Complete Guide to Butterbeer at Universal Studios Parks

Complete Guide to Butterbeer at Universal Studios Parks

Complete Guide to Butterbeer at Universal Studios Parks

Welcome to your complete guide to the Universal Studios Butterbeer! If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve dreamt of visiting Hogsmeade Village and sipping on a cup of the famous Butterbeer at Universal Studios. We’ve had it in all shapes and forms, and it truly helps round out your Harry Potter experience while at Universal. Our favorite type of butterbeer will always be frozen, but all types are delicious. In this guide, we’ll discuss where to get Butterbeer, how much it costs at Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood, and more!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation! If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation, be sure to check out our Universal crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What is Butterbeer at Universal?

Butterbeer is a popular beverage, described in Harry Potter books as a, “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch,” and is served in many establishments in the Wizarding World. Harry and his friends often describe drinking this beverage on their trips to Hogsmeade Village while visiting the Three Broomsticks Inn. In these films and books, butterbeer is described as having a very low alcohol content.

Still, the butterbeer at Universal is non-alcoholic and perfect for kids and adults to enjoy. You can find these drinks in all Universal Studios theme parks and is a fan favorite to sip on after some of your favorite Harry Potter rides and our personal favorite during Early Park Admission at Universal! 

What are the different types of Universal Butterbeer?

• Frozen Butterbeer
• Cold Butterbeer
• Hot Butterbeer
• Butterbeer ice cream
• Butterbeer fudge

For a limited time they had a new butterbeer lolli for sale, but that was only for a few weeks in the summer! We loved the butterbeer popsicle and wish it was year round!

Types of Butterbeer Drinks:

Hot Butterbeer Universal

Hot butterbeer at Universal is a delicious treat that guests can now purchase year-long, which is perfect for chilly mornings or late nights. The flavor of the hot butterbeer is slightly different, and a little more rich and creamy like a hot chocolate beverage. You can expect a butterscotchy delight with a delicious warm heavy cream foam topping. Be careful though! This drink is served very hot and might need to be cooled before little ones can enjoy it.

Frozen Butterbeer Universal Studios

Frozen butterbeer at Universal is a unique offering as it comes in the consistency of a slushy, which is super delicious on those really hot Florida days. It has the same butterscotch flavoring as the hot and is rather sweet, especially with the creamy foam topping. You can expect a caramel-y, butterscotch flavor with an intense sweet heavy cream foam on top.

Cold Butterbeer in Universal Studios

Lastly, you can get the iconic butterbeer at Harry Potter World just straight out of the tap cold and smooth, like a cream soda. It is smooth and creamy and tastes very strong of butterscotch, caramel, and even a little bit like shortbread because of all of the butter used to make it.

Related post: Complete Guide to all Harry Potter Attractions.

What Does Butterbeer Taste Like at Universal Studios?

The butterbeer flavor is unlike any other drink we’ve had in theme parks before. The first thing that comes to mind is very sweet. and butterscotchy. If you have the frozen butterbeer with topping, you’ll get a burst of vanilla deliciousness cream layer with slushy, sweet butterbeer ready underneath with warm tones of butterscotch and brown sugar butter.  No matter what way you get Universal Studios Butterbeer, it is not lacking sugar and there is always a thick layer of creamy deliciousness on top.

What is Butterbeer made out of at Universal?

The butterbeer ingredients at Universal have never been shared, and unfortunately, we can only guess what they use to make it. What we do know is that it does have dairy but is gluten-free. That means that the butterbeer at Universal is not vegan-friendly unless you get it without the whipped topping.

How much alcohol is in Butterbeer at Universal?

Another popular question we receive is, how much alcohol is in Butterbeer at Universal? And Butterbeer does not contain alcohol at Universal Orlando. That is the same even if you decide to buy the cold, frozen, or hot Butterbeer while on your vacation. Universal Orlando does have a bunch of other Harry Potter alcoholic beverages for adults visiting Universal Orlando to enjoy.

