Three Broomsticks Butterbeer

by
Glass of Butterbeer served at the Three Broomsticks tavern

INTRODUCTION

Three Broomsticks Butterbeer is a warm or cold sweet drink with a creamy top. It tastes like caramel and cream soda mixed into a cozy treat. This version lets you make it at home with a simple butterscotch sauce and cream soda. You can also change the recipe to make a lighter option that fits diet needs like low calorie or low carb. If you like simple recipes that are easy to save and use later, this one is great for meal prep and for shared drinks at parties.

For more dessert ideas that match comfort flavors, see this note about three flavors in spumoni to learn how simple flavor blends can work well in drinks and sweets.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Butterbeer is quick to make and easy to serve warm or cold. It gives a rich, sweet flavor without hard steps. You will love this recipe because:

  • It is easy to make in under 20 minutes for the sauce and assembly.
  • It can be made ahead and stored, a great choice for busy days or for party prep.
  • It is easy to change into a healthy version or a lighter option with low sugar or low calorie swaps.
  • It can be part of a balanced treat with smart portion control, so it is a good fit for weight loss plans when used sparingly.
  • It is fun and nostalgic if you want a special drink without complex skills.

This recipe also lends itself to a healthier mix. You can make it a low sugar or low carb drink by changing a few items, or add protein to make a high protein meal-style drink for a snack.

HOW TO MAKE Three Broomsticks Butterbeer

Follow these steps to make the butterscotch sauce and the Butterbeer. This recipe yields seven and one half cups Butterbeer, with a serving size of 1 and 1/4 cups.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle or pour spout
  • Mixing bowl for whipped cream
  • Electric mixer or whisk for the cream (optional)
  • Serving cups or mugs

Ingredients You’ll Need :

35 Werther’s caramels or candies, unwrapped, 1 and 1/4 cups apple cider, 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon butter extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 6 cups cream soda, room temperature for hot butterbeer, chilled for cold butterbeer, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar, Butterscotch syrup, optional, for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

For the butterscotch sauce, add apple cider, Werther’s caramels, allspice, and cinnamon to a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until melted and smooth. Add butter extract and vanilla extract. For warm butterbeer, add room temperature cream soda to the pot and cook until hot. Ladle into cups, top with whipped cream and drizzle with butterscotch syrup. For cold butterbeer, allow the butterscotch mixture to cool completely, then ladle 1/4 cup into a serving glass and top with 1 cup chilled cream soda. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with butterscotch syrup, if desired. Yields seven and one half cups Butterbeer, with a serving size of 1 and 1/4 cups. Make ahead: Butterscotch syrup can be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to assemble and serve.

Three Broomsticks Butterbeer this Recipe

HOW TO SERVE Three Broomsticks Butterbeer

Serve Butterbeer in mugs when warm or in tall glasses when cold. A 1 and 1/4 cup serving is rich and satisfying. For a lighter option, use 1/2 cup of the butterscotch sauce mixed with 3/4 cup of diet or low calorie cream soda and top with a lighter whipped cream alternative. Portion control helps keep this treat part of a balanced plan, especially if you aim for weight loss or low calorie intake.

For a gluten free treat, this recipe is naturally gluten free when you use gluten free caramels and cream soda. To keep it diabetic-friendly or low carb, use sugar-free caramels and sugar-free cream soda and make a light whipped topping with Greek yogurt and a scoop of protein powder for a high protein meal-style drink.

I also like to pair Butterbeer with small healthy bites like oven-baked apple chips or a banana slice. A small balanced side will make this drink feel more like a treat within a healthy day.

For more notes on flavor balance in desserts and drinks, check this short guide on what is spumoni for ideas on matching rich and light elements in sweets.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Three Broomsticks Butterbeer

  • Store leftover butterscotch sauce in a closed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • The whipped cream topping is best made fresh. If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • You can keep the cooled butterscotch sauce in the freezer for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Assembled drinks do not freeze well because of the soda, so do not freeze complete drinks.

