CHOCOLATE BUTTERBEER Cocktail Recipe

Served cold in bottles or hot in foaming tankards, Butterbeer is a Wizarding World tipple made famous in the Harry Potter books and movies. The whole idea of butter beer fascinated me whenever mentioned, I would think, "I wonder what that would taste like?"

Well, according to J. K. Rowling herself, "I made it up. I imagine it to taste a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch."
Okey-dokey, slightly sweet, probably should be carbonated, needs a buttery touch. I needed more to go on so I did a little research and discovered there actually was something called "Buttered Beer" back in Tudor times. There is a recipe in The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin' (1588) made from beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter. Heston Blumenthal used a recipe from The Accomplisht Cook by Robert May (1664), which has a buttered beer with licorice root and aniseeds when he had his Tudor Feast. However, these don't sound much like the Butterbeer of Harry Potter's World to me, these sound like hot beer flips.

Supposedly Butterbeer, which is low in alcohol content, makes house elves drunk but humans have to drink a lot to get inebriated. Well, boo to that. A glass or two of Butterbeer that doesn't get Harry, Ron or Hermione tipsy might be okay for underage students at Hogwarts, but we Muggle adults need a little ABV to get through our magic deprived world ... especially these days.

There are a few boozy concoctions out there for "Butterbeer" that make use of rum and butterscotch syrup or liqueurs. These are basically uninspired recreations of Hot Buttered Rum which is a made from rum, butter, hot water or cider, some sweetener, and spices. Seriously? That doesn't sound at all like J.K. Rowling's idea of Butterbeer. Where's the BEER?? May they be consigned to Slytherin House by the Sorting Hat for those abominations.
We must all face choice between what is right and what is easy. ~ Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I had to take matters into hand and give us all a viable Butterbeer option before Valdemort joined the fray and added even more nasty potions to the mix. So I grabbed my cocktail wand and cast a little chocolate spell and added some real spirits to the recipe.
Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress. Adventure. ~ Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter's Great Goblet of CHOCOLATE BUTTERBEER
INGREDIENTS 10 Oz.  Rogue Chocolate Stout, Icy Cold  1 Oz. Jefferson's Bourbon,  Chilled 2 - 4 Tbsp. Butterbeer Simple Syrup (Recipe below* The amount of syrup you use depends on whether you prefer to enjoy the bitterness of the stout or like a sweeter cocktail. Start with 2 tablespoons and add to taste.) Dash of Sea Salt Ice
Topping: Chocolate Bourbon Whipped Cream (Recipe below**)
Garnish: "Spell Glitter" (Wilton Edible Glitter, Gold Stars), Magic Wand Stir Stick
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Large Goblet, Tankard or Beer Mug, Chilled
DIRECTIONS Fill the cocktail shaker with ice the add the bourbon and Butterbeer Simple Syrup. Shake until chilled then strain into your chilled mug or goblet. Add the chocolate stout, top with the Chocolate Bourbon Whipped Cream, garnish and serve.
Prefer a less potent version for those fledgling wizards in your house? Here's a magical but non-alcoholic version:
Harry Potter's Great Goblet of CHOCOLATE (Egg Cream) BUTTERBEER (This one's for you "Little Pea"!)
INGREDIENTS 10 Oz. Cream Soda, Icy Cold  2 Tbsp. Torani Chocolate Syrup 1 Tbsp. Torani Butterscotch Syrup 1/3 Cup Whole Milk 2 Dashes Sea Salt Ice
Topping: Whipped Cream
Garnish the same as the adult Butterbeer but use a different magic wand stir stick.
DIRECTIONS Pour the milk into an ice filled goblet. Slowly add the syrup, then gently add the cream soda. Using a long spoon, stir well, garnish and serve.
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. Phrase to work Maurauders Map Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
BUTTERBEER SIMPLE SYRUP In a small sauce pan, mix together 1 tablespoon of turbinado sugar with 1 teaspoon of dark cocoa powder and 1/3 cup of chocolate stout. Mix in 2 tablespoons of Torani Butterscotch Syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Warm over medium heat until blended. Lower heat and reduce, stirring constantly, until the syrup coats the back of a spoon. (About 5 minutes.) Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. This will keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator and is great on ice cream and pancakes!
CHOCOLATE BOURBON WHIPPED CREAM 1 C. Heavy Cream 1/2 Tsp. Sugar 1/4 Tsp. Vanilla Extract 1/2 Tbsp. White Creme de Cacao  1/2 Tbsp. Bourbon
Tools: Hand Mixer, Mixing Bowl Chill all the ingredients, bowl and tools. Beat to soft peaks. Will keep for up to 2 days refrigerated.
Why don't we go and have a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks, it's a bit cold, isn't it? ~ Hermione Granger Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
October 31,lst is the end of the First Wizarding War (October 31, 1981) and the first defeat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters by an infant Harry and the original Order of the Phoenix. May 2nd is the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts (May 2, 1998) where Voldemort was finally defeated by Harry, ending the Second Wizarding War. July 31st is the birthday of Harry Potter and his creator, J.K. Rowling.

