Butterbeer

Since Hurricane Sandy blacked out Halloween in NJ this year, I’ve been needing a little witchcraft and wizardy in my life. Can you guess what I “cooked” to scratch this itch? For anyone who’s read the Harry Potter series, you’ve definitely heard of this magical beverage. It’s smooth, creamy, and all the rage at Hogwarts. You can find it in Hogsmeade…especially at the Three Broomsticks. Know what it is yet? You got it! Butterbeer!

I had never made or tasted butterbeer before, but a few friends of mine have been nagging me for a couple years to whip up a batch. Apparently I wasn’t a true Harry Potter fan until trying it. Who knows. Anyway, a while ago, one of those friends emailed me the recipe so I pretended I was in potions class and got to mixing! It was pretty simple to make and kind of reminded me of an ice cream float after all the ice cream has melted. Hm…it’s like a butterscotch float that will totally fill you up, so drink slowly!

I was told they serve this drink at Harry Potter World in Florida. When I eventually get down there to check it out, you better believe I’ll order up a mug to sip on while watching some quidditch! Oh Harry Potter, one day I will cook up every tasty little dish you mention within your pages….

**Add a sprinkling of cinnamon on top…that’s my addition to this HP recipe!**

1 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons water

6 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon rum extract

Four 12 oz bottles of cream soda

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar and water. Bring to boil, stirring often. Turn off heat and immediately add butter, salt, vinegar, and 1/4 cup of the heavy cream. Mix until thoroughly combined. Cool to room temperature before adding rum extract.

Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the cooled brown sugar mixture with the remaining heavy creamy (1/2 cup). Beat for around 3 minutes, or until just thickened (don’t whip into whipped cream…keep it “wet”).

Put 1/4 cup of the brown sugar mixture and 1/4 cup of cream soda in the bottom of each glass. Stir to combine. Fill the rest of the glass with soda and dollop with whipped cream.

Enjoy!