Frozen Butterbeer

The New York Times is on the case of a potentially disturbing trend towards underage drinking in schools. Wizard schools, that is.

Drunk on Butterbeer: Does Hogwarts Have a Teen Drinking Problem?

The latest movie in the Harry Potter series depicts a teenage Potter and company enjoying quite a few "butterbeers." The drinking has apparently raised some eyebrows, even if the alcoholic content of butterbeer is never stated.

So, are butterbeers alcoholic anyway? Well, most likely Harry and his friends are not getting hammered on high-octane butterbeer. But Moogie and Pap are!

Ingredients for BUTTERBEER:
1 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
6 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar (I didn't use this)
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon rum extract (I used 4 shots of Butterscotch Liqueur)
Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda
1 pint vanilla ice-cream

In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer.

Stir in the butter, salt, and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Mix the remaining brown sugar mixture, ice-cream, and 1 bottle of cream soda. To serve, divide between 4 tall glasses. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.

This drink is very sweet.