Is there a vegan butterbeer at Universal?

Yes, there is finally a vegan option for butterbeer at Universal. If you’re looking for a vegan butterbeer at Universal, you can go to any butterbeer cart or stand in either park. Just let them know that you’re vegan and that you would not like the dairy whipped topping and … accio butterbeer!

Related post: Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando

Where Can I Buy Butterbeer?

Now that we’ve talked all about how butterbeer tastes, let’s take a look at another important question which is, where can I buy butter beer? Butterbeer is sold in all Universal parks in the United States, so no matter which coast you’re visiting, you’re in luck! But let’s talk about where you can get butterbeer in Universal.

Universal Studios Florida Butterbeer locations (Diagon Alley)

• The Leaky Cauldron
• The Fountain of Fair Fortune
• The Hopping Pot

Islands of Adventure Butterbeer locations (Hogsmeade Village)

• The Three Broomsticks
• Hog’s Head
• Butterbeer carts

Universal Studios Hollywood (Hogsmeade Village)

• The Three Broomsticks
• Hog’s Head
• Butterbeer cart

Where to get hot Butterbeer in Universal?

But, where can you grab a hot butter beer at Universal? You can grab hot butterbeer at The Leaky Cauldron, The Hopping Pot (in Hogsmeade Village) or Hogs Head, and The Three Broomsticks (in Diagon Alley). It is, of course, important to note that guests who plan to park hop between Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley using the Hogwarts Express will need a Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket! 

Other butterbeer product locations

As we mentioned above, you can not only buy Universal Studio’s butterbeer in liquid form but also butterbeer ice cream, fudge, and even potted cream! Some guests say that the butterbeer soft serve ice cream is their favorite version.

• Butterbeer ice cream – Diagon Alley –  The Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, The Hopping Pot. Hogsmeade Village – The Three Broomsticks
• Butterbeer fudge – Honeydukes (Hogsmeade) & Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop (Diagon Alley)
• Butterbeer potted cream – The Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade) & The Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley)

Make sure to check out both Sweet Shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade for seasonal butterbeer treats too!

Related post: The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World: Universal California vs Florida

What is the Universal Studios Harry Potter Butterbeer Price?

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you know that a butterbeer would only cost you two sickles from Madam Rosmerta at the Three Broomsticks. But how much does Butterbeer cost at Universal Studios in 2024? And, the price for a normal butter beer in 2024 is $8.50. As you can see the price is much more expensive from when the parks first opened the Universal Butterbeer stands, with it only being about $3 in 2012. Now, if you’re looking to visit Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood in 2024, you’ll be paying double.

How Much is Butterbeer at Universal?

• Cold Butterbeer – $8.99
• Souvenir Cold Butterbeer – $14.50
• Frozen Butterbeer – $8.99
• Frozen Butterbeer in Souvenir Cup – $14.50
• Hot Butterbeer – $8.99

Butterbeer refills are also $8.49 for your souvenir cup

Other butterbeer product prices

• Butterbeer ice cream – $6.49
• Butterbeer potted cream – $6.49
• Butterbeer fudge – $4.95

Are butterbeer mugs refillable at Universal Orlando?

A very common question we receive regarding the premium cups is, are Butterbeer Mugs refillable in 2024? And, unfortunately, the Universal Orlando butterbeer mugs will not be refillable in 2024. There are no discounts on Universal Butterbeer anywhere on Universal Orlando property at this time. However, one way to save up some money for the parks is to buy your discount Universal Orlando tickets from The Park Prodigy! Not only will you save money for Butterbeer but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits such as free park plans and early park admission with multi-day tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

How much is Butterbeer in Diagon Alley?

Guests will be happy to know that there is no difference in the Butterbeer prices between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. A Butterbeer in Diagon Alley is $8.50 for the cold Butterbeer, frozen Buteerbeer, or hot Butterbeer.

