Butterbeer Recipe (Harry Potter) (2024)

JUMP TO RECIPE

Sip your way into the magical world of Harry Potter with this sweet and frothy homemade Butterbeer recipe.

This recipe only has four ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes!

Butterbeer Recipe (Harry Potter) (1)

If you've ever dreamt of strolling down Diagon Alley or cozying up in the Three Broomsticks, you're not alone.

The Harry Potter books and movies have delighted fans for generations, and one of the most magical elements of this enchanting world is Butterbeer.

Whether you're a dedicated Potterhead, or just curious about what this sweet frothy concoction tastes like, I've got the perfect homemade Butterbeer recipe for you.

Jump to:
  • 🍺 What Is Butterbeer?
  • 🍻 Who Would Enjoy Butterbeer?
  • 🍦 Ingredients You'll Need
  • 🥛 Making the Recipe
  • 🖨 Printable Recipe

🍺 What Is Butterbeer?

Butterbeer is a beloved beverage in the Harry Potter series.

It's the wizarding world's equivalent of a comforting cream soda, served in a kid-friendly inn and pub called the Three Broomsticks in the village of Hogsmeade.

J.K. Rowling's books provide a vague description of this magical drink, saying it's "a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch", so the exact recipe is pretty much up to your interpretation.

However, fans around the world have attempted to recreate it, and this homemade Butterbeer recipe is my personal attempt.

My Butterbeer is a creamy butterscotch-flavoured beverage with a hint of fizz. The flavours are rich and comforting and are perfect for wandering the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade or curling up with a good book.

Butterbeer Recipe (Harry Potter) (2)

🍻 Who Would Enjoy Butterbeer?

Butterbeer is a fun treat for all ages! Here's why it's a drink that can enchant just about anyone:

Harry Potter Enthusiasts: For devoted fans of the Harry Potter series, Butterbeer is a taste of the wizarding world right in their own homes.

Families and Kids: Butterbeer's sweet, butterscotch flavours are a hit with children and adults alike. It's a wonderful treat to share with kids while you dive into the enchanting tales of Hogwarts.

Autumn Lovers: With its warm and comforting butterscotch notes, Butterbeer is a fantastic non-alcoholic fall drink.

Anyone with a Sweet Tooth: If you have a penchant for sweet treats, Butterbeer is sure to tickle your taste buds. It's a dessert in a glass, complete with a frothy, creamy top.

🍦 Ingredients You'll Need

To brew your own Butterbeer, you'll need just a few simple ingredients:

  • Butterscotch Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Boiling Water (for dissolving butterscotch if needed)
  • American Cream Soda (see note below)
  • Vanilla Ice Cream (real ice cream, not frozen dessert)

Canadian Cream Soda vs. American Cream Soda

When it comes to cream soda, there's a significant difference between Canadian cream soda and American cream soda (like the Virgil’s Vanilla Cream soda that I use in this recipe).

Canadian Cream Soda: Canadian cream soda is either clear or bright pink in colour, with an intensely sweet flavour like cotton candy or bubblegum.

American Vanilla Cream Soda: American cream soda, such as Virgil's, tends to be clear or pale brown in colour. It has a rich, creamy vanilla flavour with a hint of caramel, which makes it a great match for the butterscotch and ice cream in this Butterbeer recipe.

Butterbeer Recipe (Harry Potter) (3)

🥛 Making the Recipe

Making Butterbeer at home is actually very easy!

I start by adding the butterscotch sauce to a tall glass or a glass mug (like the one shown in my photos).

If the sauce is too thick, as it can be straight out of the fridge, I mix in a teaspoon of boiling water to help it dissolve.

Next, I pour in the cream soda and gently stir to combine. Be careful not to over-stir, as it can lose its carbonation.

Finally, I top it off with a tablespoon of real vanilla ice cream, stirring briefly to create a frothy foam on top.

You can serve this drink at room-temperature or cold.

If you prefer a warmer drink, use room-temperature cream soda and pop the glass in the microwave for about 30 seconds before adding the ice cream.

To enjoy it cold, simply make sure your cream soda is chilled before adding it to your drink mixture.

Now that you've mastered the art of creating your own Harry Potter Butterbeer, you can enjoy this delightful drink from the comfort of your own home.

It's the perfect treat for cozy nights in, movie marathons of the Harry Potter series, or themed Harry Potter parties with friends.

🖨 Printable Recipe

Butterbeer

Indulge in the magic of the wizarding world with this homemade Butterbeer, a sweet and frothy concoction featuring butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream, and the delightful fizz of Virgil's Cream Soda.

4.20 from 5 votes

Created By: Shareba Abdul

PREP TIME: 5 minutes mins

TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes mins

SERVINGS: 1 glass

PRINT RECIPESAVE RECIPERATE RECIPE

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon butterscotch sauce, (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon boiling water, (used to dissolve butterscotch if needed)
  • 355 millilitres Virgil’s Vanilla Creamsoda, at room temperature (or other pale brown vanilla cream soda)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla ice cream, (preferably real ice cream not frozen dessert)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add butterscotch sauce to a tall glass. If the sauce has been in the fridge, you will need to add the boiling water to help it dissolve.

  • Pour in the soda, and give the mixture a quick stir to combine. If you stir too much, you will lose the carbonation of the soda.

  • Add the ice cream, and stir briefly until foam forms on top of the drink.

  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutions:

If you cannot find Virgil's Cream Soda, try to use another American cream soda. A pale caramel-coloured cream soda with a strong vanilla flavour will give you the best results, but a clear cream soda may also work.

Do not use pink Canadian cream soda in this recipe, the flavour and colour will not work.

Tips:

You can serve this drink at room-temperature or cold.

