The first time I drank Butterbeer was in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. And it was amazing.
The second time, I ordered the ready-to-drink Butterbeer from the website and it was absolute crap.
So I decided to learn how to make it. And guess what? This Butterbeer recipe is incredibly easy and freaking tasty.
Make this Universal Studios Butterbeer recipe for your next Harry Potter binge.
Jump to RecipeImmerse yourself in the magic of the wizarding universe as you savor the rich and creamy concoction that has been adored by witches, wizards, and Muggles alike.
Crafted to perfection, this delightful drink is a tribute to the beloved series, allowing you to experience the allure of the Three Broomsticks pub right from your kitchen!
How Did Butterbeer Become Famous?
Butterbeer was first mentioned in the third book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” and it immediately gained popularity and became recognized throughout the wizarding community.
Characters and readers enjoyed the drink, which helped it leave the pages of the books and enter the real world as a cultural phenomenon.
The idea of Butterbeer uses the wizarding world’s allure to the imagination. J.K. Rowling gives her fictitious world more substance and authenticity by integrating unusual and magical foods and beverages.
We all want to incorporate elements of the wizarding world into our lives.
This includes trying to replicate any recipes, such as the Butterbeer referenced in the novels.
When the Harry Potter books were translated into movies and theme parks it made sense that Universal Studios decided to add the drink to their menu to heighten the immersive experience.
For instance, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks at Universal Studios have benefited from the popularity of Butterbeer.
This has made it possible for fans to put themselves in the character’s shoes and experience a little bit of the enchanted world they admire.
What Does Butterbeer Taste Like
The way Butterbeer is described in the books gives off a warm, friendly, and faintly nostalgic vibe. During their excursions to Hogsmeade, the sole all-wizard village in Britain, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other Hogwarts students frequently enjoy it.
This foamy, sugary, and mildly alcoholic beverage (in the movie and books) is popular in Hogsmeade and is served at the Three Broomsticks Inn. It is portrayed as the ultimate comfort drink within the wizarding world, adding to its attractiveness and notoriety.
Does Butterbeer Contain Alcohol?
But does Butterbeer contain alcohol? In the Harry Potter series, Butterbeer is often portrayed as a slightly alcoholic beverage, though the exact alcohol content is never explicitly stated. But traditionally, no, Butterbeer does not contain alcohol
In the books, underage characters, such as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, can drink Butterbeer without any legal restrictions or consequences, which suggests that the alcohol content is quite low.
When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks were created at Universal Studios, they introduced alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of Butterbeer to cater to a wide range of visitors.
When I was there, they did not offer an alcoholic version. The alcoholic version is still designed to be relatively mild, in keeping with the family-friendly atmosphere of the parks.
The Best Butterbeer Recipes

IOutside of the fictional world of Harry Potter, the real-world recipes for Butterbeer can vary widely, and some recipes may include alcohol.
For example, fans and enthusiasts have created their interpretations of the drink, and these recipes can be found online.

Butterbeer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream soda chilled
- 1/2 cup butterscotch syrup ice cream topping
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream optional
Instructions
- Soften the butter by sitting it out
- Pour the butterscotch syrup into a bowl.
- Add softened butter to the bowl.
- Pour cream soda into the mixture and stir.
- Pour the cream soda and butterscotch mixture into two clear mugs, and top with a dollop or two of whipped cream.
For the optional whipped topping:
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks. To give your shoulder a workout, mix by hand. Otherwise use a mixer. Don’t over whip.
Easy Butterbeer Latte
The Butterbeer Latte mixes many fantastic ingredients and is creamy, sweet, and salty. It’s much better to imagine yourself in the Harry Potter universe with this recipe! You can make a Butterbeer Latte with robust espresso, homemade caramel, and moderately spiced milk. We’ll demonstrate how to make a delectable butterbeer latte in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- 1 cup milk
- Ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Brown sugar and butter should be added to a saucepan. Stirring continuously, heat the mixture over medium-high until it caramelizes.
- Add a small amount of ground cinnamon and the milk. Then turn off the heat and remove the pan.
- Prepare two espresso shots or a strong half-cup of coffee.
- In your coffee mug, pour the caramel milk. Stir well after adding the coffee or espresso.
- If desired, top with whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious Butterbeer Latte immediately!
Frozen Butterbeer
Try a Frozen Butterbeer for a delightful summer treat that is more refreshing than pumpkin juice. It’s a straightforward adaption that only needs a blender and an ice cube tray.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water, hot
- ½ cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ envelope Dream Whip whipped topping mix
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon butter extract
- ¼ teaspoon caramel extract
- â…› teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ teaspoons butterscotch syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 2 (12-ounce) can or bottle of your favorite cream soda, chilled
Instructions
- The night before, freeze the cream soda in an ice cube tray.
- Combine the hot water and marshmallow fluff in a sizable mixing dish. After giving the marshmallow a good stir to dissolve it, cool the bowl in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes.
- After removing it from the freezer, add half a package of Dream Whip, salt, and powdered sugar into the cooled marshmallow mixture. Blend the mixture for 30 to 60 seconds, until it bubbles and foams, using an electric hand mixer or immersion blender.
