Yes, children (Hogwarts students) drink alcohol in the Harry Potter books and films, primarily Butterbeer, which has a very slight alcoholic content but is generally considered safe for minors and acts more like a sweet, fizzy, butterscotch-flavored soda, though in the movies, Hermione appears tipsy after drinking it, sparking debate about underage drinking themes. Stronger, true alcoholic drinks are reserved for wizards of age (17+).
Short answer: JK Rowling's books present butterbeer as a mildly alcoholic beverage that underage students nevertheless drink at Hogwarts because the wizarding world applies different norms, weaker enforcement, and magical mitigations (canonical hints and reasonable in-world explanations).
Notes and references. ↑ In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, however, Hermione Granger appears to act slightly tipsy after a visit to the Three Broomsticks Inn where she was shown drinking some; this can be seen just before the discovery of Katie Bell.
Hi Melissa, I have heard back from the Head Chef at Universal Orlando, and the Butterbeer is in fact safe at the two parks in Orlando. The foam is made in a facility that processes tree nuts and peanuts, but the foam is made in a separate room that is free of nuts and on its own safe line.
Butterbeer is a vegan, non-alcoholic beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch.
However, "underage wizards" in this case indicates anyone under 21, the legal drinking age in the United States, rather than 17, the age of majority for wizards and witches in United Kingdom.
Assuming Rowling wasn't lying when she said the Universal Studios butter beer recipe (unfortunately non-alcoholic only) tastes like what she imagined when writing the books, butter beer is intensely sweet and syrupy. It's delicious, but you wouldn't want more than one or two over several hours even on a hot day.
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.
Having visited together for a few date nights in the past, we weren't sure how the park would measure up for our little ones. But seeing their faces light up at every corner proved that Universal Studios Hollywood is truly a destination for all ages.
All of a child's hydration needs can be met by drinking water. Unsweetened (plain) pasteurized milk is also recommended for kids ages 5-18. If a child drinks milk, they can drink less water to meet their hydration needs. 100% juice is not needed in the diet, although it can be part of a healthy diet.
Hermione Granger became pregnant with her first child, Rose, after the Second Wizarding War, likely around 2005, and had her second child, Hugo, around 2007, both with Ron Weasley, after they settled down following the war, with Rose inheriting Ron's red hair and Hugo Hermione's brown hair.
The Butterbeer begins with equal parts vanilla vodka and butterscotch schnapps, which both supply the boozy quotient in this recipe. Cream soda provides the cold, fizzy element, and when combined, the trio yield a drink that is sweet and refreshing.
Daniel Radcliffe has been sober since 2010. At the height of his career he was drinking to handle pressure, anxiety, and always being watched, and he chose a different way to live. His story shows that alcohol use can hide behind success, and that choosing a sober life is a strong move no matter who you are.
The Harry Potter Series: Ages and Stages
The first three Harry Potter books are great to read aloud to kids aged from about six or seven up. Certainly most children - both boys and girls - will love them from the age of eight.
Andre the Giant. No one in recorded history could drink as much as Andre. The pro wrestler, who stood 7'5" and weighed over 500 pounds, routinely shocked friends and spectators with his insane tolerance for alcohol.
That said, Wizarding World (like most of the rides at Universal Studios) is probably best suited for kids 7 & up. Kids who are already well-versed in all things Potter will have the best time since every nook and cranny is inspired by J.K. Rowling's sprawling imagination.
Disney World definitely has more attractions for young kids, and Universal Studios might look like it just has thrill rides. But we like to wander the themed areas to watch street artists before casually catching character parades — without needing to queue up beforehand.
We would say that if your main priority is to get on as many rides as possible, Universal Orlando Resorts is better for older kids, age 7 and above as Universal Orlando requires riders below 48″ to be accompanied by a companion. For us, we wouldn't worry too much about your kids being the “perfect” age.
Butterbeer had a slight alcoholic content and although was safe for children to drink, it could affect creatures (such as house-elves) if consumed in to high a quantity. Harry enjoyed his first Butterbeer in Hogsmeade.
Adults can enjoy adult drinks with alcohol at the Hog's Head. Try specialty beers — such as Wizard's Brew and Dragon Scale — or wine, mixed drinks and Fire Whiskey at the Hog's Head.
Harry Potter's Butterbeer is a cream soda drink that incorporates butterscotch flavor into the soda, and also has butterscotch infused into a layer of cream that floats on top of the sweet drink. Butterbeer came to life for humans at Universal Orlando Resort when they opened the Harry Potter worlds at the theme park.
It just tastes like butterscotch pudding. If that's something you're into, Grandma. Butterbeer fudge.
Alcohol was used as an ingredient in certain potions, such as Elixir 7 and the Pepperup Elixir. A tincture was a type of medicine preserved in alcohol.
All menu items are subject to availability.
There is no concession for children. Please note there is no separate children's menu. For Hogwarts Table bookings for Carers, please contact +44 (0)800 640 4550. Alcohol is available for those over the age of eighteen (18).