Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 2-liter cream soda
Flavorings
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) Butterscotch Instant Pudding
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ginger paste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine Dairy and Butter: In a large microwavable bowl, mix together the whole milk, room temperature unsalted butter, and packed brown sugar until combined.
- Initial Heating: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 3 minutes to help melt the butter and dissolve the sugar.
- Whisk Mixture: Remove from microwave and whisk thoroughly until the butter is fully melted and the brown sugar is dissolved completely.
- Add Cream Soda: Whisk in half of the cream soda bottle (1 liter) to the warm milk and butter mixture to incorporate the soda’s sweetness and carbonation gently.
- Incorporate Pudding Mix: Stir in the butterscotch instant pudding mix evenly to thicken the beverage and add rich butterscotch flavor.
- Add Spices and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract, ginger paste, and cayenne pepper, then whisk well to blend all the flavors smoothly.
- Add Remaining Cream Soda: Pour in the rest of the cream soda bottle (remaining 1 liter) and combine gently to maintain some carbonation.
- Heat and Maintain Warmth: Warm the entire mixture either by microwaving it briefly, heating on the stovetop over low heat, or transferring it to a crockpot set on high initially, then lowered to keep the Hot Butterbeer at an optimal warm temperature. Stir occasionally to keep the texture uniform.
- Serve: Pour the warm Hot Butterbeer into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Optional Topping: Top with whipped cream and drizzle with butterscotch sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; reduced-fat milk may alter the richness.
- The ginger paste and cayenne add warmth and a subtle spicy kick but can be adjusted to taste.
- Heating gently prevents the soda from losing all carbonation too quickly.
- Whipped cream and butterscotch sauce toppings are optional but recommended for an authentic experience.
- Keep stirring occasionally if using a crockpot to avoid separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American