Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe – Calling all Harry Potter fans! This easy Harry Potter butterbeer recipe is our take on the fictional beverage. Flavor cream soda with butterscotch syrup and top it with homemade whipped cream. Serve the wizarding drink hot or cold, and pair it with savory appetizers like beef or pumpkin pasties. Our butterbeer copycat recipe will transport you straight to Hogsmeade!
This recipe is simple to make, and it’s delicious! Plus, the drink is kid tested and approved! Our homemade version is perfect for Harry Potter movie marathons, Harry Potter-themed birthday parties, book clubs, or a sweet afternoon treat.
WHAT IS BUTTERBEER?
The term butterbeer is instantly recognizable to Harry Potter fans- despite the drink being centuries old. It originated in the 1500s and historically included beer, sugar, eggs, cloves, and nutmeg in its recipe. The famous Harry Potter series popularized the drink using some of the same flavors.
WHAT IS HARRY POTTER BUTTERBEER MADE OF?
Butterbeer, a drink featured in the Harry Potter series, is typically made with cream soda and butterscotch syrup; top the beverage with whipped cream for a light, frothy finish.
- Cream Soda: Cream soda is the main ingredient for most butterbeer recipes. Any brand of cream soda will do, just use your favorite.
- Butterscotch Syrup: Butterscotch syrup is a delicious way to give your butterbeer its signature flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade whipped cream comes together in less than five minutes using heavy cream and powdered sugar. We sweeten ours with English toffee extract for even more flavor. You can also use store-bought whipped cream or Cool Whip.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS
- Make the recipe slightly less sweet by replacing cream soda with club soda.
- Give butterbeer more rum flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of rum extract to the cream soda. I love the taste, but it didn’t pass the kid test during recipe development.
- Vanilla is another popular addition, and you can create that flavor by adding vanilla extract, vanilla ice cream, or vanilla vodka if you want to go the boozy butterbeer route.
- Prepare frozen butterbeer by combining ice, ice cream, cream soda, and butterscotch syrup in a blender and serve it in a chilled mug.
HOW TO MAKE OUR HARRY POTTER BUTTERBEER RECIPE
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and English toffee extract in a chilled mixing bowl.
Incorporate the ingredients using a hand mixer until peaks form; this process takes about 2-3 minutes.
Pour cream soda into a drinking glass and add the Butterscotch Syrup; stir to combine.
Top the drink with homemade whipped cream, and enjoy!
EXPERT TIPS
- Use a chilled mixing bowl to make the whipped cream.
- Blend the ingredients for the whipping cream with a hand mixer until it forms peaks; the entire process takes about 2-3 minutes. You can make it by hand using a whisk, but it will take longer.
- For warm and creamy butterbeer, use one teaspoon of real butter to replace some butterscotch syrup.
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SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair our Harry Potter butterbeer recipe with meals they serve at The Three Broomsticks in Universal Studios.
- Traditional English Breakfast
- Boneless Leg of Lamb Recipe, Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Beef Ribs
- Pumpkin Pasties
- Rumbledethumps
- Turkey Legs
- Fish and Chips
- Roasted Potatoes
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Best Instant Pot Beef Stew
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Refrigerate – Transfer the remaining butterbeer to an airtight container to keep it chilled; it will keep for 2-3 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does Harry Potter butterbeer taste like?
One sip of this flavorful whipped cream-topped soft drink will “snare the senses.” The toffee and caramel-like flavors will leave you wanting more. Admittedly the Harry Potter New York and Universal Studios drink has more butterscotch flavor than ours, but we try to keep it simple and tasty.
Where can I find butterbeer at Universal Studios?
You can find Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside Universal Studios. It is available at several locations within the park, including specialty butterbeer carts and stands. You can also find it at themed dining establishments, like the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron.
Universal Studios isn’t the only place in the muggle world serving butterbeer; you can also try butterbeer inside Harry Potter New York. They have a butterbeer bar inside the store, and it’s just as good as our homemade version.
Is butterbeer alcoholic?
Despite the name and its history, butterbeer is a mocktail; the creamy and sweet beverage is beautiful and perfect for adults and children.
Can I make frozen butterbeer?
You sure can, but you will need a few more ingredients! Blend two scoops of vanilla ice cream, one cup of ice, cream soda, and butterscotch syrup in a blender. Then, top the chilled beverage with homemade whipped cream and finish with caramel syrup.
MORE RECIPES TO SERVE WITH BUTTERBEER:
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Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe
For the Homemade Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon English toffee extract
For the Butterbeer:
- 24 ounces cream soda, divided
- ⅓ cup Butterscotch Syrup
- Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and English toffee extract in a chilled mixing bowl. Incorporate the ingredients using a hand mixer until peaks form; this process takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour cream soda into a drinking glass and add the Butterscotch Syrup; stir to combine. Top the drink with homemade whipped cream, and enjoy!
- Use a chilled mixing bowl to make the whipped cream.
- Blend the ingredients for the whipping cream with a hand mixer until it forms peaks; the entire process takes about 2-3 minutes. You can make it by hand using a whisk, but it will take longer.
- For warm and creamy butterbeer, use one teaspoon of real butter to replace some butterscotch syrup.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Shannon L.
Thursday 16th of February 2023
As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, I was so excited to try this butterbeer recipe, and it did not disappoint! Highly recommend giving it a try!
Tressa Jamil
Monday 17th of July 2023
I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Sharon
Sunday 21st of August 2022
We had our kids over for a movie night and even got the grandkids involved with making the whipped cream. Everyone loved it!
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 21st of August 2022
I love that you got the whole family involved! Our kids enjoy making the whipped cream too.