Vegan Butterbeer Recipe

Ah, butterbeer. There's no denying that it's the most popular drink found in the wizarding world.

If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about cozying up in a booth at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade with a warm mug of butterbeer in hand, we're right there with you.

Or perhaps you'd prefer your butterbeer bottled and chilled, straight from the cellar of the Hog's Head (sans dust). Luckily, we have a recipe that can be prepared either way!

We think Harry, who's been known as an avid butterbeer fan since he first tasted it in his third year, would approve of this simple, frothy, and delicious recipe!

Butterbeer first made its official debut at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks, but there's one problem: the topping is made with traces of whey, which is a by-product of dairy. Due to a contract between Warner Bros. and Universal Studios, the butterbeer at the theme parks is only allowed to be served with the topping included (and a precise amount of it, at that). We're hopeful that this rule will change in the future.

Butterbeer on draft is also available at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, UK and at Harry Potter New York's Butterbeer Bar. At these locations, the drink can be ordered without the dairy topping, making it vegan-friendly! Bottled butterbeer is also available at these locations and online. However, the taste is vastly different from the draft version. It has much more of a ginger flavor, while the draft version is officially described as being "reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread cookies."

Every ingredient in our recipe is vegan, from the butterscotch mixture to the cream on top. We think everyone should be able to enjoy this magical beverage regardless of their dietary needs and choices. There is also no alcohol in our recipe (nor in the butterbeer sold at the theme parks, experiences, and stores around the world), but we won't judge you if you want to add your own additional ingredients.

We've tested this recipe with the self-proclaimed "butterbeer experts" on our staff and adjusted our original recipe to create this new and improved version!

RECIPE:

Makes about 4 servings, depending on the size of your glasses.

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter (we recommend Earth Balance), cubed
• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 bottle vegan cream soda (we recommend Flying Cauldron)
• 1/2 tub (about 4.5 oz) ​vegan whipped cream

1. Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir consistently until the mixture reaches an amber-like (but still liquid) consistency.

2. Remove the saucepan from the stove and mix in the vegan butter and vinegar. Set aside to cool.

3. To serve: pour 2-3tbsp of the butterscotch mixture into the bottom of each glass. Fill each glass to about an inch from the top with cream soda and mix well. This drink can be served either hot or cold, so chill the glasses in the refrigerator if you want it cold, or use mugs instead of glasses and heat them up in the microwave to serve it warm.
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4. Add a few spoonfuls (or however much you would like) of vegan whipped cream on the top.

And voila! You have a drink that would make Madam Rosmerta go vegan!

Short on time? Simply pour cream soda into a glass and top with vegan whipped cream for a quick version that's still incredibly satisfying and similar to the official drink!

Cheers! Be sure to let us know what you think of this delectable drink in the comments.

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Written by Valerie Short

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