  
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

VETERAN'S DAY COCKTAILS

For all our troops, past and present, Thank you for your service and sacrifice while defending our freedoms and way of life.
The Mottoes of the branches of the United States Military: United States Army: "This We'll Defend" United States Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus" United States Navy: "Honor, Courage, Commitment." United States Marine Corps: "Semper Fidelis" United States Air Force:"Aim High...Fly, Fight, Win"

VETERANS DAY COCKTAILS
ARMY NAVY COCKTAIL AVIATION JUNGLE JUICE NAVY GROG RED, WHITE & B'LURE MARTINI STAR SPANGLED COCKTAIL TRIPLE RUM PUNCH U. S. MARINE CORPS MARTINI
Did you know that Happy Hour has its roots in military history?
There is actually something called the Coast Guard Cocktail, however this is not a drink but a nickname for sea sickness.
ABOUT VETERANS DAY
According to The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs: "World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”"
This is why we celebrate Veteran's Day every November 11th. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11th was officially made a holiday on May 13, 1938, dedicated to world peace and to honor the soldiers of World War I. However, in 1954, after the sacrifice of troops during WWII and Korea, Congress changed "Armistice" to "Veterans" and November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
If there is some confusion as to what day Veteran's Day is celebrated make no mistake, according to the Department of Veteran's Affairs it is always November 11th: "The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."
*It is interesting to note that our allies, Canada and Australia, also observe November 11th as a Remembrance Day for their troops.

As to why the poppy is associated with Veteran's Day, this poem by John McCrae should tell the story:
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields. ~ John McCrae 1915

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

The U. S. MARINE CORPS MARTINI

At the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia there sits an exact replica of the original Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps. In this present day Tun Tavern they have served the U.S. Marine Corps Martini for over 50 years. This cocktail is sometimes also referred to as a 5:4:3:2:1 Martini because of the ingredient ratios.
On this day, the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, it seems appropriate to serve this cocktail honor of those who served and those who continue to serve our country as proud Marines.
Semper Fi and Cheers!
The U. S. MARINE CORPS Martini
INGREDIENTS 5 parts Vodka 4 parts Gin 3 Ice Cubes 2 parts Pale Dry Sherry 1 part Water
DIRECTIONS Place all the ingredients in a mixing glass and freeze several hours. The water and ice cubes allow for some dilution and should create a slight freezing of the ingredients. Do not shake or stir. Strain into chilled martini glass and serve. No garnish is served with this cocktail.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

IDEAL COCKTAILS for DAY OF THE DEAD, DIOS DE LOS MUERTOS!

October 31st is the official start of an annual three day, Mexican holiday Diá de los Muertos aka Day of the Dead.
It's my favorite time of the year, first Halloween and Diá de los Muertos. I have a thing for both holidays as knell as the skeletons, skulls and cocktails that go with them. In fact, I've done quite a few skeleton and skull themed drinks in my tenure as The Martini Diva. I just love a cocktail with good bones. Make no bones about it, these are the best cocktails for the Halloween, Day of the Dead Season.
Pardon the bone puns. I'll stop now.

DAY OF THE DEAD COCKTAILS for DIÁ DE LOS MUERTOS BLOODY BOILERMAKER CORPSE REVIVER LIVES AGAIN DEM BONES, DEM BONES SHAKE DRUNK SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET GRAPEFUL DEAD MOJITO GRINNING SKULL NAKED SKULL MARTINI RATTLED SKULL COCKTAIL SKELETON'S DELIGHT MARTINI SPARKLING SKELETON SANGRIA ZOMBE ANEURYSM SKULL SLUSHY

Updated November 2017

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

FrankenStein of Horror Cherry Cola Ale & Rum Halloween Cocktail

It's Halloween! Let's party like monsters!!

I found two adorable Frankenstein tapas plates and just had to do one more Halloween themed cocktail to use them as props. Being the lover of bad puns that I am, I also had to do a drink that played on the "stein" in Frankenstein. That meant some kind of beer and I just recently reviewed Best Damn Cherry Cola Ale and had a bottle left. A little help from some black rum, a bit of chocolate and monstrous mixings were afoot. Think Dr. Victor stirring up a reanimated Rum and Coke instead of a man.
Sad, cobbled together monster that he is, Frankenstein could probably use a good drink.

