This easy butterbeer recipe brings all the creamy, caramel flavors from Harry Potter’s Wizarding World straight to your kitchen. Made with chilled cream soda and a rich butterscotch topping, it’s a fun treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a themed party or just want something sweet to drink.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a Harry Potter fan–or like my kids, a fanatic–chances are you’ve always wanted to try butterbeer.
Of course, no one really knows what this magical drink tasted like in Harry’s world, but I’m guessing it was pretty close to the version they serve at Universal Studios. The good news is, this butterscotch infused beverage it so easy to make at home.
There are recipes out there for warm butterbeer, but this version is served cold, and it’s made with just a few easy ingredients. You can literally whip this drink up in less than 10 minutes.
If you’re planning a Harry Potter themed party, this drink is a must for your menu! And even if you’re not planning a themed party, it’s a fun treat to serve around Halloween. Honestly, I say it’s a must make beverage any time of year.
The base of this butterbeer is simply cream soda with some butter and caramel extracts added. I actually use bakery emulsions to make this recipe, since I keep those on hand for cakes and cupcakes.
Whether using emulsions or extracts, I usually end up ordering those two flavors online, since they aren’t often found in grocery store. Amazon to the rescue!
As far as butterscotch syrup, I use ice cream topping. Whatever brand you can find will work great. And let me tell you, the buttery whipped topping for this drink is amazing! I’d happily serve it on all kinds of fall desserts. Or eat it with a spoon.
If you love the magical world of Harry Potter (and even if you don’t) this easy-to-make, Muggle friendly Butterbeer recipe is always a hit with kids and adults too.
Ingredients
- Cream Soda: This is the base of your butter beer. Be sure to use a good-quality cream soda and serve it chilled for the best results.
- Butter Emulsion or Extract: This is the secret to adding that buttery richness without using actual butter. If you don’t have butter emulsion, butter extract works just as well.
- Caramel Emulsion or Extract: Adding caramel emulsion (or extract) brings gives this drink a toasty sweetness. Don’t add too much–a little goes a long way.
- Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy butterscotch topping, heavy cream (or whipping cream) is essential.
- Butterscotch Syrup: Butterscotch syrup (ice cream topping) gives the whipped cream a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the cream soda.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the topping and gives it a light, fluffy texture. I prefer it to granulated sugar in this recipe because it dissolves easily into the whipped cream without being grainy.
- Light Corn Syrup: A bit of corn syrup helps stabilize the whipped cream. It is optional, but your butterscotch topping might not hold up as long without it.
How to Make Butter Beer
Step 1
Mix the Soda Base: In a large pitcher, combine the chilled cream soda with the butter emulsion (or extract) and caramel emulsion (or extract). Stir gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the butterscotch topping.
Step 2
Whip the Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and light corn syrup. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Step 3
Add the Butterscotch Syrup and Powdered Sugar: Once the cream is whipped, gently fold in the butterscotch syrup until it’s fully incorporated, then mix in the powdered sugar.
Step 4
Serve and Enjoy: Divide the cream soda mixture into glasses, filling each about 3/4 full. Spoon the whipped butterscotch topping generously over each glass of butterbeer.
What Should I Serve With Butterbeer?
This drink is perfect for all kinds of whether you’re celebrating Halloween or harvest time.
These are some of our favorite fall recipes to share with friends.
Recipe Tips
- Cold heavy cream whips up faster and holds its shape better, so pop your cream and mixing bowl in the refrigerator for a few minutes before making the topping.
- If you can find butter and caramel emulsions, they provide a more concentrated flavor without affecting the consistency. However, extracts work just fine, so don’t stress if that’s what you have on hand! I buy both on Amazon.
- For a magical presentation, serve your butterbeer in clear mugs or glasses with fun paper straws.
Be sure to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
FAQs
What if I can't find butter or caramel emulsion?No worries! You can use butter and caramel extracts as substitutes. They may be slightly less intense in flavor, but your butterbeer will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?Yes! Just swap out the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream. Be sure to check that your butterscotch syrup is also dairy-free.
Can I make butter beer less sweet?If you prefer a less sweet butterbeer, you can cut back on the butterscotch syrup in the topping or reduce the powdered sugar. You can also use low calorie cream soda in the base.
More Drink Recipes To Try
Harry Potter’s Butterbeer
Ingredients
For the Butterbeer
- 2 liters cream soda chilled
- 1/2 teaspoon butter emulsion (or extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon caramel emulsion (or extract)
For the Butterscotch Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butterscotch syrup
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, stir together the 2 liters cream soda, 1/2 teaspoon butter emulsion and 1/4 teaspoon caramel emulsion. Refrigerate while you make the topping.
- In a medium bowl, beat the 1 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon light corn syrup with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the 1/2 cup butterscotch syrup and 1/4 cup powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Pour the butter beer into mugs. Top with the whipped butterscotch topping and serve immediately.
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