Best Copycat BUTTERBEER from Universal Studios

What’s up, Hungry Muggles!

That’s right – it’s officially Harry Potter week here in the Starving Chef’s kitchen. For the last six years, I’ve dedicated the last week of July to the Boy Who Lived: Harry Potter!

I’ve been a huge Harry Potter nerd my entire life (going as far as visiting the actual sets in London), so it only makes sense that I let my favorite fantasy novels spill over into my passion for cooking for an ENTIRE WEEK every summer.

So hold on to your broomsticks – and don’t forget to check back every day until July 31st for my latest Harry Potter-themed recipes!

First up is a copycat recipe for BUTTERBEER – directly from Hogwarts itself. Let’s be honest, you’ve always wanted a reason to bust out that souvenir butterbeer cup you promised you (or your kids) would use again.

I have two different butterbeer cups: one from Universal Studios and one from Warner Bros. Studios in London (the actual on-set locations where the movies were filmed). So this is a copycat recipe for both butterbeer experiences. And being able to say that I’ve had butterbeer from both places basically makes me an expert on the subject.

Both use a similar fizzy concoction for the liquid and a creamy, butterscotchy foam on top. It’s all really quite simple, even by Muggle standards!

When I was a kid reading the novels, I was convinced that butterbeer actually had butter in it. I even remember trying to recreate the golden, foamy liquid described in the books (the true start of my Starving Chef days, making messes in the kitchen at age 12). I also remember being instantly disappointed that whatever I had just created tasted absolutely nothing like how I imagined it.

This butterbeer has absolutely no actual butter in it. I’ve learned from the mistakes of my youth.

It does, however, have a butterscotch foam cap on top to lock in all the fizzy goodness of the butterbeer itself. This is the “butter” part of the butterbeer name – butterscotch! The foamy cap also is what gives this drink the appearance of a beer, but no alcohol is involved.

While there are hot and cold variations of butterbeer, I much prefer the cold version. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home, even Neville Longbottom couldn’t mess it up.

What Does Butterbeer Taste Like?

Butterbeer has a very sweet, fizzy soda base with strong vanilla and caramel notes—if you have ever had cream soda, then you know what it tastes like! The butterscotch foam on top is light and airy and almost tastes like melted ice cream.

While it makes Winky drunk in the books, butterbeer does not have any actual alcohol in it. Harry and friends drink it in the Three Broomsticks, and it makes them feel ‘warm,’ but that may have more to do with the temperature rather than the effects of the butterbeer itself.

If you want a HOT version of this recipe, let me know in the comments below, and I will make it my mission to recreate it—true to taste.

Muggle Ingredients for Butterbeer

While witches and wizards have their own magical ways to brew butterbeer, I’ve interpreted their potion notes into common ingredients that any Muggle can find at their local grocery.

Here’s What You Need

• Cream Soda: Some brands are superior to others when it comes to cream soda taste. I recommend using A&W cream soda as it has more mellow notes and isn’t overly sweet like other brands can be. However, if you prefer your butterbeer extra sweet, feel free to use your favorite brand!
• Whipped Topping: You want to use whipped topping, not whipped cream. I specifically recommend using Cool Whip or a similar brand and the “extra creamy” type of topping.
• Butterscotch: Another specific brand recommendation: Smucker’s butterscotch ice cream topping isn’t overtly sweet and is the perfect consistency to mix into the Cool Whip without making it flat.

Each souvenir cup holds about 6-8 oz of liquid, so I was able to easily split a 12 oz cream soda between both cups. For a Hagrid-sized mug, feel free to use the entire 12 oz!

The butterscotch topping I gently spooned on top, but you can also transfer it to a plastic baggie and snip off the corner to pipe it directly on top of the drink.

Let’s Make Some Magic

Step 1: Mix It Up

In a small bowl, stir together the Cool Whip and butterscotch syrup until completely combined. You want that Cool Whip to be a creamy white color with all the butterscotch mixed in, like the best potion Snape never taught you.

Step 2: Pour and Top

Pour the chilled cream soda into your favorite souvenir cups—or regular cups if you must. Gently dollop the butterscotch topping on top. If you want to be fancy, transfer the whipped topping to a plastic baggie, snip the corner, and pipe it on like a pro. Remember, the whipped topping will start to foam when it hits the soda, so hold off until you’re ready to serve.

Step 3: Enjoy

Serve right away and enjoy with your witch and wizard friends while marathoning Harry Potter!

Tips and Troubleshooting for Butterbeer

• Piping Bag Substitute: If you don’t have a piping bag, a simple sandwich baggie will do the trick. Just cut a small corner off, and you have a homemade piping bag.
• Mixing the Topping: When combining the Cool Whip and butterscotch, make sure to fold the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the Cool Whip lose its fluffiness, resulting in a flat topping.
• Serving Quickly: Butterbeer is best served immediately after pouring. The foam will start to dissolve if it sits for too long, losing that authentic butterbeer experience.

Common Questions About Butterbeer

• Is Butterbeer alcoholic?
  • Nope! Butterbeer in this recipe is non-alcoholic and safe for Muggles of all ages – though in the books, it does make House Elves a little tipsy!
• What if I don’t have cream soda?
  • You can use any light soda with vanilla notes. While cream soda is the closest match, experimenting with different sodas can add a unique twist.

~Swish and Flick~

After whipping up this butterbeer, you’ll feel like you’re walking through the halls of Hogwarts, mug in hand, ready for an adventure. It’s sweet, fizzy, and has that magical touch every Potterhead dreams about. Whether you’re hosting a Harry Potter marathon or just need a drink to remind you of the wizarding world, this recipe is a must-try. You can even imagine yourself sitting at the Three Broomsticks with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, sharing stories and laughs. This butterbeer is all about bringing a bit of magic to your everyday life. So, dust off those souvenir cups, grab your wands, and get ready to enjoy a little taste of wizarding wonder right at home. Trust me, even Dobby would give it two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Harry Potter week is just beginning! Every day, I’ll post a new Harry Potter inspired recipe based on the books, movies or real life foods found at the Wizarding World!

What magical recipes are you most excited to see? Let me know down in the comments below!

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