Ranking All 7 Types of Butterbeer at Universal Studios Orlando
I tried all 7 types of Butterbeer at Universal Orlando and this is how I’d rank them all!
Enjoying a taste of Butterbeer is one of the most iconic parts of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Resort in Orlando.
After reading the Harry Potter books, I have always dreamed of skipping off to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade to enjoy Butterbeer with my friends.
I mean Harry Potter did say it was the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted.
So it’s wonderful that us muggles can get a real life taste of this magical drink at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Plus, the version sold at the Wizarding World was tasted and approved by the author herself, so you know its authentic.
But did you know there’s not just one Butterbeer product, but seven?
Yes, seven different types of Butterbeer!
And on my most recent trip to Universal Orlando, I made a point of trying every single type of Butterbeer available – drinks, desserts, and all.
Here’s my honest ranking of all seven versions of Butterbeer at Universal, from the absolute best to the ones that feel more like novelties.
If you’re planning a visit to Universal Orlando, this ranking should help you decide exactly where to start – and which versions you can happily skip.
All the Butterbeer Types You Can Get at Wizarding World Orlando
Before we get into the ranking, these are the seven Butterbeer variations currently available across Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley:
- Cold Butterbeer
- Hot Butterbeer
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Butterbeer Soft Serve
- Butterbeer Ice Cream
- Butterbeer Fudge
- Butterbeer Potted Cream
Now for the important part.
My Definitive Butterbeer Ranking (Best to Worst)
1. Frozen Butterbeer
Frozen Butterbeer is, in my view, the best version available in Orlando. It’s ice cold, refreshing, and a little less sickly sweet than the cold version, which makes it perfect for Florida’s heat. It’s like a butterscotch slushie – the Butterbeer flavour is definitely still there, but it’s a little lighter than the cold version.
If you only try one Butterbeer during your trip, then I think this should be it. I know it’s not the original, but it’s the next closest thing.
How much does frozen Butterbeer cost: $8.99
Where to find frozen Butterbeer: The Three Broomsticks, The Leaky Cauldron, The Hog’s Head, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Hopping Pot, Butterbeer carts, Bièraubeurre Cart, Café L’air De La Sirène and the Universal Studios Store (CityWalk)
2. Butterbeer Ice Cream (Soft Serve)
Butterbeer soft serve really took me by surprise and it actually almost took the top spot for me.
It’s a large vanilla flavoured soft serve with a drizzle of sticky butterscotch syrup swirled all the way through it and serve in a crunchy waffle cone.
It still has that distinctive butterbeer taste, but is smooth, light, and creamy making this an excellent mid-afternoon option if you want something cooling but don’t fancy another drink.
Also, Butterbeer soft serve is not the same thing as Butterbeer ice cream, which has its own place in the ranking.
How much does Butterbeer soft serve cost: served in a Waffle Cone – $5.99, served in a Souvenir Glass – $8.49
Where to find Butterbeer soft serve: Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
3. Cold Butterbeer
Cold Butterbeer is the classic – fizzy, sweet, and topped with a layer of super sweet foam. This is the original Butterbeer and the version most people imagine when they think of the drink.
It’s slightly sweeter and heavier than the frozen version, so some complain it’s sickly sweet ,but it’s still a must-try, especially if it’s your first visit to the Wizarding World.
This is the same as the one offered at the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London.
How much does frozen Butterbeer cost: $8.99
Where to find frozen Butterbeer: The Three Broomsticks, The Leaky Cauldron, The Hog’s Head, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Hopping Pot, Butterbeer carts, Bièraubeurre Cart, Café L’air De La Sirène and the Universal Studios Store (CityWalk)
4. Hot Butterbeer
Hot Butterbeer is warm, sweet, and comforting, it feels like something you’d order in the Three Broomsticks on a cold winter evening.
It tastes a bit like hot chocolate with a butterscotch flavour and is delicious.
The only reason it ranks lower is practicality – in Florida’s climate, it’s only appealing for a very small window of the year.
How much does hot Butterbeer cost: $8.99
Where to find hot Butterbeer: The Three Broomsticks, The Leaky Cauldron, The Hog’s Head, The Hopping Pot, Butterbeer carts and the Universal Studios Store (CityWalk)
5. Butterbeer Ice Cream (Hard Packed)
There’s actually a second type of Butterbeer ice cream at Universal Studios, and that’s this hard-packed variety in a small tub.
It’s a caramel / butterscotch ice cream with a richer flavour than the soft serve version, but it’s also denser and noticeably heavier.
It’s good, but not as refreshing or memorable as the versions ranked above, which is why it lands firmly in the middle of the list.
The advantage however is that it comes in a pre-packaged container with a lid and holds up better in warm weather than the soft serve version.
How much does Butterbeer ice cream cost: $6.99
Where to find Butterbeer ice cream: The Three Broomsticks, The Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
6. Butterbeer Potted Cream
Butterbeer potted cream is essentially a custard-style dessert infused with Butterbeer flavour.
It’s silky smooth and pleasant enough, but it’s quite large and lacks the excitement and novelty of the drinks and frozen options.
It’s nice to try once, but not something I’d go out of my way to order again.
How much does Butterbeer potted cream cost: $6.99
Where to find frozen Butterbeer: The Three Broomsticks, The Leaky Cauldron
7. Butterbeer Fudge
Butterbeer fudge is very sweet, very rich, and very intense. It’s esseentially butterscotch fudge with a firm creamy / marshmallowy layer on top.
While the flavour is unmistakably Butterbeer, it quickly becomes overwhelming after a few bites.
It works best as a shared treat or a take-home souvenir and I wouldn’t really recommended this as a snack to have whilst in the parks, especially on a hot day.
I brought a block of this back to London with me and when I got it out it was about as squashed as Ron’s sandwich on his first journey to Hogwarts which potentially also dampened the experience for me.
How much does Butterbeer fudge cost: $5.50
Where to find frozen Butterbeer: Honeyduke’s shop
You can check the menus for The Three Broomsticks, Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, The Hopping Pot and The Hog’s Head to see the latest prices before your trip.
So, Which Butterbeer Is Actually Worth It?
If you’re short on time (or stomach space), I’d prioritise: frozen Butterbeer first, cold Butterbeer second, and Butterbeer soft serve if you want a dessert option.
Everything else is best saved for repeat visits or the most serious Harry Potter fans!
Butterbeer FAQs
If you liked this post, here are more guides to Universal Orlando that may help you plan your trip:
