Is Butterbeer Alcoholic at Universal Studios?

Butterbeer is one of the most popular “fun drinks” at Universal Studios, available in a variety of different formats, this drink is a must for Harry Potter fans.

While the fictional Butterbeer in the Harry Potter books and films is known to have alcohol in it. Butterbeer at Universal Studios is non-alcoholic. As such no ID is required for purchase and consumption is suitable for children.

There are a number of locations you can purchase Butterbeer from at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida as well as Universal Studios Hollywood.

Is Butterbeer Alcoholic At Universal Studios?

Any form of Butterbeer purchased at Universal Studios is non-alcoholic. As such, this sweet and foamy concoction is suitable for Harry Potter lovers of all ages.

Universal Studios ensured that Butterbeer was alcohol-free so that everyone, including kids, could enjoy a safe and welcoming experience when visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Of course, while there isn’t alcohol inside Butterbeer there’s still A LOT of sugar.

The exact recipe used for the traditional Butterbeer served at Universal Studios has not been revealed (although allergen information is available from Universal team members should you require it) however, according to Universal’s nutritional information about the drink the traditional format contains

• 200 calories
• 42 carbs
• 29 grams of sugar
• 3.5 grams of fat

For context, a can of full-fat Coke has 39 grams of sugar.

Thankfully, however, you are likely to put that sugar high to good use throughout a day of nonstop action at Universal!

Where Can You Buy Butterbeer at the Universal Orlando Resort?

Butterbeer is only available to purchase within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas of both parks.

At Universal Studios Florida, you’ll find Butterbeer served at the following locations;

• The Leaky Cauldron: This popular quick-service restaurant serves traditional British cuisine featuring bangers, fish, chips, and, of course, Butterbeer.

• The Fountain of Fair Fortune: Designed to look like a classic British pub, this cosy place is perfect for grabbing a Butterbeer or any other alcoholic beverage.

• The Hopping Pot: Diagon Alley’s The Hopping Pot serves up hot and cold Butterbeer, along with other magical beverages, and is one of the finest treasures in all of Harry Potter’s Wizarding World.

• Florean Fortescue’s Ice-cream Parlor: This is the only location in Diagon Alley from which you can purchase Butterbeer in an ice cream format. As such the queues are often longer here than anywhere else.

At Universal’s Island of Adventure, visitors can purchase Butterbeer at the following locations:

• Three Broomsticks: Those visiting Hogsmeade can enjoy some tasty English cuisine and butterbeer at Three Broomsticks. This rustic pub in Universal’s Islands of Adventure is also a great place to get a bite to eat any time of day.

• Hog’s Head Pub: This bar serves up Butterbeer, as well as other Wizarding World-themed drinks and adult beverages.

• Butterbeer Cart: You can also get non-alcoholic beverages, including cold and frozen Butterbeer, at this outside beverage cart.

Where Can You Buy Butterbeer at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t as large as the lands at the Universal Orlando Resort there are fewer locations from which you can purchase Butterbeer.

Right now the only locations serving Butterbeer here include;

• The Three Broomsticks
• Hog’s Head Pub
• Butterbeer Cart

What Types Of Butterbeer Are Available At Universal Studios?

There are multiple versions of Butterbeer served from several locations across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Cold Butterbeer

Cold Butterbeer is the most popular format in which the drink is sold, both in Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

When served cold, Butterbeer has the same butterscotch flavor as a cream soda and is served with a generous dollop of heavy whipping cream on top.

Cold Butterbeer is available in either a single-use plastic cup emblazoned with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter logo.

Alternatively, for a slightly higher price, you can purchase Butterbeer in a souvenir tankard which features the Butterbeer logo.

Hot Butterbeer

The hot version of Butterbeer is a fantastic choice for a cold winter day.

Personally, I find that these are few and far between at the Universal Orlando Resort, but if we’re visiting Universal Studios Hollywood during the winter off-season then this drink is perfect for keeping warm.

This drink was originally only available at select times of the year, however, thankfully it’s now available year-round at both parks.

When hot, the Butterbeer takes on the flavour and texture of a butterscotch-flavoured hot chocolate. This drink becomes even more velvety when the foam on top melts into it.

For the safety of your frog fingers, hot Butterbeer is served in a coffee mug with a sleeve.

Frozen Butterbeer

The frozen version of Butterbeer is a slushy variation of the drink that includes the signature cream topping.

This drink is incredibly refreshing on a hot day, however, personally, I can find it a little sickly at around the halfway point.

As such if it’s your first time drinking Butterbeer I recommend sharing a cup with a partner, family member or friend where possible.

Butterbeer Ice Cream

Butterbeer ice cream is made with a combination of vanilla ice cream and a special butterbeer flavouring that is sure to delight your taste buds.

This ice cream is served in either a waffle cone or a souvenir glass (for an additional $1.50) and has a unique taste that is both sweet and slightly savoury, with a hint of caramel and vanilla.

The butterbeer flavouring used in this ice cream is a secret recipe that is rumoured to contain a blend of butterscotch, cream soda, and other magical ingredients.

Butterbeer Potted Cream

You can think of Butterbeer Potted Cream as a butterscotch pudding with whipped cream on top, only it comes in a cute tiny glass jar. 

Despite its pudding-like appearance, the texture is light and airy, much like whipped cream, although noticeably thicker. So, it takes the best parts of butterscotch pudding and whipped cream and puts them together to make a dessert that tastes like buttercream.

Butterbeer Fudge

Butterbeer Fudge is the ideal option if you want to bring some of the deliciousness of Butterbeer back to your loved ones or enjoy it yourself. In fudge, the butterscotch and shortbread are spread across two layers.

To satisfy your cravings, you can purchase a block or as many single pieces as you like. You can get some Butterbeer fudge at either Honeydukes or Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.

What Is Butterbeer Made From?

Although the specific ingredient for Butterbeer is kept a well-guarded secret, it’s well-recognized to be a sugary, foamy beverage with a buttery flavor.

Butterscotch is an important part of making Butterbeer because it gives the drink its unique flavor.

You can make butterscotch by melting brown sugar and butter in a saucepan. Cream and vanilla are added to this mixture, creating a sweet, creamy treat.

Still, butterbeer can be made with a lot of different flavors and ingredients besides the standard recipe. For instance, the drink can also be found infusing other desserts like ice cream and fudge.

Can You Buy Alcoholic Drinks Inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

While Butterbeer does not contain alcohol, you can still buy other alcoholic drinks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

These drinks include;

• Pumpkin Juice Cocktail: This cocktail is made with spiced rum, pumpkin puree, and apple cider, and is served with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

• Hog’s Head Brew: This is a draft beer that is exclusive to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and is brewed specifically for the Hog’s Head pub.

• Wizard’s Brew and Dragon Scale: These are two other exclusive beers that are available at The Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head.

• Firewhisky: This is a cinnamon whiskey that is served as a shot or mixed into a cocktail.

Alcoholic drinks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort are available from;

• The Three Broomsticks: This is a restaurant located in Hogsmeade Village that serves a variety of food and drinks, including the famous Butterbeer, as well as beer and wine.

• The Hog’s Head: This is a pub located inside The Three Broomsticks that serves a selection of beers, wines, and spirits.

• The Leaky Cauldron: This is a restaurant located in Diagon Alley that serves British pub food and a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails.

• The Fountain of Fair Fortune: This is a bar located in Diagon Alley that serves speciality cocktails inspired by the wizarding world.

Meanwhile, alcoholic drinks at Universal Studios Hollywood are available to purchase from both The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head.