Hot Buttered Rum is a classic cocktail that brings warmth and comfort during the holiday season. Made with dark rum, hot water, and a spiced butter batter, it’s easy to create and offers a nostalgic touch. Niko Imbert, senior vice president at Bon Vivants in the Bahamas, highlights this drink as a festive way to slow down and savor the holidays, while Aaron Kim from NYC’s 53 calls it the “liquid equivalent of a cozy fireside blanket.”

The rum you choose plays a crucial role in the drink’s flavor profile. Bartenders from across the country shared their top picks for the best rums to enhance this holiday delight.

Rum Selections for Hot Buttered Rum

1. Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum

   • Selected by Aaron Kim, this rum combines the depth of dark aged rum with a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the cocktail’s richness.

2. Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum

   • Alec Gropman favors this for its high proof and funky flavor, noting that it cuts through butter and spices for balance.

3. Coconut Cartel Rum

   • Niko Imbert prefers this for its coconut-forward profile, which adds a tropical touch to the traditional drink.

4. Chairman’s Reserve Original Rum

   • Kim recommends this Saint Lucia rum for its complex flavors of caramelized fruit and vanilla, perfect for a sophisticated Hot Buttered Rum.

5. Diplomático Reserva

   • Erin Green keeps this aged rum on hand for its harmonious notes of orange peel and toffee, which work well with the drink’s rich ingredients.

6. Ten to One Dark Rum

   • Luis Hernandez describes this Jamaican pot still rum as ideal, especially when paired with brown butter for added depth.

7. Planteray’s 20th Anniversary XO Rum

   • Imbert also enjoys this rum for the rich blend of flavors it contributes to the cocktail.

8. Bacardi Ocho

   • Hemant Pathak opts for this aged rum due to its mellow flavor, ensuring the cocktail maintains balance and doesn’t become too sweet.

9. Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario Rum

   • Aliz Meszesi favors rich, aged dark rums like Zacapa, which contribute warm, dessert-like notes to the drink.

Each of these rums brings a unique element, making Hot Buttered Rum a versatile cocktail for holiday gatherings. Whether entertaining family or friends, selecting the right rum can elevate this classic drink, providing warmth and celebration with every sip.