Warm up your keto evenings with a spiced, buttery delight: this Warm Buttered Rum Cocktail is 100% carb‑free and perfect for a low‑carb lifestyle. Combining rich, melted butter with unflavored rum, warm water or unsweetened tea, and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it delivers comforting warmth without a single gram of carbohydrate. And if you love easy, indulgent keto cocktails, be sure to explore the Ultimate Keto Recipe Cookbook for more festive, low‑carb libations you can whip up at home.
Why Warm Buttered Rum Is Keto and Carb‑Free
Rum in its pure form—whether white, spiced, or dark—contains zero carbohydrates because it’s fully distilled, removing all natural sugars. With 1.5 oz of rum providing roughly 96 calories and no carbs, it’s a perfect base for keto cocktails. The addition of butter, a cornerstone of high‑fat keto cooking, adds luxurious creaminess with virtually no carbs, as both butter and ghee contain only trace amounts of carbohydrates. By sweetening with zero‑carb sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit extract and warming it all with water or unsweetened herbal tea, you create a cocktail that’s rich, spiced, and 100% compliant with a low‑carb, ketogenic diet.
Also Read: Sugar-Free Chocolate Donuts for a Low-Carb Diet
Essential Ingredients and Their Benefits
Every component in this Warm Buttered Rum Cocktail is selected for flavor, texture, and keto‑friendly macros.
Unflavored Rum (1.5 oz)
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Zero Carbs: Rum has no residual sugars after distillation.
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Energy Source: Provides 96 calories from alcohol, offering warmth and relaxation without carbs.
Grass‑Fed Butter (1 Tbsp)
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Healthy Fats: Butter is rich in saturated fats and fat‑soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K₂). Grass‑fed butter contains omega‑3s and antioxidants like CLA, which may support heart health and metabolic function.
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Creamy Texture: Melts smoothly into warm liquids, creating a velvety mouthfeel with negligible carbs.
Zero‑Carb Sweetener (1–2 tsp)
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Erythritol or Monk Fruit Blend: Provides sugar‑like sweetness with zero net carbs and minimal aftertaste. Erythritol doesn’t affect blood glucose or insulin levels.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove)
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Cinnamon (¼ tsp): Adds warmth and depth; contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar.
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Nutmeg & Clove (pinch each): Impart festive notes and antimicrobial properties, enhancing both flavor and potential health benefits.
Hot Liquid (¾ cup)
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Hot Water or Unsweetened Tea: Provides volume and heat without carbs. Herbal or black tea adds tannins and nuance if desired.
Optional Enhancements
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MCT Oil (1 tsp): Medium‑chain triglycerides quickly convert to ketones, boosting energy and sustaining ketosis.
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Vanilla Extract (¼ tsp): Adds aromatic sweetness without carbs.
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Salt (pinch): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Step‑by‑Step Preparation
Creating this cozy cocktail takes just minutes.
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Warm the Glass: Preheat a heat‑proof mug by filling it with hot water, then discard the water. A warmed glass prevents rapid cooling of your drink.
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Melt the Butter: In the warm mug, stir 1 tablespoon of grass‑fed butter until it melts completely.
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Add Rum and Sweetener: Pour in 1.5 oz of unflavored rum. Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of your zero‑carb sweetener until dissolved.
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Spice It Up: Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch each of freshly grated nutmeg and clove.
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Pour Hot Liquid: Carefully pour ¾ cup hot water or hot unsweetened tea into the mug. Stir gently to combine, creating a frothy, emulsified top.
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Enhance (Optional): If using, whisk in 1 teaspoon MCT oil or a splash of vanilla extract for added complexity.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish with a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top. Sip slowly and enjoy the warming blend of flavors.
Nutritional Analysis (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Total Carbs | 0 g |
| Net Carbs | 0 g |
| Alcohol | 14 g (≈1.5 oz) |
Expert Tips for the Perfect Keto Cocktail
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Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a smooth, high‑proof unflavored rum for the best mouthfeel. Grass‑fed butter has deeper flavor and more nutrients than conventional dairy.
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Preheat Your Mug: Warming your glass prevents heat loss and helps emulsify the butter and MCT oil into the drink.
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Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with less sweetener; you can always add more. Zero‑calorie sweeteners vary in sweetness and aftertaste.
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Emulsify Thoroughly: Stir or whisk vigorously to ensure the butter and optional MCT oil don’t separate, creating a uniform, creamy beverage.
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Experiment with Teas: Swap hot water for chai tea, rooibos, or black tea for extra flavor without carbs.
Flavor Variations
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Spiced Orange: Add a strip of organic orange zest and a dash of allspice for a citrusy twist.
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Mocha Rum: Sprinkle 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder into the mix for a chocolate‑coffee style.
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Vanilla Chai Buttered Rum: Use hot chai tea instead of water and increase vanilla extract to ½ tsp.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in 1 tsp almond or hazelnut extract alongside the spices for a nut‑flavored version.
Serving Suggestions
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Holiday Gatherings: Serve in festive mugs with cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish.
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After‑Dinner Treat: Offer alongside keto‑friendly dark chocolate (85% cacao or higher) for a decadent pairing.
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Brunch Warm‑Up: Combine with a side of keto pancakes or waffles for a cozy morning gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is rum really carb‑free?
Yes. All unflavored distilled spirits, including rum, vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey, contain zero carbs because distillation removes sugars. However, flavored or spiced rums may include added sugars—always check labels.
Q2: Can I use ghee instead of butter?
Absolutely. Ghee is clarified butter without milk solids, making it completely carb‑free and lactose‑free. It adds an even more concentrated buttery flavor and higher smoke point.
Q3: What sweeteners work best?
Powdered erythritol, monk fruit blends, or allulose dissolve best in hot liquids and mimic sugar’s texture. Stevia can be used sparingly, but its intensity varies by brand.
Q4: Can I make a larger batch?
Yes. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings, heat in a saucepan over low heat, whisking until combined, then serve warm in individual mugs.
Q5: How do I avoid separation?
Use emulsifiers like MCT oil or blend with a handheld milk frother to keep fats suspended. Stir vigorously before each sip if needed.
Q6: Is this suitable for non‑keto diets?
While designed for keto, this cozy cocktail appeals to anyone who enjoys warm, spiced drinks and wants to avoid refined sugars. Non‑keto drinkers will still appreciate the buttery richness.
Q7: Can I omit alcohol?
For a virgin version, skip the rum and increase hot water or tea by 1.5 oz, then boost butter and spices. You’ll have a cozy, spiced “butter tea” that’s similarly warming and carb‑free.
Conclusion
This Warm Buttered Rum Cocktail offers a perfect cozy treat for keto and low‑carb enthusiasts—rich, spiced, and utterly carb‑free. By leveraging the zero‑carb nature of distilled rum, creamy grass‑fed butter, and sugar‑free sweeteners, you get a festive beverage that fuels ketosis and satisfies holiday cravings. Whether you need a warming nightcap, a brunch pick‑me‑up, or a seasonal party drink, this cocktail delivers comfort without compromise.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the Ultimate Keto Recipe Cookbook link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are based on personal experience and research.