The real 16th-century butterbeer: history, recipe, and inspiration for your winter
Butterbeer has been making a comeback in popular culture for the past few years… but contrary to what many believe, JK Rowling invented absolutely nothing.
This drink already existed in 16th-century British taverns, served piping hot to warm travelers, soldiers, and families gathered around the hearth.
Today, we bring back this tradition from yesteryear — its true story, its true recipe, and how it inspires our handcrafted creations.
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🍺 An English beverage steeped in history
Buttered beer was a very popular drink during the Tudor period.
Served in inns, during winter festivals or cold evenings, it was considered a remedy against cold and fatigue.
It contained:
- beer,
- warm spices
- lots of sugar,
- butter,
- and sometimes… eggs to thicken it.
A surprising combination today, but common in comfort drinks of the time.
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📜 The authentic recipe (1594)
Taken from the book The Good Huswife's Handmaid for the Kitchin, published in 1594, here is the best-known version:
Ingredients :
- 3 pints of beer (ale type, lightly hopped or even alcohol-free)
- 5 egg yolks
- 225 g of sugar
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- A good portion of unsalted butter
Preparation :
- Beat the egg yolks with the sugar.
- Heat the beer with the spices.
- Gently pour the hot beer into the sweetened eggs (so as not to cook them).
- Return to the heat and heat gently until thickened.
- Remove from heat, add the butter and stir until melted.
- Pour from one pot to another to aerate before serving hot.
A rich, creamy, spicy drink … a true liquid dessert from the Tudor era.
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🔥 Why am I talking about this today?
Because this tradition inspired our Butterbeer — 16th creation, a gourmet, warm and spicy soap, perfect for cold days.
A sensory synergy combining:
nutmeg,
cinnamon,
ginger,
creamy vanilla.
A nod to history, a tribute to craftsmanship, and a touch of winter magic.
And if you'd like to discover the olfactory interpretation of this tradition… the soap will be available from December 1st. HERE