Drink Deconstructed: Buttered Up

Any nerd bar worth its weight in gold galleons has every Hogwarts students' preferred beverage — Butter Beer ($8). The Side Quest Bar in Lakewood serves pints of the chilled creamy concoction suitable for adult wizards, witches and muggles alike. "Our Butter Beer is really the epitome of our bar," says owner Sam Bridgeman. "It's delicious, and since you're mixing whipped cream and everything together, you can't take yourself too seriously when you're drinking it." Here's what makes this magical drink tick.

If You Go:

The Side Quest Bar, 17900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-1212, thesidequestbar.com

2 ounces of Smirnoff vanilla vodka: It packs a smooth, creamy sweetness that keeps the beverage light and friendly. "The vanilla gives the Butter Beer an extra bit of flavor," says Bridgeman.

1 ounce of Gaetano butterscotch schnapps: The butterscotch livens the potion with salted caramel notes and a touch of quirk. "You can't have Butter Beer without butterscotch," says Bridgeman. "In the movies, it's a butterscotch-y beer thing that is low in alcohol so kids can drink it."

1 ounce of Cinerator hot cinnamon flavored whiskey: The addition of cinnamon provides an auburn hue and peppery zest to the mystical brew. "This gives the drink some bite and spiciness," says Bridgeman, "so it's not just a sugary treat."

4 ounces of IBC cream soda: The bubbly stuff is added at the end and the elixir gets topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. "We needed something fizzy to bring a beer feel to the drink," says Bridgeman. "Cream soda has the best complementary taste. And it's fun mixing whipped cream with stuff."

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12:00 AM EST

January 21, 2015