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Butterbeer at Universal Studios is a must if you’re visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. What you may not know is that there’s more than just one kind to choose from. Here’s everything you need to know, from where to buy butterbeer to which kind to try first (and a free printable checklist to keep track).
There’s a lot to love about living in Florida but being near the theme parks is definitely at the top of our list! We may be big Disney fans but we absolutely love Universal Studios too.
One reason for that is the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter! From Diagon Alley in Universal Studios to Hogwart’s Castle and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, they make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the Harry Potter books and movies. Even if you’re not a big fan going in, you’ll be totally amazed (and will probably be a fan before you leave)!
So if you’re going to immerse yourself in all things Harry Potter, a taste of butterbeer should be at the top of your to-do list. You’ll find a whole lot more than your traditional butterbeer and you’ll also find multiple places to get it. But first let’s start with the most important question…
What is butterbeer?
Harry Potter fans can tell you that butterbeer is a popular drink among the students at Hogwarts. This sweet drink is regularly served at Hogsmeade’s Three Broomsticks Inn or in the Great Hall for special occasions.
What does butterbeer taste like?
According to the books, butterbeer is made from just three ingredients: butterscotch, sugar and water. As far as taste, it’s described as “a little bit like less sickly butterscotch”. I’m not sure I know exactly what that means but it definitely has a distinct butterscotch taste.
How do they make the butterbeer at Universal? That’s a closely guarded secret recipe so nobody really knows…though many have tried to recreate it. You can check out all my butterbeer inspired recipes here.
However, the typical butterbeer recipe has some combination of cream soda and butterscotch syrup, topped with whipped cream. Sometimes other ingredients are thrown in the mix, like butter extract or rum extract but we’ll just have to keep guessing when it comes to Universal’s secret recipe.
Does butterbeer at Universal have alcohol?
In the books, butterbeer does have a slight amount of alcohol (just enough to get a house elf tipsy). It’s typically made without alcohol though and this is true at Universal Studios as well.
On one of my first visits, I did try to order an alcoholic butterbeer at The Hog’s Head Pub. However, I quickly learned that although there are plenty of butterbeer varieties available, an alcoholic version isn’t one of them.
I was a little disappointed and personally, I think they’re missing out on a pretty good money making opportunity. If you want alcoholic butterbeer, you’ll just have to make it at home for now.
What are the different kinds of butterbeer at Universal Studios Florida
Keep reading to the end to get this free printable checklist to take along on your next visit!
On our first trip to the Wizarding World, ordering Harry’s favorite drink was at the top of our must-do list. I had no idea that there’d be so many different types of butterbeer to choose from though. Here’s what you’ll find:
Cold Butterbeer
This is your traditional butterbeer…a cold butterscotch flavored drink with a frothy whipped topping. If you’re only going to order one butterbeer variety, this is the one you want!
It’s super easy to make at home too and we are obsessed with this yummy 4-ingredient butterbeer recipe!
Frozen Butterbeer
This version of butterbeer is a lot like the original but in a frozen form. It’s more similar to a slushy than a milkshake and is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day! Want to try it without having to travel all the way to Universal? Try making this delicious frozen butterbeer recipe at home.
Hot Butterbeer
The first time I tried hot butterbeer, I was amazed at how good it is! I thought it would just taste like warm butterbeer but it’s more similar to hot chocolate with a butterscotch twist. It’s pretty sweet but if that’s the kind of thing you like, you’ll love this drink!
It’s also the perfect hot beverage to order if you’re trying to keep warm during Florida’s short winter season (though it is available year-round).
Butterbeer Ice Cream
If you really want to treat yourself, order a waffle cone filled with butterbeer ice cream. Butterscotch flavor is swirled through vanilla soft serve ice cream and it’s every bit as good as it looks!
We always get ours at Florean Fortescue’s ice cream parlor. That way we can enjoy it while we wait to see the dragon to breath fire (which happens about every 10 minutes). It never gets old!
Butterbeer Fudge
With a creamy butterscotch flavored fudge on bottom and a white chocolate layer on top, this sweet treat is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It also makes a great souvenir. I brought a few squares home for the kids when I went without them and it traveled well.
Want to make your own? Try this easy butterbeer fudge recipe.
Butterbeer Potted Cream
Never heard of potted cream? I hadn’t either but since I was trying all the butterbeer treats, I had to give this one a try too.
It’s like a butterscotch pudding topped with a dollop of whipped cream and served in a fun little glass jar. Pop open the lid and take a bite…you won’t be disappointed! It was really tasty and I definitely recommend you give this dessert a try next time you’re in the Wizarding World.
Where to get butterbeer in Universal
Now that you know what kind of butterbeer you want to start with, you’ll need to know where to find it. From butterbeer street carts to table dining restaurants, here’s where you can find every type of butterbeer that you’re looking for.
Diagon Alley (Universal Studios)
The Leaky Cauldron
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
- Butterbeer Potted Cream
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
The Hopping Pot
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop
- Butterbeer Fudge
The Fountain Of Fair Fortune
- Butterbeer
- Frozen butterbeer
Hogsmeade (Islands Of Adventure)
Three Broomsticks
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
- Butterbeer Potted Cream
Hog’s Head Pub
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
Honeydukes
- Butterbeer Fudge
Street Carts
- Cold Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
How much is butterbeer at Universal Studios
How much are these treats going to cost? It depends on what you’re ordering. Here’s what you’ll pay for each of the different versions at Universal Orlando Resort:
- Cold Butterbeer – 7.99
- Frozen Butterbeer – 7.99
- Hot Butterbeer – 7.99
- Butterbeer Ice Cream – 5.99
- Butterbeer Potted Cream – 5.79
- Butterbeer Fudge – 4.95
*These prices are good as of December 2021. They are subject to change though I will try to update if I notice any price increases.
Butterbeer Souvenirs
Want butterbeer themed souvenirs to take home with you? In addition to the fudge, you can pick up a souvenir glass or mug or even actual butterbeer to take home (though I’m not so sure I’d recommend it if you’re traveling by plane).
Don’t have room in your suitcase? You can also shop Amazon to find a cool butterbeer mug and even the butterbeer to go in it!
Printable Checklist
Want to be sure you taste everything? Print this checklist and check off each item as you try it. Just to make it easy, I’ve included where you can find each one too! Get the butterbeer checklist here or just click on the image below.
So now the big question is which one of these delicious butterbeer concoctions will you try first?
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