Butterbeer Recipe {+VIDEO}

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Butterbeer is a rich, delicious chilled drink with butterscotch flavoring. It is alcohol-free and perfect for sharing on any occasion!

Butterbeer is a tasty kid-friendly drink. Shirley Temple and Mint Julep are two more of our best-loved alcohol-free drinks that everyone can enjoy!

Glass mug filled with butterbeer and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

What is Butterbeer?

Butterbeer was made famous by the Harry Potter series! Every Harry Potter fan knows you can find this popular drink at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

It is a drink served at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade and is described as tasting a bit like butterscotch or caramel and containing the slightest bit of alcohol. While my version does taste like butterscotch, it is alcohol-free (no beer here!).

The drink can be served at any event from summer picnics to Halloween events. Dress up the Butterbeer with different types of mugs.

I’ve seen it served in simple plastic cups, heavy glass mugs, and Harry Potter-themed tea cups. No matter when or how it’s served, this homemade butterbeer recipe is delicious!

Ingredients needed to make butterbeer recipe.

How to Make Butterbeer

This butterbeer recipe is decadent and sweet, perfect for every Harry Potter fan or muggle!

SYRUP. Add the butterscotch syrup and softened butter to a medium bowl and whisk until combined.

SODA. Stir the cold cream soda into the mix and set aside.

CREAM. Add heavy cream to a cold mixing bowl and whip using an electric mixer until soft peaks form (you want soft peaks, not stiff peaks).

SERVE! Pour the butterbeer into 2 mugs and top with whipped cream.

Process picture of whipping cream for topping.

Whipped Cream Variation

I included directions in the recipe on how to use heavy whipping cream to make a creamy topping for the butterbeer. For a shortcut simply buy some whipped cream.

To make your own topping:

Whip the heavy cream then gently mix in a bit of the butterscotch syrup for a more prevalent butterscotch flavor.
Drizzle a bit of the syrup over the top of the whipped cream after it has been added to the top of the butterbeer.
For more tips, check out our Homemade Whipped Cream recipe.

Frozen Butterbeer

A delicious variation to this drink is to make it frozen.

Beforehand freeze half of the cream soda in cubes.
In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the butterscotch syrup.
Add the cream soda and the frozen cream soda cubes to a blender.
Blend until you get a slushy texture and pour it into the bowl along with the mixed butterscotch.
Use a spoon to mix.
Pour into glasses and top with Whipped Cream.

Glass liquid measuring cup filled with butter mixture for butterbeer.

Time to Enjoy!

Does this make you want to have a Harry Potter movie marathon?! Gather all your favorite muggles, wizards, and witches, and enjoy this homemade butterbeer while you watch.

While you’re at it, you may as well get some chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Beans. 😉

Enjoy!!

Glass mug filled with golden butterbeer and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Recipe FAQ

What do soft peaks look like when whipping cream for butterbeer?

This butterbeer is topped off with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. When making the whipped cream, beat it until soft peaks form. Lift the beater out of the cream, it’s ready when a little mountain peak forms and then softly folds back over.

Does butterbeer have alcohol in it?

Neither the version you can buy at Universal Studios nor this homemade butterbeer has alcohol in them making it safe for everyone to drink.

Do I serve butterbeer warm or cold?

In the Harry Potter books, butterbeer is mentioned as being served warm as well as cold, so it’s really up to you! This recipe is written for a cold butterbeer. If you wish to make it warm, simply heat the cream soda up in the microwave before mixing it with the butterscotch and butter.

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