As huge Harry Potter fans, we wanted to create the perfect homemade butterbeer recipe that tastes similar to the one served at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. This recipe is sweet and sparkling with a butter flavor and the most delicious caramel foam on top.
Prepare to be transported to Hogsmeade with this magical recipe! If you are planning a Harry Potter movie marathon or a Harry Potter birthday party- you have to try this recipe.
Related recipes: Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice, Shirley Temple Drink, Wendy’s Frosty, Homemade Fruit Punch, Root Beer Float.
What is Butterbeer?
In the Harry Potter books, Butterbeer is a delicious beverage the wizard children enjoy when visiting Hogsmeade. In the books, Butterbeer is described as having a very slight alcoholic content. Of course, in the parks and in pretty much all homemade recipes, including this one, it is alcohol-free.
Butterbeer was also a real drink in England called “Buttered Beer” in the 1500s. It was made from beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, and cloves.
For the purposes of this recipe, we are making a version of Butterbeer that is very close to what is served in the parks.
Ingredients in Harry Potter Butterbeer
- Cream Soda – Good old-fashioned cream soda is the base for this sparkling beverage.
- Caramel Syrup – Adds a little caramel flavor (optional if you want to taste the butter flavor more).
- Butter Extract – This gives your recipe that nice butterscotch flavor.
- Half and Half – You can also use heavy whipping cream if you have that on hand.
- Caramel Sauce – For your delicious cold foam topping.
- Gold Sprinkles – An optional garnish that adds a nice touch!
How to Make Butterbeer (without topping)
Begin by making the base of your drink (without the topping). Combine cream soda with butter extract and caramel syrup.
For the caramel syrup, I used a clear syrup instead of a sauce. But if you would like to shorten your grocery list, you can use the caramel sauce for both.
How to make Butterbeer Foam Topping
In my opinion, the most delicious and important part of this recipe is the topping! In a separate glass, combine half and half and caramel sauce.
Next, use a milk frother to froth your cream until the consistency is somewhere between cream and whipped cream. When it becomes a little thicker and more foamy, you will know it’s the perfect consistency for your beverage.
If you don’t have a milk frother you can do this by hand using a small whisk.
Next, pour the topping onto your chilled drink. It is best served in a beer mug. These plastic beer mugs are a little smaller and great for children.
Tips and Substitutions
- If you are in a rush, you can use premade whipped cream with a little caramel syrup on top. That is the best way to reduce prep time (although the homemade topping is worth the effort IMO).
- Another fun option is to serve the base drink with scoops of vanilla ice cream to make it a butterbeer float.
- This is not a good recipe to make ahead of time since it needs to be assembled right before serving and making the base ahead could result in flat soda. We recommend serving immediately.
- If you are having a Harry Potter movie night, try serving Butterbeer along with popcorn, and Harry Potter candies from the movies. Don’t forget your Hogwarts House pajamas.
- If you are having an adult party and want to add alcohol, I suggest adding vanilla vodka, spiced rum or butterscotch schnapps to this recipe (2-3 ounces per drink or less).
More Great Recipes
- Pumpkin Pasties
- Pumpkin Juice
- Homemade Chex Mix
- Popcorn Balls
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Homemade Hot Chocolate
- White Hot Chocolate
- 30+ Finger Foods for a Party
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you substitute ingredients?
Yes. This recipe is very forgiving and you can substitute almost any of the ingredients and even omit a few if you need to. The most important ingredients are the cream soda base and the half and half with caramel sauce topping. Vegan coffee creamer can be subbed to create a vegan drink as well.
Is Butterbeer alcoholic?
In the Harry Potter books, Butterbeer is described as having a slight alcoholic content that can give you a very small buzz. That said, the version served in the parks and in this recipe does not contain any alcohol.
Where can I find Butterbeer inside Universal Studios?
When you visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Butterbeer is a must. You can find it right inside the entrance of the park on a bright red Butterbeer cart. It is also served at The Three Broomsticks.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cream soda (chilled )
- ¼ teaspoon caramel syrup
- ¼ teaspoon butter extract
Topping
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon caramel sauce
- ¼ teaspoon gold sprinkles (optional )
Equipment
- 1 milk frother
Instructions
- Begin by making the base of your drink (without the topping). Combine cream soda with butter extract and caramel syrup.
- For the caramel syrup, I used a clear syrup instead of a sauce. But if you would like to shorten your grocery list, you can use the caramel sauce for both.
- In my opinion, the most delicious and important part of this recipe is the topping! In a separate glass, combine half and half and caramel sauce.
- Next, use a milk frother to froth your cream until the consistency is somewhere between cream and whipped cream. When it becomes a little thicker and more foamy, you will know it’s the perfect consistency for your beverage.
- Next, pour the topping onto your chilled drink. It is best served in a beer mug. These plastic beer mugs are a little smaller and great for children.
Notes
- If you are in a rush, you can use premade whipped cream with a little caramel syrup on top. That is the best way to reduce prep time (although the homemade topping is worth the effort).
- This is not a good recipe to make ahead of time since it needs to be assembled right before serving and making the base ahead could result in flat soda. We recommend serving immediately. Luckily, it’s a pretty quick and easy recipe to batch for a group.
- If you are having a Harry Potter movie night, try serving Butterbeer along with popcorn, and Harry Potter candies from the movies. Don’t forget your Hogwarts House pajamas.
- If you have having an adult party and want to add alcohol, I suggest adding vanilla vodka, spiced rum or butterscotch schnapps to this recipe (2-3 ounces total per drink).
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Fantastic !
love love love! so good!
So easy and a crowd pleaser! Gold sprinkles are 10/10!
It sounds soooo tasty. I’m gonna try it on my son’s birthday. 😍
We don‘t get Cream Soda in Germany but if I ever manage to get my hands on one, this is at the top of my list!
So good! I’ve used butterscotch sauce instead of caramel and butter extract, and it’s good. But this way is definitely better!
This butter beer recipes truly adds to the magic of Christmas time Harry Potter movies! It’s the perfect addition! ✨
So fun for a Harry Potter movie night!
Best butterbeer recipe ever!!
So excited to try it this season!
I’ve used this recipe for years and it is perfect! Big fan of these sisters and their podcast, everything they touch turns to gold!
I make this frequently for my daughter and her friends. It’s always a hit!
So fun!
This thrilled my son! Lots of fun. 🤩
I can’t wait to make this! And I love that you included the history of butter beer…I didn’t know it was a real thing! Love little tidbits of information like that. Thank you Elsie and Emma! Cheers!
Love this recipe
My kids love this!
I made this recently when I had a Harry Potter marathon with a friend and it was a hit! I have had Butterbeer before that was overly sweet or just “too much” to get through a glass, so I really liked that this was enjoyable to the last drop!
So good! Love to add to a HP marathon.
It’s Harry Potter season y’all 🙂 yum!