1 million butterbeers sold at Harry Potter attraction

Frothy, butterscotchy libation a huge hit at Universal Orlando

Kevin Kolczynski / AP

Ric Florell, of Universal Orlando Resort, center, stands with guests as they celebrate the one-millionth butterbeer, which was sold over the holidays, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in Orlando, Fla.

updated 1/6/2011 12:15:31 PM ET

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Turns out butterbeer is just as popular with Muggles as with witches and wizards.

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Universal Orlando officials said Thursday that the one-millionth mug of the delicious frothy, butterscotchy libation was sold over the holidays inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, which has been open only since June.

Slideshow: Harry Potter's world comes alive (on this page)

The nonalcoholic drink, served cold or frozen, was inspired by the Harry Potter stories of J.K. Rowling, whose characters regularly tipped a pint or two. Rowling approved the secret recipe for the butterbeer now served at the park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, situated inside Universal's Islands of Adventure, has a been a sensation, boosting park attendance 36 percent in its first three months.

Video: Al learns about Butterbeer, pumpkin juice

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Transcript of: Al learns about Butterbeer, pumpkin juice

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AL ROKER reporting: I got to tell you, that looks pretty refreshing right about now, guys. But another thing that's very refreshing, butterbeer. That's right . The iconic drink that is a delicacy here in Hogsmeade was created by Mr. Steve Jason . He is the executive chef here at Hogsmeade . Steve , good to see you.

Mr. STEVE JASON: Good morning, Al . Good to see you.

ROKER: Now, how does a guy from Brooklyn end up in Hogsmeade ?

Mr. JASON: Good question.

ROKER: Hey, tell me, so butterbeer, what goes into it?

Mr. JASON: Butterbeer is a lot of great flavors and a lot of -- we looked in the book, we tried to get a feeling for what we wanted it to be. We put all the ingredients on the table, we worked on it. After 15, 16 tries we got something really great. We flew it over to Edinburgh , we gave it to the author, she gave it to...

ROKER: J.K. Rowling had this?

Mr. JASON: Yes, she loved it.

ROKER: And this is butterbeer?

Mr. JASON: And this is butterbeer.

ROKER: All right, cheers.

Mr. JASON: Cheers to you.

ROKER: Mm. That's good butterbeer. Mm, I like it.

Mr. JASON: You like that?

ROKER: What's the other drink you've got here?

Mr. JASON: I got a little pumpkin juice over here.

ROKER: Pumpkin juice?

Mr. JASON: Another one that we had to create and take over to J.K.

ROKER: Mm-hmm.

Show transcript

Photos: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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The Hogwarts Express arrives in Hogsmeade Station at Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As guests enter Hogsmeade, they are greeted by the iconic, smoke-billowing steam engine, made famous in the Harry Potter books and films for transporting students to a world of magic and wonder. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related video Radcliffe: Fans will love theme park
As guests pass through the arch into Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can explore the cobbled streets of the highly themed environment, and will encounter iconic locations from the Harry Potter books and films, like Ollivanders and the majestic Hogwarts castle. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Share Back to slideshow navigation

Related video Grint: Harry Potter theme park better than sets

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Related video Felton: Wizarding World 'a dream come true'
Visitors stroll the streets of Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando theme park. The attraction opens to general admission ticket holders on June 18. (John Raoux / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Members of the Hogwarts Choir sing for guests. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant. (John Raoux / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
A clerk, right, at Ollivander's Wand Shop, helps visitors pick out a magic wand. Park guests will have plenty of opportunities to shop for wands, broomstics, scarves and more. (John Raoux / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Mounted on the wall of the Hog's Head pub is the hog's head, which will come alive and puff its jowls at visitors. Adjacent to the Three Broomsticks, the Hog's Head pub is where guests can enjoy a cold Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and other beverages. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Share Back to slideshow navigation
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The entrance to Hogwarts Castle is seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (John Raoux / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Hogwarts Castle is seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Construction of the park was overseen by the production manager from the Harry Potter movies. (John Raoux / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
The office of headmaster Albus Dumbledore is intricately displayed at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling, author of the Potter books, is a stickler for details, and Universal worked hard to get her OK on the park's attractions. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
Guests will pass by the regal Griffin statue on their way to Dumbledore's office. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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Just like the Harry Potter films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts castle, the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. When passing through the Portrait gallery, guests will encounter several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four Hogwarts founders. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation
An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid's hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Share Back to slideshow navigation