Butter Beer Recipe (Universal Studios Copycat)

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Bring the magic of the wizarding world to your home with a glass of this delectable homemade butter beer! With creamy, butterscotch flavor and whipped cream topping, everyone in your family will be wanting a refill.

Homemade drinks are a great way to add a little pizzazz to meals with your family! I have a few more recipes on the blog inspired by some of my favorite drinks. You’ll have to add this copycat Starbucks pink drink, Chick-fil-A lemonade, and mint julep to the lineup! They’re all so refreshing and delicious!

Butter beer in a glass mug, topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Homemade Butter Beer Recipe

Calling all Harry Potter fans! This drink is for you! My family just got back from Universal Studios and one of the highlights of the trip was trying some tasty butterbeer. It tastes as magical as it seems in the Harry Potter movies! We got some from the Three Broomsticks tavern. It’s frothy, creamy, and wonderfully buttery with hints of caramel and butterscotch. As soon as we got back I knew I had to try to recreate it!

This homemade butterbeer tastes just as good (if not better!) than what we got from Universal Studios, and it only takes 4 simple ingredients to make! It’s the perfect addition to any Harry Potter themed birthday party or when you’re just craving something sweet and refreshing! It’s a drink that the whole family will enjoy! The Harry Potter fans in your house will especially love it. (Although if you’re looking for an adults-only version made with alcohol, I have some extra tips below.) It’s the perfect thing to sip on as you have a Harry Potter movie marathon! If you’re looking for more tasty copycat recipes, find my full list here!

What is Butterbeer?

In the Harry Potter books, it’s a butterscotch-flavored drink that the students would enjoy when visiting Hogsmeade. Butter beer is recreated using cream soda, butter syrup, butterscotch, and cream. Although the Harry Potter series made it popular, butterbeer actually originates from England and was a drink made with black beer in the 1500s!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With how simple the ingredients are to make yourself some butterbeer, you’ll want it all the time! Ever since we got back from Universal Studios, my kids have been begging for me to make it on the daily. With how tasty it is, I don’t blame them! I know your family will love it just as much.

  • Cream Soda: You can use canned or bottled cream soda, but bottled is my fave because it tends to have richer flavor.
  • Butterscotch Syrup: Gives this drink its signature nutty, sweet flavor. You can also use caramel syrup if you’d like! Both are so tasty.
  • Butter Extract: It wouldn’t be butter beer without the butter! I used Watkins butter extract. It’s so yummy!
  • Whipped Cream: Add some on top for a little extra decadence! I recommend whipping up homemade whipped cream using heavy whipping cream for the best flavor possible.

How to Make Butter Beer

This homemade butter beer is so easy to make and will transport you to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter after one sip! It only takes a couple minutes to mix together. This recipe is kid-friendly, but you can easily add your favorite alcohol to make a boozy version for Harry Potter themed parties! It’s so fun to serve!

  1. Cream Soda: Pour chilled butter beer into large mugs or glasses. Make sure the cream soda is nice and chilled before making the butter beer!
  2. Butterscotch Syrup: Add 1 tablespoon of butterscotch syrup into each glass.
  3. Butter Extract: Add 1 teaspoon of butter extract into each glass. Feel free to use more if you like a lot of butter flavor!
  4. Mix: Whisk together the ingredients in the glasses until fully mixed.
  5. Add Toppings: Top with whipped cream, and drizzle more butterscotch on top if desired! Enjoy!

Make it Frozen

For a version of butterbeer that’s perfect for warmer weather, try it frozen! It’s super easy to make. Simply add your cream soda, syrups, and ice cubes to a blender and blend until smooth. Top it off with some whipped cream and you have a cool, refreshing treat ready to enjoy!

4-photo collage of drink ingredients being added to a glass mug.

Adding Alcohol

If you’re wanting to make your butter beer with alcohol, here’s how to do it! Feel free to add a splash of vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, bourbon, or even mix it with black beer like Guinness for a more traditional take on the drink.

Can I Make Butter Beer Ahead of Time?

Butter beer is best enjoyed immediately after you make it. It can be stored for an hour or two in the fridge if you’re wanting to make it ahead, but the cream soda may get flat the longer it sits.

Closeup shot of butter beer in a glass mug being picked up.


  • Pour chilled butter beer into large mugs or glasses. Make sure the cream soda is nice and chilled before making the butter beer!

  • Add 1 tablespoon of butterscotch syrup into each glass.

  • Add 1 teaspoon of butter extract into each glass. Feel free to use more if you like a lot of butter flavor!

  • Whisk together the ingredients in the glasses until fully mixed.

  • Top with whipped cream, and drizzle more butterscotch on top if desired!



Serves: 2

Calories132kcal (7%)Carbohydrates16g (5%)Protein1g (2%)Fat7g (11%)Saturated Fat4g (20%)Polyunsaturated Fat0.3gMonounsaturated Fat2gCholesterol23mg (8%)Sodium71mg (3%)Potassium63mg (2%)Sugar14g (16%)Vitamin A224IU (4%)Vitamin C0.1mgCalcium41mg (4%)Iron0.02mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword 2 minute beverage, butter beer, butter beer recipe, halloween charcuterie board, harry potter, universal studios

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