"Look! It's moving. It's sha — it's... it's alive. It's alive... It's alive, it's moving, it's alive! It's alive, it's alive, it's alive! It's ALIVE!" Frankenstein, 1931, Universal Pictures

FrankenStein of Horror Halloween Cocktail A Flagon Full of Frightful Fun
INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 Oz. Captain Morgan's Black Spiced Rum 1 Oz. Dark Crème de Cacao 6 Oz. Best Damn Cherry Cola Ale
Garnish: Gummy Candy Hand, Halloween Straws
Glass: Beer Mug
DIRECTIONS Add the rum and crème de cacao to the cocktail shaker and shake these ingredients until chilled. Pour into an ice filled stein and top off with the cherry cola ale. Garnish with something fun and serve.
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

"You have created a Monster and he will destroy you." Frankenstein, 1931, Universal Pictures

Updated 10-2021 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

A BERRY, BERRY BLACK CAT COCKTAIL

October 29th is National Cat Day, National Black Cat Day is October 27th and Black Cat Appreciation Day is August 17th so I had to do this cocktail. Not that I haven't given a cocktail homage to black cats before with my classic Black Cat Martini, but I found this pretty cool cat-face bucket that was perfect for a decent sized on-the-rocks drink and I just had to use it.
For this particular cat themed cocktail recipe I went "berry" over the top with deep, blackish, berry liqueurs and a black vodka base. I was inspired by the fact that my cat wingman, Bailey, won't let me eat a berry without sharing with him. (No, sorry he's not a black cat, he's a blond.)

REVIEW OF BLAVOD VODKA
I usually hoard my Blavod black vodka for Halloween (and those oddly multiplying requests for a creating signature Goth or Vampire wedding cocktails.) First of all, it wasn't easily available for a few scary years here in the United States. Secondly, it's the only black vodka I will use in my Halloween cocktails because it's black color is created with natural, organic ingredients. I live in fear of not having it available at Halloween so when I restock I don't buy a bottle of Blavod, I buy a case.

Blavod Vodka is black because of the infusion of Black Catechu, which, supposedly, adds little flavor to the vodka.  However, along with some mild berry notes and slight hint of anise (licorice) there is a tiny bite of something akin to allspice or maybe clove at the end which I would attribute to the Catechu. However, when mixed with other ingredients these mild flavors will disappear. All in all, it's a very decent vodka with only a slight burn going down and very worthy of the higher end price, if only for the deep black and completely natural black color. It's a Halloween freak's best bar buddy.

The BERRY, BERRY BLACK CAT Cocktail
INGREDIENTS 2 Oz. Blavod Black Vodka 1 Oz.  Briottet Crème de Cassis Blackcurrant Liqueur 1 Oz. Chambord Framboise (Raspberry) Liqueur 1 Oz. Blue Curacao 2 Oz. Pomegranate Juice 1/2 Oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice Ice
Garnish: Frozen raspberries and a lime wheel in half a lemon shell. If you can get blackcurrants, add a few to the lemon boat as well. I added a few, fun eye ball ice cubes as well.
Tools: Cocktail Shaker, Fun Matching Straws Glass: Tin Cat Bucket. (I found mine in the party department at Walmart by the paper plates and napkins.)
DIRECTIONS Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice, garnish and serve.
TIP: Keep both the Chambord and Crème de Cassis refrigerated for longer shelf life.


Updated 10-2025 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

SPARKLING SKELETON SANGRIA A Raspberry and Strawberry Sangria for Halloween and Day of the Dead

Halloween (Oct. 31st) and Day of the Dead (Nov. 1 - 3) come very close together, which is fortunate for me because I like to celebrate each with special, bespoke cocktails.
This time I got to combine the two in one cocktail because I found a fun Day of the Dead Cabernet Sauvingon to play with at World Market aka Cost Plus. I knew the minute I saw that skeleton bedecked wine that I was going to do a sparkling skeleton themed sangria recipe.

I had also found some "limited edition" raspberries and late harvest strawberries just begging to go swimming in some fruity Cabernet.
I love it when a plan comes together.

SPARKLING SKELETON SANGRIA A Raspberry and Strawberry Sangria
INGREDIENTS 1 Bottle La Catrina Vino "Bride and Groom" Cabernet Sauvignon 1 Split of Prosecco, chilled 1/4 Cup Honey Ridge Farms Raspberry Honey Crème 4 Mexican Lime Slices  1 Pint Fresh Raspberries, whole 1/2 Pint Fresh Strawberries, sliced Ice
Garnish:  Fresh berries, slice of lime
Tools: Mixing pitcher, Serving Carafe
Glass: Wine Goblet or Cocktail
DIRECTIONS Warm half a cup of the wine with the Raspberry Honey Crème in the microwave for 20 - 30 seconds to make a quick simple syrup that will mix into the sangria easily. Combine all the ingredients together, except the Prosecco and ice, in a mixing pitcher. Cover and let sit for a minimum of 2 hours. (Overnight is fine too, but the delicate berries will break down more which also means you get more berry flavor.) Just before serving transfer the Sangria to a serving carafe filled with ice, leaving enough room to add the chilled Prosecco. After adding the Prosecco, pour into individual glasses, garnish and serve.
SERVING TIP: Frozen berries make ideal ice cubes. You can also freeze berries in the ice cubes.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Updated 10, 2025