Butterbeer

The Hogwart's Express from Harry Potter is coming to rest at a theatre near you.  To celebrate the last installment of Harry Potter.  I'm posting my top secret recipe for Butterbeer.  Butterbeer is one of the most purchased products at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  There's been all sorts of speculation and tons of copy cat recipes.  This is my take on the Three Broomsticks Inn classic.  If you've been to WWOHP let me know how it compares with Chef Jayson's version.  There aren't a lot of details published about Universal's secret formula; however, I do know a few tidbits of information.  They didn't use dairy, they didn't use high fructose corn syrup, and it has two parts.  The first part is the butterbeer and the other part is a topping to simulate froth.  I love the froth, it really makes the drink come alive.  I did choose to use dairy.  I could have used non dairy creamer and possibly egg whites for my froth if I wanted to try to duplicate Universal's original.  I don't have anyone in my immediate friends or family that is lactose intolerant.  So, I went for big flavor and chose Heavy Whipping Cream.

Butterbeer Recipe

For the Butterbeer mix

½ cup brown sugar (light)

2 cups water

1-1/2 tsp rum flavoring (Sauer’s is recommended)

12 oz Smuckers Caramel flavored topping

20 oz Club Soda (if using Canada Dry 1 ltr bottle it’s about 2/3 bottle)

1 tsp Sauer’s Imitation butter flavoring (Sauer’s is recommended)

1 ltr Jones Cream Soda

Mix brown sugar and water in a stock pot and heat over medium/high heat.  When the sugar is dissolved (cook for about 5 minutes) add the caramel topping, the Butter flavoring, and Rum flavoring then remove from the heat.  Let cool completely in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.  It needs to be cool but not cold. 

For the Butter Marshmallow Froth

1 cup Marshmallow crème

1 cup heavy whipping cream

¼ cup white sugar

1/2 tsp Imitation butter flavoring

Place heavy whipping cream in a large bowl and beat with mixer slowly adding the white sugar until all incorporated.  When the whipping cream is starting to thicken add the butter flavoring and the marshmallow cream.  Mix until nice fluffy peaks are formed.  Store in the refrigerator until needed.

To make Butterbeer:

In a large bowl mix the club soda and the Butterbeer mix.  Stir gently with a whisk until it’s just combined.  Pour about ½ cup of Jones Soda into a frosted 12 oz mug.  Next fill the glass about ¾ full with the Butterbeer mix.  Scoop a generous helping of Butter Marshmallow froth onto the top of the glass. 

Enjoy!!  The froth is long lasting so it’s best to slurp some of the butterbeer and froth during each drink.  If you think it’s too sweet just eliminate the Jones Cream soda.  This will serve about 4 to 6 depending upon glass size.