If you plan ahead, you can make the sauce in bulk and keep it ready for quick drinks all week. This makes it great for meal prep or for serving a group without long work time.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • For a balanced small meal, serve a 1 cup Butterbeer with a protein-rich snack like a boiled egg or a cup of Greek yogurt on the side. This helps make the snack feel more filling and can act as a high protein meal idea.
  • For a lighter option, serve 3/4 cup Butterbeer with oven-baked turkey meatballs or roasted chickpeas to add protein and fiber.
  • For a gluten free party, serve the drink with gluten free cookies or fruit slices.
  • For a low calorie side, try raw apple slices or carrot sticks.

This drink can be a sweet reward after a low-calorie meal, and small portion sizes help it fit into a weight loss plan. You can also add a scoop of unflavored protein powder into the whipped cream or yogurt topping to make a high protein version.

VARIATIONS

  • Healthier version: Use sugar-free caramels or make a homemade low-sugar caramel with a sugar substitute. Swap heavy cream for a lighter whipped topping made from chilled Greek yogurt and a little vanilla. This makes a lower calorie, higher protein topping that is still creamy. Call this a "healthy version" of Butterbeer.
  • High-protein or low-carb version: Mix 1/4 cup of the butterscotch sauce with 1 cup diet cream soda. Fold 1 scoop of vanilla whey or plant-based protein into Greek yogurt and whip lightly. Top the drink with this protein-rich cream for a high protein meal-style drink that is lower in carbs. This is good for people who want a high protein snack or a low carb treat.
  • Air fryer or oven-baked version: While the drink itself is not air fried, you can make a warm, crunchy topping or side in an air fryer. Air fry apple slices with a light cinnamon spray for 5–8 minutes to make chips to serve on the side. Or use an oven to lightly toast small marshmallows on a baking sheet and add them to the top of warm Butterbeer for a toasted flavor. These small oven-baked or air fryer sides add texture and a fun twist.

These swaps let you keep the flavor while changing calories, carbs, or protein to better match your diet.

Three Broomsticks Butterbeer

FAQs

Q: Is this Butterbeer recipe gluten free?
A: Yes. The drink is naturally gluten free if you use gluten free caramels and check that your cream soda has no gluten ingredients. Always read labels to be sure.

Q: Can I make a low calorie or diabetic-friendly version?
A: Yes. Use sugar-free caramels or a low-sugar caramel recipe and sugar-free cream soda. Replace heavy cream with a light yogurt topping or a sugar-free whipped cream. These swaps make it more diabetic-friendly and lower calorie.

Q: How long will the butterscotch sauce last in the fridge?
A: The sauce will last up to 5 days in a sealed jar in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave before using.

Q: Can I add protein to make this a high protein meal?
A: Yes. Stir a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder into the whipped Greek yogurt to top the drink. You can also add collagen peptides to the warm sauce. This makes a richer, high protein meal-style drink.

Q: Is Butterbeer good for weight loss?
A: Regular Butterbeer is high in sugar and calories, so it should be an occasional treat. If you want a version for weight loss, use low calorie or sugar-free swaps and keep portion sizes small. This makes the drink a lighter option that can fit into a weight loss plan when used in moderation.

Q: Can I freeze the sauce for later use?
A: Yes. Freeze the butterscotch sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Three Broomsticks Butterbeer

  • Make the butterscotch sauce up to 3–5 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before serving. This tip makes it great for meal prep or party planning.
  • Pre-measure spices, extracts, and caramels into a small jar so you can make the sauce quickly the day you serve.
  • Whip the cream or prepare the Greek yogurt topping just before serving for the best texture. If you must, store whipped cream in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.
  • For cold versions, chill cream soda and serving glasses in the fridge ahead of time to speed assembly.
  • Use small jars of sauce for single-serve cups to speed up service at a party. This is a great meal prep idea if you plan to serve many guests.

Make the sauce in one batch and use it all week for quick Butterbeer drinks. This plan saves time and helps you keep portion control.