Finding Butterbeer at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure isn’t hard. But, recreating it at home may be challenging for us folks who are not really into cooking or baking.
In case you’re a Muggle, Butterbeer is a drink mentioned several times in the Harry Potter books.
It is the drink of choice for many of the adolescents throughout the famous Wizarding story.
Similar to the common drinks in our society such as soda and coffee. It’s a staple concoction and a must have beverage whenever you visit Universal Studios.
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Why Am I Even Talking About Butterbeer?
If you are a part of the ThemeParkHipster family, then you’re probably aware of the effect that the Harry Potter books have had on my life.
Not trying to get too mushy on you, but like many true believers, this series is much more than a book or film.
It is a story about the choices we all have to make in order to carries us into our destiny.
I guess the type of question that most non-Potter fans want to ask is “What’s with this Potter guy?”
It’s a topic that countless adults who have not been exposed to the Chosen One are very interested in understanding. I respond to the inquiries with a question.
How do you feel about reading a book that sends you diving into a complex world of good vs. evil? A book series that will show you how to:
- Love everyone even the most wicked person
- Deal with the effects of war on the human heart
- Realize the importance of loyalty and humility
- Come to grips with losing a loved one to death or a fate worse than death
- Sacrifice a piece of yourself to save someone
- Learn how to live with purpose
- Understand why the trials and triumphs of life are necessary for molding you into the individual you’re supposed to become
It is for those reasons why “this Potter series” is so special to not only myself, but to other fans of the famous hero.
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What is Butterbeer?
Butterbeer is what some would describe as the signature drink of the Wizarding World.
In the Harry Potter books and films, the beloved characters sip on Butterbeer as they laugh, strategize, and scheme together.
Butterbeer can be made several ways, but it is generally concocted of butterscotch, brown sugar, heavy cream, soda water, etc.
It’s also a sweet treat that can be served hot, iced, or even frozen. Some people prefer it to be made with ice cream.
Butterbeer is available to purchase all throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando. It is quite the popular beverage – for good reason!
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What is the Role of Butterbeer in the Harry Potter Books?
Now that we understand why Harry Potter is special to us all. Let’s go through the role of the wizard’s favorite beverage, Butterbeer.
Through Rowling’s Harry Potter books, Butterbeer is mentioned as being sold in the Leaky Cauldron, the Hog’s Head (for two sickles), and inside The Three Broomsticks.
In the Harry Potter books, the beverages were made of mallosweet and moondew, but when Butterbeer is muggle-made it is more likely to have the aforementioned ingredients, as well as caramel or cream soda flavors.
Many of the butterbeer concoctions in the books had a slight alcoholic content to them. House-elves, such as Winky, were known to get drunk off of the sweet beverage.
If you read the Goblet of Fire book, then you’ll read about how this house-elf would often need to be removed from the kitchens by Dobby to help sober her up.
Butterbeer was also served during celebrations in the Potter universe such as at Bill and Fleur’s wedding and the Yule Ball.
Luna Lovegood was even mentioned as having a necklace designed with Butterbeer corks while at Hogwarts.
Sorry to get super Potter-nerdy on you if this is a lot to take in : ) !
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What does Butterbeer taste like?
To me, Butterbeer tastes as if a cream soda married a delectable sugar cookie topped with a thick butterscotch head.
The sweetness also depends on the type of Butterbeer that you get. The warm version is sweeter to me than the cold version.
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Where to Find Butterbeer at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure?
Now that you know why the Potter community is so in love with butterbeer, let’s go over where you can actually find it inside Universal Orlando Resort.
Is there Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal?
Absolutely! And you must try EVERY type of Butterbeer!
Frozen butterbeer on a hot Florida day is a cool way to enjoy Hogsmeade. However, a warm cup of butterbeer is my favorite version of this delicious beverage.
Unfortunately, Florida is just way too hot on most days to revel in warm Butterbeer.
If you’re not a fan of root beer but want to still try a rendition of it, then I suggest the warm version of butterbeer.
How is Butterbeer served at Universal Orlando?
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer (seasonal)
- Butterbeer Potted Cream
- Fudge Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Soft Serve Ice-Cream
- Vegan Butterbeer
Sooooo many options to choose from!!!
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Is Butterbeer alcoholic?
It can be! But the name “Butterbeer” doesn’t actually indicate beer or any alcohol.
It’s referring to the butterscotch and other tasty ingredients within the drink from the HP films. Kids of all ages can enjoy butterbeer (with no alcohol!)
Universal does not sell an alcoholic version of Butterbeer, so no worries if you’re concerned about your child trying the fun drink!
However, you can easily make one at home for yourself.
Check out my list of ingredients later in this guide to make my preferred version of Butterbeer.
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Where to find Butterbeer at Universal Studios in Diagon Alley?
You can find a Butterbeer offering of some sort inside the Diagon Alley section of Universal Studios at:
- The Leaky Cauldron
- Hopping Pot
- Sugarplum’s Sweetshop
- Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
Where to find Butterbeer in Islands of Adventure?
You can find a Butterbeer offering of some sort inside the Hogsmeade section of Islands of Adventure at:
- Three Broomsticks
- Hog’s Head pub
- Honeydukes
- The Butterbeer street carts
Hipster Power Tip: It’s faster to get your Butterbeer inside of the Hog’s Head Pub or the Three Broomsticks.
