the idea!
Leamerking says
freeze the cream soda, then put in a blender.
Pauline Domenico says
Love this recipe, I’ve tried several and finally got a thumbs up from my grandchildren. I am going to omit the rhum extract from both the butterbeer and cream as it is quite overpowering. I tried to cut it in half on my second batch but it was still too strong. Must be an acquired taste…nevertheless, great recipe, thank you!!!
Tina Dawson says
I can understand about the rum extract. My husband feels the same way about it. I’m glad you and your grand kids enjoyed them!
Jonathan McIntosh says
I, um… well my cream topping fell apart. I think I over whipped it. Now it’s a gloppy mess… but I will try again!
Thanks for the recipe.
Tina Dawson says
I’m so sorry to hear that – yes, it definitely sounds like over-whipping! Whip only till the marshmallow creme and whipping cream are combined – make sure they’re all cold! Good luck! 🙂
Tracy says
This is so fun – what a great idea! And yes, the best part DOES look like it’s that marshmallow creme frosting! What a great treat!
Tina Dawson says
It absolutely is… I love that little marshmallow mustache we get while drinking this… no straws please! 🙂
Deanna says
oh my! Now this sounds so divine!!!!!!
Tina Dawson says
You have no idea, Deanna!
Suzy says
OMG what a clever idea! thanks for sharing!
Tina Dawson says
No problem Suzy!
Lindsay Cotter says
Love this fun non-alcoholic version! So easy to make at home! Will be a big hit with kids!
Tina Dawson says
It absolutely will, Lindsay!
sandi G says
Oh my gosh this version looks delicious. My kids will love it.
Tina Dawson says
As someone who’s more kid than adult, I can vouch for that, Sandi!:)
Suchi @elegant meraki says
Well you can tell that I am not a fan of Harry Porter but looks like I will be fan of wizard drinks. I am gonna send my brother this recipe he is huge fan!