Butterbeer (2024)

Butterbeer is a popular wizarding beverage described as tasting "a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch."[1]

Contents

  • 1 Description
  • 2 Alcoholic Content
  • 3 Behind the scenes
  • 4 Appearances
  • 5 Notes and references

Description[]

Butterbeer is served cold in bottles and hot in "foaming tankards".[2] In Hogsmeade, it's sold at The Three Broomsticks[2] and The Hog's Head,[3] although the fact that the latter pub's stock was described as "very dusty" suggests that it was not sold there very often. In Diagon Alley, the drink has been known to be sold at the Leaky Cauldron.

At the Hog's Head, customers are charged two sickles per Butterbeer (£0.60 approximately),[3] but it is not certain whether this is a universal price for the drink, or if the price of the drink varies from location to location.

Alcoholic Content[]

It may have a very slight alcohol content, which could get house-elves in a drunk-like state,[4] though an antidote to this exists. It seems to have a less pronounced effect on humans than smaller creatures such as house-elves, but humans can still fall "under the influence" of it.[5][6] In 1996, Harry Potter wondered what Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger might do at Professor Horace Slughorn's Christmas Party "under the influence of Butterbeer",[5] indicating that it could lower inhibitions, perhaps like sugar. Winky, a house-elf, took to getting a drunk-like state off Butterbeer after losing her job with the Crouch family[4] — an addiction from which she never fully recovered.[7]

Behind the scenes[]

File:ButterBeer logo.JPG
  • Executive Chef of Universal Parks and Resorts, Steve Jayson commented that butterbeer is "Real comforting and nice and smooth going down".[8]
  • Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be served either cold with a taste similar to cream soda or frozen as a slush with a butterscotch-like foam on top. One may also purchase it either in a regular plastic cup or in a collectible mug. As of 12 December, 2012, over five million glasses of butterbeer have been served at the park, an event that was commemorated by the park giving away free butterbeers to one thousand guests that day.[9] Butterbeer is also served at The Making of Harry Potter.
  • Butterbeer may be based on Buttered Beer, which was a real drink. The earliest reference to Buttered Beer is from, 'The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin' published in London in 1588 A.D., made from beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter back in Tudor times. Another old recipe for Buttered Beer, published by Robert May in 1664 A.D., from his recipe book, 'The Accomplisht Cook' calls for liquorish root and aniseeds to be added. British celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal recreated it for his Tudor Feast.

Appearances[]

Notes and references[]

Butterbeer (2024)

FAQs

Butterbeer? ›

A simple brown sugar and butter syrup gets topped with cream soda and a dollop of cream in this wildly popular drink. Next time you are having a Harry Potter movie marathon, book club meeting, or even a Halloween party, pull out all the stops with this sweet drink that even Harry, Ron, and Hermione would approve of.

What is butterbeer made of? ›

A simple brown sugar and butter syrup gets topped with cream soda and a dollop of cream in this wildly popular drink. Next time you are having a Harry Potter movie marathon, book club meeting, or even a Halloween party, pull out all the stops with this sweet drink that even Harry, Ron, and Hermione would approve of.

Is there alcohol in butterbeer? ›

Butterbeer had a slight alcoholic content and although was safe for children to drink, it could affect creatures (such as house-elves) if consumed in to high a quantity. Harry enjoyed his first Butterbeer in Hogsmeade.

Did butterbeer exist before Harry Potter? ›

This is a reality. But its origin dates back much further than J.K. Rowling's films. Butterbeer, or “Buttered beere” as it was described in 1594, has existed for many centuries. At the time of the Tudors, beer was already a typical and commonly consumed drink.

Why does butterbeer taste like? ›

Just as Rowling imagined, there's more flavor here than sugar, or at least that's how it drinks — essentially, you're getting a butterscotch cream soda with a float of something like toasted marshmallow crème; there's no escaping the inevitable foam mustache, and while you can try, you'll never outdrink the head.

What is the Butterbeer drink at Starbucks? ›

To get your hands on a butterbeer latte, you should order a whole milk steamer with two shots of espresso, two shots of caramel syrup, three shots of toffee nut syrup and three shots of cinnamon dolce syrup. Ask for whipped cream and caramel crumbs on top to complete the beverage.

Is Hermione drunk in Half Blood Prince? ›

After drinking at the bar, Hermoine is shown to be tipsy, putting her arms around her male companions. Some criticized the film for portraying alcohol use as a way to deal with stress and sorrow.

Can kids have butter beer? ›

Is Butterbeer/bottled Butterbeer alcoholic? No, both types of Butterbeer are soft drinks and can be enjoyed by those of all ages.

Is butterbeer alcoholic at Harry Potter Studios? ›

Butterbeer is a non-alcoholic beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch and is suitable for those with gluten, wheat, and nut allergies. The unique blend of top-secret ingredients makes for a special and refreshing drink evocative of the beverage found in the Wizarding World.

Is the butterbeer at Universal real beer? ›

Author J.K. Rowling said that she imagined it tastes “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch.” Despite its name, Butterbeer at Universal does not have any alcohol in it, so tadpoles and frog parents alike can enjoy it!

What does Hermione order in her Butterbeer? ›

Hermione asks for her butterbeer with ginger. This is foreshadowing the fact she loves gingers and would later go on to date Ron Weasley.

Who drank Butterbeer in Harry Potter? ›

Winky, a house-elf, took to getting a drunk-like state off of Butterbeer after losing her job with the Crouch family — an addiction from which she never fully recovered.

Why is it called Butterbeer? ›

Butterbeer may be based on Buttered Beer, which was a real drink. The earliest reference to Buttered Beer is from, 'The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin' published in London in 1588 A.D., made from beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter back in Tudor times.

Is butterbeer canonically alcoholic? ›

Butterbeer in the Harry Potter series implies a low alcohol content, as seen through subtle hints and the reactions of characters like Hermione and Winky. At Universal Studios, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic to create an inclusive experience for fans of all ages, prioritizing accessibility and family-friendliness.

Is butterbeer worth it? ›

The Butter Beer is worth the expense. Get it in a keepsake mug which can be refilled with various drinks of your choice around the park for . 85 instead of the customary/exhorbitant drink fee. Get your Butter Beer in The Three Broomsticks rather than on the street.

What are the three types of Butterbeer? ›

The Three Broomsticks (in Hogsmeade) and The Leaky Cauldron (in Diagon Alley): Cold Butterbeer. Frozen Butterbeer. Hot Butterbeer.

What is Butterbeer made of at Harry Potter Studios? ›

Butterbeer is made of cream soda, caramel extract or syrup, toffee nut syrup, butterscotch candies and/or syrup, whipped cream, and sugar. Some potion-makers online also add or substitute heavy whipping cream, butter extract, and powdered sugar. Some of these are toppings, of course.

Is Butterbeer in Universal actual beer? ›

Author J.K. Rowling said that she imagined it tastes “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch.” Despite its name, Butterbeer at Universal does not have any alcohol in it, so tadpoles and frog parents alike can enjoy it!

Is Butterbeer supposed to be alcoholic in the movies? ›

Butterbeer in the Harry Potter series implies a low alcohol content, as seen through subtle hints and the reactions of characters like Hermione and Winky. At Universal Studios, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic to create an inclusive experience for fans of all ages, prioritizing accessibility and family-friendliness.

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