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Our recipe for Harry Potter Butterbeer tastes just like the drink they sell at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios. A no-cook method that is SO easy!
Harry Potter Butterbeer
We took a trip to Universal Studios and we fell in LOVE with this tasty drink. I knew I had to recreate it once I got home. It turns out it is so easy to make! I will definitely be whipping up a batch for my next Harry Potter movie marathon. You can make this recipe two ways. If you are going for super authentic, you can add caramel and butter extracts to the cream soda. This really adds that extra butter-y flavor and makes it taste exactly like the real thing.
Ingredients in Butterbeer
Making homemade Butterbeer is quick and easy with just a few ingredients!
- Cream Soda
- Caramel Extract
- Butter Extract
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Butterscotch Topping
- Powdered Sugar
TIP: If you are looking for a simplified recipe, you can just use plain cream soda. It’s not quite as authentic, but still tastes SUPER yummy and you don’t have to spend the extra money on extracts.
How to Make Butterbeer
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious, creamy drink inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Prepare the Butterscotch Topping:
- Use a stand mixer or a mixing bowl and a hand mixer to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Blend in the powdered sugar and butterscotch topping until well combined.
- Mix the Butterbeer Base:
- Empty the two-liters of cream soda into a pitcher. Stir in the butter and caramel extracts.
- Pour the Butterbeer into glasses, leaving room at the top for the whipped topping.
- Top and Serve:
- Spoon or pipe the butterscotch whipped topping over the Butterbeer.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this magical treat!
Where can I find Butterbeer at Universal Studios?
Butterbeer can easily be found inside of Universal Studios. As you enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there is a bright red Butterbeer cart where you can purchase Butterbeer and Frozen Butterbeer. It is also on the menu at The Three Broomsticks, of course!
A very blurry photo of us at Universal Studios Hollywood drinking our Butterbeer. The cream on top is the best part!
Frequently Asked Questions about Butterbeer
For best results, prepare the topping on the same day you plan to serve it. Making it a few hours in advance is fine if you keep it refrigerated.
I use A&W Cream Soda, which has a caramel color. If your cream soda is clear, the appearance will be different, but it won’t necessarily affect the taste.
If butterscotch syrup isn’t available locally, consider purchasing it online through retailers like Amazon.
Yes! You can use a dairy-free whipped topping. It’s pretty easy to find a coconut or almond-based alternative.
Harry Potter Butterbeer Copycat Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Butterbeer Mugs (the BEST glasses for serving)
- Piping Bags (we like these ones!)
Ingredients
- 2 liters cream soda, chilled
- ¼ teaspoon caramel extract
- ¼ teaspoon butter extract
Butterscotch Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup butterscotch topping
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mix the cream soda with the caramel and butter extracts. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Add butterscotch topping and powdered sugar. Mix to combine.
- Pour the soda mixture into clear cups or mugs. Pipe butterscotch cream topping over the butterbeer.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
More Delicious Drink Recipes
We love this Harry Potter Butterbeer! Here are a few more of our favorite drink recipes:
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Trying this for my daughters Hogwarts 8th birthday party in a couple of weeks! It looks great!!
Yay! Wish her a happy birthday for us!
What measurements should I use to half this recipe?
Ingredients
1 liters cream soda chilled
1/8 tsp caramel extract
1/8 tsp butter extract
For the Cream Topping:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup butterscotch topping
1/8 cup powdered sugar
Hi! I’m so exited to make this for my daughter’s birthday today! Unfortunately, I only discovered the recipe last night! I have all the ingredients but my regular grocery store didn’t have any butter extract. I’ve googled it and I’m not sure I’m going to be able to find it locally. I’ll try Bulk Barn, Michael’s, Real Canadian Superstore and WalMart, but in the event it can’t be found, what could I use to replace it?
Thank you so much!!!!
You can use half vanilla extract and half almond extract!
I was about to ask: What is butter extract?
For those in Canada and not sure where to get a Vanilla Cream Soda, Presidents Choice has a Vanilla Cream Soda that is very good. Safeway carries it. It has no colour, it’s clear. You can probably add food colour to change it. I know Barqs has a cream soda, though I haven’t tried it yet. I know Stewarts has a Vanilla cream soda but it only comes in 355ml bottles.
I like Kathy for what she said. That is exactly how you say my name. That is exactly how you spell my name.. Kathy’s receipt must be great to eat. I bet my daughter would like it too.
MASSIVE hit at my son’s 10th birthday party. I made a double batch in a punch bowl, and it was nearly empty 2 hours later. Both the kids and adults (myself included) loved it.
