Butterbeer - Tastes Just Like the Park's Version!

This is for all you Harry Potter fans out there!

I've found a fantastic recipe for homemade butterbeer that tastes just like the butterbeer that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (or, as I call it, Harry Potter Land) sells!

This is also a non-alcoholic beverage (like served in the park).

Being a huge Harry Potter fan, I've tried probably six or seven different recipes to find the one that tastes not only like the park's version, but also how I imagine butterbeer would taste!  

Here's the recipe: 

(Serves 4)

1 cup brown sugar (light, golden or dark)

2 tablespoons water

6 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar

3/4 cup heavy cream, divided

1/2 teaspoon rum extract

Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda

Step 1:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and water.  Bring it to a boil and, stirring often, cook until it reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer (about 3-4 minutes)

Step 2:

Remove from heat and stir in butter, salt, cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of heavy cream.

Let it cool completely before adding in the rum extract.

Step 3:

In a small/medium bowl take 2 Tbsp of the brown sugar mixture and combine with the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream.  Blend with an electric mixture until it becomes thick, but not completely whipped, about 2-3 minutes.  

To Serve:

Split the brown sugar mixture into four glasses/mugs (about 1/4 cup for each) with about 1/4 cup of cream soda into each glass/mug.  Stir to mix the two together and then add in more cream soda until it reaches almost the top of the glass.  Top with a dollop of the whipped topping!  Enjoy!

The original recipe was featured on foxnews.com and can be found here.

I like to drink mine in the authentic butterbeer/hogshead mugs that my husband and I got on our honeymoon when we visited the park!

This drink is perfect for Halloween parties!  You can make it in bulk and serve it from a cauldron :)