Keto Hot Buttered Rum (Sugar-Free & Low Carb)

Few drinks are as comforting as a mug of hot buttered rum. Rich, warming, and deeply spiced, this classic cocktail has been a cold-weather staple for centuries. Traditionally, though, it’s loaded with brown sugar — making it off-limits for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

Good news: with the right ingredients, hot buttered rum can absolutely be keto-friendly — without sacrificing flavor, body, or that signature caramel warmth.

This version uses Keystone Pantry Brown Sugar Substitute, sweetened with allulose, to recreate the classic taste you remember — minus the sugar and carbs.

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A Brief History of Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum dates back to colonial America, when rum was widely available and spices were prized for both flavor and warmth. Butter was added to enrich the drink, while brown sugar balanced the heat of the alcohol and spices.

The result? A cozy, indulgent beverage meant to be sipped slowly by the fire — a tradition worth preserving, even if your diet has changed.

Thanks to modern sugar alternatives like allulose, we can keep the tradition alive without the blood sugar spike.

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Why Allulose Works in This Recipe

Keystone Pantry Brown Sugar Substitute is sweetened with allulose and blended to mimic traditional brown sugar flavor and moisture.

Allulose is unique because it:

• Tastes like real sugar

• Dissolves smoothly in hot liquids

• Does not raise blood sugar or insulin

• Has zero net carbs

• Delivers real caramel notes without bitterness

In a drink like hot buttered rum, where sweetness and mouthfeel matter, allulose performs beautifully — no graininess, no aftertaste, just smooth warmth.

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Keto Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1½ oz dark rum (or spiced rum, unsweetened)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1–2 tbsp Keystone Pantry Brown Sugar Substitute (Allulose)

• ¾ cup hot water

• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• Cinnamon stick or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a heat-safe mug, add the butter and Keystone Pantry Brown Sugar Substitute.

2. Pour in the hot water and stir until the butter is fully melted and the sweetener is dissolved.

3. Add rum, spices, and vanilla extract (if using).

4. Stir well, taste, and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.

5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or freshly grated nutmeg and serve immediately.

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Helpful Tips for the Best Keto Hot Buttered Rum

• Use softened butter, not cold — it blends faster and creates a smoother drink.

• Start with 1 tablespoon sweetener, then increase to taste. Allulose is very close to sugar but slightly less sweet.

• Dark rum provides deeper flavor than light rum, but always check labels for added sugars.

• For a richer version, replace half the water with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.

• Want a make-ahead option? Mix butter, sweetener, and spices into a butter base and refrigerate — just scoop and add rum + hot water when ready.

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Make It Alcohol-Free (Optional)

To create a keto “mocktail” version:

• Skip the rum

• Add a splash of sugar-free rum extract or extra vanilla

• Increase spices slightly for warmth

You’ll still get that classic hot buttered flavor without alcohol.

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Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: ~170

• Fat: 14g

• Protein: 0g

• Total Carbohydrates: 1g

• Fiber: 0g

• Net Carbs: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

(Nutrition will vary based on rum and portion size.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is allulose really keto-friendly?

Yes. Allulose is not metabolized like sugar and does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, making it suitable for keto and low-carb lifestyles.

Can I substitute another sweetener?

You can, but results will vary. Erythritol may recrystallize as the drink cools, and monk fruit blends may overpower the spices. Allulose provides the smoothest, most authentic result.

Does the butter make the drink greasy?

No — when fully melted and stirred, the butter emulsifies into the hot liquid, creating a creamy, luxurious mouthfeel.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter, though flavor will change slightly.

Can I batch this for a party?

Absolutely. Multiply the recipe, keep warm on low heat, and stir frequently before serving.

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Cozy Flavor Without the Carbs

This Keto Hot Buttered Rum proves you don’t have to give up classic comfort to stay low-carb. With Keystone Pantry Brown Sugar Substitute, you get the warmth, richness, and nostalgia of the original — without sugar getting in the way.

Perfect for winter evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply winding down with something special.