Butterbeer is a favorite drink of wizards of all ages. This is how it's served at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Fla.
1 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
6 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
4 (12-ounce) bottles cream soda
In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes. To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.
While butterbeer in the Harry Potter books can be enjoyed by all ages, Harry and his friends have grown up -- and so have many of the books' fans. Here, we offer you an adult version of the make-believe brew.
1 part spiced rum
1 1/2 parts butterscotch schnapps
2 parts cream soda or root beer
Pour all ingredients over ice in a shaker. Toss gently and pour into chilled martini glass.
Amber beer (or any Oktoberfest for a heftier texture)
2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
Pour the liqueur into a beer glass or mug. Pour the beer in over the liqueur. The flavors will mix and give even the froth a delicious taste worthy of Dumbledore himself.
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