We may earn a commission when you click on the affiliate links in this post.
Our recipe for Harry Potter Butterbeer tastes just like the drink they sell at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios. A no-cook method that is SO easy!

We took a trip to Universal Studios and we fell in LOVE with this tasty drink. I knew I had to recreate it once I got home. It turns out it is so easy to make! I will definitely be whipping up a batch for my next Harry Potter movie marathon. You can make this recipe two ways. If you are going for super authentic, you can add caramel and butter extracts to the cream soda. This really adds that extra butter-y flavor and makes it taste exactly like the real thing.
Ingredients in Butterbeer
Making homemade Butterbeer is quick and easy with just a few ingredients!
- Cream Soda
- Caramel Extract
- Butter Extract
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Butterscotch Topping
- Powdered Sugar
TIP: If you are looking for a simplified recipe, you can just use plain cream soda. It’s not quite as authentic, but still tastes SUPER yummy and you don’t have to spend the extra money on extracts.

How to Make Butterbeer
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious, creamy drink inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Prepare the Butterscotch Topping:
- Use a stand mixer or a mixing bowl and a hand mixer to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Blend in the powdered sugar and butterscotch topping until well combined.
- Mix the Butterbeer Base:
- Empty the two-liters of cream soda into a pitcher. Stir in the butter and caramel extracts.
- Pour the Butterbeer into glasses, leaving room at the top for the whipped topping.
- Top and Serve:
- Spoon or pipe the butterscotch whipped topping over the Butterbeer.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this magical treat!

Where can I find Butterbeer at Universal Studios?
Butterbeer can easily be found inside of Universal Studios. As you enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there is a bright red Butterbeer cart where you can purchase Butterbeer and Frozen Butterbeer. It is also on the menu at The Three Broomsticks, of course!

A very blurry photo of us at Universal Studios Hollywood drinking our Butterbeer. The cream on top is the best part!
Frequently Asked Questions
For best results, prepare the topping on the same day you plan to serve it. Making it a few hours in advance is fine if you keep it refrigerated.
I use A&W Cream Soda, which has a caramel color. If your cream soda is clear, the appearance will be different, but it won’t necessarily affect the taste.
If butterscotch syrup isn’t available locally, consider purchasing it online through retailers like Amazon.
Yes! You can use a dairy-free whipped topping. It’s pretty easy to find a coconut or almond-based alternative.
Harry Potter Butterbeer Copycat Recipe

Video
Ingredients
- 2 liters cream soda,, chilled
- ¼ teaspoon caramel extract
- ¼ teaspoon butter extract
Butterscotch Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup butterscotch topping
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mix the cream soda with the caramel and butter extracts. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Add butterscotch topping and powdered sugar. Mix to combine.
- Pour the soda mixture into clear cups or mugs. Pipe butterscotch cream topping over the butterbeer.
- Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Butterbeer Mugs (the BEST glasses for serving)
- Piping Bags (we like these ones!)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this recipe?
We want to hear from you! Please leave a review.
More Delicious Drink Recipes
We love this Harry Potter Butterbeer! Here are a few more of our favorite drink recipes:









It was really interesting, I tried to make it and it was perfect.
I hope Harry Potter is your real name because that would be amazing! I am so glad you liked the Butterbeer! Thanks for the 5-stars!
Will be trying this for my son’s birthday… can you leave the buttscotch cream topping out on the counter or does it have to be refrigerated once its made? Thank you.
You can keep the cream topping room temp for a few hours and it will be just fine. If you are using store-bought and there is no dairy in the ice cream topping (check the ingredients listed in your particular topping) you can leave it at room temp for a couple days. Hope this helps!
Awesome, Just got back from Universal Studios Florida. I used Tourani Salted Caramel and it worked great 👍
Oh yum! The Torani salted caramel syrup is so good! I definitely want to try it over the Butterbeer now!
Have not tried yet, but looking forward to it. Can you use caramel emulsion in place of extract?
Yes, you can use caramel emulsion instead of extract. Emulsions usually have a stronger, more concentrated flavor, so start with a little less than the amount of extract called for and add more to taste. Hope this helps!
Hi, do you think a whipped cream dispenser would work? I want to make this for my daughter’s class party and need a quick way to dispense the whipped cream
I haven’t used a dispenser before but upon doing some research it looks like it should be fine. Try whisking the cream, butterscotch topping, and powdered sugar until smooth, and pour it into the dispenser. Then follow your dispenser’s instructions to charge and dispense. Hope this helps!
I really like this recipe