Related post: Complete Guide to Harry Potter Hogwarts Robes

Which is Better? Frozen vs Regular Butterbeer

Now it comes down to the ultimate question, which is better – regular butterbeer vs frozen butterbeer? This all comes down to a matter of opinion and what type of beverages you like to drink! If you’re looking for what is closest to the Harry Potter books and films, the hot butterbeer at Universal is your best option. Madam Rosmerta serves her butterbeer warm in the books, so you can always order yours hot and let it cool down a bit for the best Harry Potter dining experience.

But, as for the best butterbeer at Universal overall, we are going to say the frozen Universal butterbeer wins out! It is super hot in Florida almost year-round, and we think that the frozen butterbeer is the most refreshing option if you’re looking to cool down and enjoy all that the Wizarding World has to offer.

Is Butterbeer better hot or cold?

Another important question to look at is, is Butterbeer better hot or cold? As a general rule of thumb, we always suggest that Butterbeer is better cold just like in the books and movies. We feel like butterbeer is meant to be enjoyed like a soda, especially on those hot Florida and California days.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Harry Potter Wands

Is There Butterbeer at Universal Hollywood?

Why yes, of course, there is butterbeer for any witch or wizard looking for it in Universal Studios Hollywood. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite to eat in The Three Broomsticks, or just walk around Hogsmeade Village, there will be a cup of butterbeer waiting for you. With that being said, there is only one land with Butterbeer Universal Hollywood style, and that is Hogsmeade Village. Unlike Universal Orlando, there is only one Wizarding World inside of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Just like in Orlando, there is no alcoholic butterbeer at Universal Hollywood, but guests can create concoctions themselves at Hogs Head.

How much is butterbeer at Universal Hollywood?

• Hot Butterbeer (Non-Alcoholic) – $8.99
• Butterbeer (Non-Alcoholic)  – $8.99
• Frozen Butterbeer (Non-Alcoholic)  – $8.99
• Non-Dairy Butterbeer (Non-Alcoholic) (V) – $8.99
• Butterbeer in Stein (Non-Alcoholic)  – $14.50

Related post: The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World; Universal Orlando vs Hollywood

Butterbeer Universal Studios FAQ

Q: Is Butterbeer hot or cold?

A: The butterbeer at Universal Studios is sold three different ways: hot, cold, or frozen.

Q: What is in the Butterbeer at Universal?

Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic at Universal Studios keeps the butterbeer recipe and ingredients completely secret and we do not know what is in it. All we do know is that it has dairy products in it and is not vegan-safe with the dairy topping.

Q: Is the Butterbeer at Universal alcoholic?

All butterbeers served at Universal Studios are non-alcoholic, and they are completely safe for kids to drink! Although we will warn you they are filled with sugar instead. However, the great news is you’ll be able to use that sugar rush for a jam-packed day of fun at Universal!

Q: Do they sell alcoholic butterbeers at Universal?

While all butterbeers at Universal are non-alcoholic, you can order other alcoholic drinks and mix them on your own! You can order alcohol at The Hogs Head Pub and try making a butterbeer potion of your own.

Q: Can you get Butterbeer at CityWalk Orlando 2024?

No, unfortunately, you have to be inside either of the Universal Orlando theme parks to have a taste of butterbeer.

Q: How much is the Butterbeer at Harry Potter World?

You can purchase a cup of hot, cold, or frozen butterbeer for $8.50 at either Harry Potter World. You can also purchase the frozen or cold butterbeer in a souvenir mug for $14.50.

Q: Is Butterbeer vegan?

A: No, the Universal Orlando butterbeer as is, is not vegan. While we do not know the exact recipe, the butterbeer at Universal has dairy and is not vegan-safe. You can now order the Universal Butterbeer without the topping, which makes the recipe vegan-safe!

Q: Is there a vegan butterbeer at Universal?

A: Yes! Universal finally has made an option for vegan with butterbeer at Universal. When ordering, specify that you are vegan and would not like the dairy whipped topping, and like magic … butterbeer! We love that Universal has finally made a vegan option for our plant-based friends.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!