Calling all Harry Potter fans! This easy Harry Potter Butterbeer recipe is a tasty take on the fictional beverage, featuring cream soda with butterscotch flavoring and a sweet homemade whipped cream. Serve the wizarding drink hot or iced alongside beef or pumpkin pasties. The creamy drink will transport you straight to the Harry Potter world!
What is Butterbeer?
The term “Butterbeer” is instantly recognizable to Harry Potter fans, but its roots date back centuries. The first versions appeared in the 1500s, made from fermented wheat or beer, sugar, eggs, cloves, and nutmeg. The Harry Potter series reimagined the drink, highlighting flavors similar to those found in the original.
This Harry Potter Butterbeer recipe is easy to make and has been kid-tested and approved. If you’ve been looking for an easy recipe, this popular drink is perfect for a Harry Potter movie marathon, book clubs, a Harry Potter-themed party, or just a sweet afternoon treat with a few chocolate frogs.
Key Ingredients
Butterbeer, the iconic drink from the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Most This Muggle version of the drink is a magical mix of cream soda and butterscotch, finished with whipped cream for a light, frothy finish. Here’s what you need to make it.
- Cream Soda: Cold or warm cream soda is the base for this easy Harry Potter Butterbeer recipe. Any brand will do, just use your favorite!
- Butterscotch Syrup: Butterscotch syrup gives the drink its iconic, buttery flavor. Caramel sauce or caramel syrup is an excellent substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade whipped cream takes less than five minutes to make using heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half) and powdered sugar. Sweeten it with butterscotch syrup or vanilla syrup. Store-bought whipped cream or even a spoonful of Cool Whip works in a pinch!
Homemade Butterscotch Syrup
Making your own butterscotch sauce is easy. Melt one stick of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in one cup of packed brown sugar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Slowly whisk in one cup of heavy cream, adding a little at a time.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes, whisking continuously. Remove from the heat, then stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor. Let the syrup cool for one hour before refrigerating.
Additions and Substitutions
- Experiment with mix-ins. Add a splash of rum extract or butter extract to the homemade Butterbeer recipe.
- Add ice cream. Turn the magical drink into a Butterbeer float with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream.
- Make frozen Butterbeer. Blend the cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and ice, then serve in a chilled mug for a frozen version of the drink.
- Make it boozy. Stir in a bit of vanilla vodka, rum, or butterscotch schnapps for an adult-friendly alcoholic Butterbeer.
Make the Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a glass jar, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and butterscotch syrup. Submerge a handheld milk frother and whip for 15–30 seconds until soft peaks form. Set it aside.
Step 2: Pour warm or chilled cream soda into a glass or mug, and stir butterscotch syrup into the cream soda base.
Tip
For a larger batch, use a mixing bowl and a hand mixer, whipping 2–3 minutes until soft peaks form.
Step 3: Spoon the whipped topping generously over the soda mixture and drizzle a little butterscotch sauce over the top.
If you enjoy this Harry Potter Butterbeer recipe, try more drink recipes!
Serving Suggestions
Butterbeer isn’t just for wizards! This Muggle-friendly Harry Potter Butterbeer recipe is the real deal, and a magical treat for fans of all ages. The best part? Making it at home means you can enjoy it with savory favorites found at Harry Potter-themed restaurants like the Three Broomsticks Inn—pumpkin pasties, shepherd’s pie, juicy turkey legs, or classic fish and chips.
And the tasty drink is a sweet finish to hearty meals, such as boneless leg of lamb, Dutch Oven corned beef and cabbage, or Scottish rumbledethumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Harry Potter Butterbeer taste like?
To quote Professor Snape, one sip of this flavorful whipped cream-topped soft drink will “snare the senses.” The delicious treat tastes just like the real thing, with a rich butterscotch flavor that falls somewhere between toffee and caramel.
Where can I find Butterbeer at Universal Studios?
You can sip Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios (Orlando, Hollywood, and Japan) at carts in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley or at themed restaurants like The Three Broomsticks, Hog’s Head, and The Leaky Cauldron. Try it cold, frozen, or hot, depending on the season.
Outside the parks, Butterbeer is also on tap at Harry Potter New York (available draft, bottled, or in desserts like butterbeer ice cream) and at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.
Is Butterbeer alcoholic?
Despite its name, Harry Potter’s Butterbeer is completely alcohol-free, so it’s a tasty drink for both kids and adults.
Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe
- Glass Jar or Mixing Bowl
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon butterscotch syrup
- 12 ounces cream soda
- 1 tablespoon butterscotch syrup
- 1 tablespoon caramel or butterscotch sauce, to garnish
- In a glass jar, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and butterscotch syrup. Submerge a handheld milk frother and whip for 15–30 seconds until soft peaks form. Set it aside.Tip: For a larger batch, use a mixing bowl and a hand mixer, whipping 2–3 minutes until soft peaks form.
- Pour warm or chilled cream soda into a glass or mug, and stir butterscotch syrup into the cream soda base.
- Spoon the whipped topping generously over the soda mixture and drizzle a little butterscotch sauce over the top.
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.