How much is Butterbeer at Universal Studios?
At Universal Studios, there are a variety of types of Butterbeer, and the prices range from $5.99 – $8.49. I love a magical (and affordable!) theme park beverage.
Recipe for Butterbeer from Universal Studios
With Butterbeer being one of the most popular theme park drinks in the world, you should know that there are ways to experience it without being at Universal Orlando Resort.
What is Butterbeer made of?
The best news about Butterbeer, is that there are about a thousand different ways to make it.
You can experiment at home with or without ice cream, with or without alcohol, it’s up to you! I prefer Butterbeer to include the following:
- Butter Extract
- Caramel/Vanilla flavors or syrups
- Cream Soda
- 1 Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Butterscotch Syrup
But remember – It’s entirely up to you. Make it your own!
At Universal Studios, the Butterbeer is made with:
For the base:
- Butter Extract
- Caramel Extract
- Cream Soda
The topping ingredients:
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Butterscotch Topping
- Powdered Sugar
- Melted Butter
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How to Make Universal Studios Butterbeer at Home?
I’ve read through a few recipes created by fans online and this is the one that worked out the best for me.
Ingredients For Harry Potter Butterbeer
- Cream Soda (2 Liters)
- Caramel Extract (a dash)
- Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoonful)
- Butter Extract (1/4 teaspoonful)
- Vanilla Ice Cream (1/2 quart)
- Ice (start with ¼ of a cup of ice…may give another ¼ of a cup based on the consistency and taste that you like)
Ingredient for Butterbeer Creamy Froth Topping
Instructions Making Universal Studios Butterbeer at Home
- Place your favorite mug or glass in the freezer while making this wizarding drink
- Mix Cream Soda, caramel extract, vanilla extract, butter extract, ice cream, and ice together in a blender until a slushy consistency is made
- In a large bowl whip heavy cream until it stiffens
- Add butterscotch and powered sugar to the bowl with the heavy cream and stir together until blended well
- Pour your Harry Potter Butterbeer mixture into your favorite mug, top it with scoop of the cream froth, and serve
- Serves 8 to 10 people
Starbucks Recipe for Butterbeer Latte
If you’re not into making your own homemade recipe, then you can read how to order Butterbeer at Starbucks below.
Harry Potter Hot Butterbeer Latte Grande at Starbucks
- Whole milk steamer
- Caramel Syrup (2 Pumps)
- Toffee Nut Syrup (3 Pumps)
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup (3 Pumps)
- Top with Whipped cream and Praline Crunch
As you can see, we like our Butterbeer to taste pretty close to the Universal version! We recommend that you experiment to figure out your favorite way to make it.
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5 Beginner Tips for Getting Butterbeer at Universal Studios?
It can be difficult to figure out where exactly you can find Butterbeer in the Harry Potter world.
There are different types of Butterbeer, and they’re available at different areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Below, are my best tips for finding Butterbeer at Universal:
1. You can find Butterbeer in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade
In Hogsmeade, you can find Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks, The Hogs Head Pub, and Honeydukes.
In Diagon Alley, you’ll find Butterbeer at The Leaky Cauldron, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, and The Hopping Pot.
2. Use the Butterbeer Street Carts
There are some street carts located in Hogsmeade, where you’ll be able to find both cold and hot forms of Butterbeer!
Keep an eye out on the lines, because if the lines are too long in one area, you can always head to a street cart and vice versa.
3. Try the Unique Butterbeer at Universal Studios
For a variation on Butterbeer, check out: Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop or Honeydukes for Butterbeer fudge OR check out Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor for Butterbeer ice cream.
You can also try Butterbeer Potted Cream at The Three Broomsticks.
4. Be smart! Don’t try to sneak in alcohol to add to your Butterbeer.
Some fans have tried this in the past. Although it might be tasty, you can be kicked out.
5. Get the Butterbeer Mug
For an additional fun element to your Butterbeer-trying experience, purchase the Butterbeer souvenir mug in the parks.
You can even find a metal version of the mug with the Butterbeer logo at some of the carts that sell the drink.
What’s the Best Butterbeer at Universal Studios?
With so many options to choose from, I want to help with the decision!
Here’s our ranking of best to worst Butterbeer varieties:
- Iced Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
- The Butterbeer Fudge
- Butterbeer Potted Cream
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My Final Thoughts on Butterbeer at Universal Studios Harry Potter World
As you can see, you don’t have to be at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando to enjoy this magical treat.
You can create it inside your home or at your local coffee shop such as Starbucks.
“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” – J.K. Rowling
If you do decide to come to the Harry Potter-inspired lands inside of Universal, be sure to try the other popular wizarding drinks such as Pumpkin Juice and the Hog’s Head Brew (if you’re of age).
Have you ever had Butterbeer? If so, let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- Complete Guide to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios
- Universal Studios One-Day Itinerary
- Islands of Adventure One-Day Itinerary
- Best Photo Spots at Islands of Adventure
- 5 Easy Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Tips
- Is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures worth a 10 hour wait?
(Original Article Date: May 19, 2014/Updated July 3, 2023)
I am a huge HP fan too! I look forward to to the new opening at Universal Studios and your upcoming posts!
Thanks! I’m in fan overload right. I probably won’t come down from it until winter, lol.