I also doubled up the whipped cream and put the leftovers in the freezer … I’ve used it in other recipes because the butterscotch whipped cream is *amazing*!
I am very excited to try this!
Just a note on the Soda, I’ve lived all over Australia, and noticed that there appear to be four (that I’ve seen) colours of creaming soda. Yellow, Dark Brown, Pink, Red. It depends on the state I was in as to what brands of soda were available. And let me tell you, there were more than 4 flavours! So, I think I just might make my own syrup and use my trusty under used soda stream for the fizzy bit!
Thanks for the link to a great soda recipe above, along with this wonderful Butterbeer Recipe!
My daughter’s last week home before college and she wanted to watch every Harry Potter movie again and have butter beer. This recipe was absolutely everything we thought it should be. I think we will make it a Christmas treat this year! Thanks so much for posting.
How fun! What a fun way to send your daughter off to college. Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave such a nice comment! We are so glad you and your daughter loved the Butterbeer!
I have been looking all over for this recipe. Thank you for ending my search. 😊😊😊😊
So glad you found it!!! Let us know how you like it! 😀
Uhh-mazing!!!!!
I tried this recipe and I wasn’t sure how closely it ll taste to the one we get in the universal studios ! But this is exactly the same! Loved it!
Thank you so much!
I couldn’t find caramel extract to had to sub it with Starbucks caramel syrup!
Oh yum! I love the idea of using the Starbucks caramel syrup! That is a great substitution. So glad you liked it! 🙂 Thanks for the 5-stars!
Can you use caramel topping ? I can’t find caramel extract. And how much would you say?
To substitute the extract I would suggest a caramel flavoring syrup like Torani or Starbucks brand. That will give you a better consistency! I hope this helps!
Hey I’m on my way to target to try and get the ingredients I’m super excited to try this recipe. I have wanted to try the butter beer since I first seen it on the Harry Potter series I’ll be sure to let you know how it turns out thanks so much for the how to list !!!
I’m so excited for you to try it! Let us know what you think!!
I’m planning to make this for my daughter’s birthday party. The topping looks so lovely and foamy in your picture – but I’m wondering how far in advance can I make the topping, so I’m not making it after the kids are all here?
You will want to make the topping as close to serving as possible. You could probably whip it up an hour or so ahead of time but I definitely wouldn’t risk doing it a day ahead. I have heard that you can whip it to soft-peak stage in advance and then whip it one final time right before serving but I have never actually tried that so I can’t say for sure. I hope this helps!
Unfortunately Cream Soda in my country is bright pink and very sickly sweet but I did try it and it was an epic fail. Where’s my wand when I need it. Not your ladies fault. think I will try Ginger Ale or some other type of soft drink.
That’s definitely interesting– pink cream soda :/ yikes. You definitely want the butterscotch colored soda. I don’t know if I can recommend a close substitution for this. Root beer might be an ok alternative? I haven’t tied it so I can’t say for sure though.
If you find a solution, I would love to know
Amazing! Made for my daughters birthday party and it was a huge it!
So glad it was a hit! Happy birthday to your daughter!
Just made this and I am so thrilled! Finally Butterbeer that tastes like what I had in Orlando! Great recipe! That k you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much, Danielle! 🙂
Would ice cream soda work? Thanks
I’m not sure I know what “ice cream soda” is… like ice cream flavored soda?
I LOVE IT. I followed the directions and made my butterbeer today. It was delicious and turned out perfectly! I’m going to have a mini Harry Potter themed party for my birthday and I’m gonna make some more of these. Thank you! You won’t find a better or easier butterbeer recipe online!
Omg this is amazing, I can’t wait to try it! I was wondering if you’re planning on doing a hot butterbeer recipe? It was my favourite when I went to the wizarding world and I’m trying so hard to find a recipe close to it.
We haven’t tried a hot recipe yet, but we might someday! It is soooo good!
About how much does all of this cost?
It shouldn’t cost more than $10– and that is with the flavor extract. You can find cream soda and the other ingredients for very cheap. Hope this helps!
Is the A & W cream soda another similar option to use?
Yes that would work PERFECTLY!
I know that this question may seem a bit weird to ask but it the cream soda vanilla flavoured? Here in Australia we only really have raspberry cream soda:)
Not a weird question at all! Yes, cream soda in the U.S. is typically vanilla flavored. Raspberry cream soda would definitely not taste the same. Here is a great wiki article on how to make it if you can’t find cream soda near you, click HERE Hope this helps!
What is butterscotch topping?
Butterscotch topping is a popular ice cream topping. Usually right next to the caramel and fudge toppings. You should be able to find it in most grocery stores. Hope this helps!