If you prefer a warmer drink, use room-temperature cream soda and pop the glass in the microwave for about 30 seconds before adding the ice cream.

To enjoy it cold, simply make sure your cream soda is chilled before adding it to your drink mixture.

Please read the blog post for detailed tips and explanations.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 449 kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: this nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed.

HAVE YOU MADE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a review in the comments below!

This recipe was originally published in October 2015. It has since been updated with new content, and the recipe is now non-alcoholic and kid-friendly.

Butterbeer Recipe (Harry Potter) (2024)

FAQs

Did J.K. Rowling approve Butterbeer? ›

The version sold at The Wizarding World was tasted and approved by Rowling herself. Visitors to the park see a large wooden barrel that bears the word "BUTTERBEER" as soon as they enter, and they can buy it from a street cart and inside The Three Broomsticks restaurant and Hog's Head pub.

What is Butterbeer made of in Harry Potter? ›

In Diagon Alley, the drink had been known to be sold at the Leaky Cauldron. It was made out of butterscotch, sugar and water.

Is the Butterbeer recipe in the unofficial Harry Potter cookbook? ›

The 150 recipes in Bucholz's cookbook are classic versions of some of the foods cited in the “Harry Potter” books. But because of copyright rules, dishes named by Rowling, including butterbeer, could not be used in the “unofficial” cookbook.

What is Butterbeer foam made of? ›

Butterbeer Foam:

1/2 envelope Dream Whip whipped topping mix. 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. 1/2 teaspoon butterscotch syrup. 1/4 teaspoon butter extract.

Was Hermione drunk after Butterbeer? ›

In the Harry Potter series, several instances imply Butterbeer contains a low level of alcohol. Particularly in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there are subtle hints about its effects. One notable moment is when Hermione Granger appears slightly tipsy in the film adaptation after consuming butterbeer.

Was Butterbeer alcoholic in the books? ›

Butterbeer had a slight alcoholic content and although was safe for children to drink, it could affect creatures (such as house-elves) if consumed in to high a quantity. Harry enjoyed his first Butterbeer in Hogsmeade.

Does Starbucks have Butterbeer? ›

To get your hands on a butterbeer latte, you should order a whole milk steamer with two shots of espresso, two shots of caramel syrup, three shots of toffee nut syrup and three shots of cinnamon dolce syrup. Ask for whipped cream and caramel crumbs on top to complete the beverage.

Did Butterbeer exist before Harry Potter? ›

But its origin dates back much further than J.K. Rowling's films. Butterbeer, or “Buttered beere” as it was described in 1594, has existed for many centuries. At the time of the Tudors, beer was already a typical and commonly consumed drink.

Is Butterbeer hot or cold in the books? ›

Served at The Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head and The Leaky Cauldron, butterbeer is described by J.K. Rowling as “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch”. When first mentioned in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it is served foaming hot in mugs, or can be purchased cold by the bottle.

Does the leaky cauldron have butterbeer? ›

Where to find it: In Diagon Alley, frozen Butterbeer is available at Leaky Cauldron, The Fountain of Fair Fortune and The Hopping Pot. In Hogsmeade, you can get it at Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head and the two Butterbeer street carts. Hot Butterbeer is the last of the drink options (and Leap's fave).

Is there alcoholic version of butterbeer? ›

If you are wanting to create a boozy butterbeer, simply add 1/2 cup of vodka or rum to the blender after all of the other ingredients have been pureed. Mix until just incorporated, top with a splash of butterscotch schnapps and serve! The added butterscotch flavor will knock your socks off!

What is butterbeer from Harry Potter supposed to taste like? ›

Just as Rowling imagined, there's more flavor here than sugar, or at least that's how it drinks — essentially, you're getting a butterscotch cream soda with a float of something like toasted marshmallow crème; there's no escaping the inevitable foam mustache, and while you can try, you'll never outdrink the head.

What are the three types of Butterbeer? ›

The Three Broomsticks (in Hogsmeade) and The Leaky Cauldron (in Diagon Alley): Cold Butterbeer. Frozen Butterbeer. Hot Butterbeer.

What soda taste like butterbeer? ›

The Flying Cauldron's Butterscotch Soda is a yummy, non-alcoholic butterbeer-style soda from Reed's, the company that makes Virgil's Rootbeer.

What the heck is butterbeer? ›

A simple brown sugar and butter syrup gets topped with cream soda and a dollop of cream in this wildly popular drink. Next time you are having a Harry Potter movie marathon, book club meeting, or even a Halloween party, pull out all the stops with this sweet drink that even Harry, Ron, and Hermione would approve of.

How did J.K. Rowling describe butterbeer? ›

Asked, "What does Butterbeer taste like?" before Universal even began working to create the stuff, J.K. Rowling was quoted as saying that she imagined it to be "a bit like less sickly butterscotch." Two and a half years in the making, the Rowling-approved original is as popular as ever, even with all the other ...

Does J.K. Rowling get money from butterbeer? ›

Royalty Payments

Every time you purchase a Butterbeer, licensed product, on-ride photograph, or even a bottle of Gillywater from one of the Wizarding World lands at a Universal Park around the world, a percentage of that sale will go directly to the rights holders (Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling).

Did butterbeer exist before Harry Potter? ›

But its origin dates back much further than J.K. Rowling's films. Butterbeer, or “Buttered beere” as it was described in 1594, has existed for many centuries. At the time of the Tudors, beer was already a typical and commonly consumed drink.

Is butterbeer alcoholic at Harry Potter Studios? ›

Butterbeer is a non-alcoholic beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch and is suitable for those with gluten, wheat, and nut allergies. The unique blend of top-secret ingredients makes for a special and refreshing drink evocative of the beverage found in the Wizarding World.

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