- Once combined, whisk in the butterscotch syrup, butter extract, caramel extract, and vanilla for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Blend cream soda ice cubes till smooth, adding a little unfrozen cream soda and the butterscotch syrup.
- Add some butterbeer foam on the top. Enjoy!
Vegan Butterbeer Float
Of course, those who prefer Vegan Butterbeer have a choice as well. You can enjoy this new delight guilt-free, thanks to this recipe. Once everything is set up, this recipe is considerably simpler to make than it should be.
Ingredients
For the Butterbeer Drizzle:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1½ tspn vanilla
- ½ tspn apple cider vinegar
- ¾ tspn salt
- ½ cup coconut cream so, chill a can of coconut milk overnight, then scoop the thick stuff out–drain the water away
For the ice cream:
- 2 cans coconut milk chilled overnight
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the float:
- 1 can cream soda
Instructions
For the Butterbeer Drizzle:
- Over high heat, combine the salt, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla in a pot.
- Stir in the coconut cream.
- Long, long stirring is required to achieve silky, smooth caramel.
- Divide into three equal pieces. Put 1 of these components in the fridge.
For the ice cream:
- If you don’t want to drink coconut water, remove the coconut cream from the coconut milk cans and set it in a large bowl.
- Using a hand mixer, combine coconut cream and powdered sugar.
- One portion of the butterbeer drizzle should be occasionally stirred in.
- Put in the freezer for two to three hours.
For the float:
- Combine the butterbeer drizzle with one portion of the cream soda as soon as it is entirely dissolved.
- In a mason jar or other serving cup, start with one scoop of ice cream and add some of the cream soda combination. Next, add another scoop of ice cream and more of the cream soda mixture, and so on, until the serving glass is full.
- Pour the remaining butterbeer drizzle over the top, then garnish with an apple slice and some cinnamon sticks for flavor.
Butterbeer Hot Cocoa
This Butterbeer Hot Cocoa can be poured into Irish coffee mugs. The recipe yields 3-4 cups, so it’s perfect for serving when you have guests at home!
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (preferably whole)
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
- 1 tbsp. melted butter
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- whipped cream for garnish (optional)
- Gold sprinkles for garnish (optional)
- butterscotch syrup for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring milk to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, melted butter, and vanilla after turning the heat off. Stir until butterscotch and white chocolate chips are melted. Remove the mixture from the heat.
- Pour hot chocolate with caution into glasses.
- The butterscotch syrup should be drizzled after adding the whipped cream and sprinkles.
Unleash Your Inner Wizard With Homemade Butterbeer
Whether you’re planning a Harry Potter movie marathon, hosting a themed party, or simply seeking a cozy escape into the pages of the books, this Non-Alcoholic Butterbeer recipe is your ticket to a whimsical journey. It’s a reminder that magic can be found in the simplest pleasures – like sipping a frothy butterscotch delight on a leisurely afternoon.
So, gather your fellow Potterheads, put on your favorite wizard robes, and raise your glasses to the wizarding world. With a sip of Non-Alcoholic Butterbeer in hand, you’re ready to experience the enchantment, camaraderie, and sense of wonder that Harry Potter and his friends discovered within its pages. Accio, deliciousness!
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Butterbeer Recipe FAQs
What is butterbeer made of?
The exact recipe for a Butterbeer in the Harry Potter series is not disclosed by J.K. Rowling, leaving room for interpretation and creativity among fans and creators. However, based on the descriptions provided in the books and the adaptations found in theme parks and fan recipes, butterbeer typically consists of the following ingredients:
– Cream soda
– Butterscotch syrup or extract
– Whipped cream
– Vanilla extract
– Salt
– Ice
Is butterbeer alcoholic?
In the Harry Potter series, Butterbeer is often portrayed as a slightly alcoholic beverage, though the exact alcohol content is never explicitly stated. In the books, underage characters, such as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, can drink Butterbeer without any legal restrictions or consequences, which suggests that the alcohol content is quite low.
What does butterbeer taste like?
The taste of butterbeer, as described in the Harry Potter series and interpreted by various real-world adaptations, is a unique blend of flavors that combines sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of warmth. It’s meant to be a comforting and indulgent treat that transports the drinker to the enchanting world of Harry Potter, making it a favorite among fans of the series and anyone seeking a taste of fancy and imagination.
Was Hermione drunk after butterbeer?
In the Harry Potter series, there is a scene where Hermione drinks a significant amount of butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks during a visit to Hogsmeade. This leads to a humorous situation where she becomes rather talkative and giggly, displaying behavior that could be interpreted as slightly intoxicated.Â
However, it’s important to note that the level of alcohol in Butterbeer is never explicitly stated in the books, and the scene is written in a lighthearted manner.
Why is Butterbeer called beer?
The term “Butterbeer” might be a bit misleading because it contains the word “beer,” which is often associated with alcoholic beverages. However, in the context of the Harry Potter series, butterbeer is not a traditional beer with high alcohol content. Instead, it’s a fictional wizarding beverage that shares similarities with real-world sodas, milkshakes, and other non-alcoholic drinks.