As the leaves turn and the air cools, our cocktail preferences shift towards fall’s warm and inviting flavors. Among the seasonal offerings, pumpkin is a quintessential symbol of autumn, transcending its decorative and culinary roles to make a surprising yet delightful addition to the cocktail world. Here, we explore how this versatile fruit can elevate your mixology game, providing recipes that promise to convert even the most skeptical drinkers into pumpkin cocktail aficionados.
Pumpkin Old Fashioned: A Seasonal Twist on a Classic
For whiskey enthusiasts, the Old Fashioned is a revered cocktail celebrated for simplicity and depth. Introducing pumpkin into this classic creates a version that encapsulates the essence of fall. Combining whiskey with pumpkin puree and ginger snap liqueur, you craft a drink that bridges the gap between nostalgia and novelty, offering a sip reminiscent of childhood treats yet unmistakably suited for adult tastes.
Recipe:
- 2 oz of rye whiskey
- 1 oz of Maple Syrup
- 1/2 oz of Grand Marnier (or orange liqueur)
- 1/4 oz of SNAP ginger liqueur (or ginger liqueur)
- 4 tsp of pumpkin puree
- 1 dash of orange bitters
Shake all ingredients and strain over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.
Spiced Pumpkin Shrub: Vodka’s Autumn Companion
Vodka’s neutral profile makes it an excellent canvas for showcasing the robust flavors of pumpkin. The Spiced Pumpkin Shrub cocktail achieves this harmony by blending homemade pumpkin syrup—infused with cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ginger—with vodka and ginger ale. The result is a clean, spicy, and sweet cocktail, capturing the complexity of pumpkin and the essence of autumn in every glass.
Recipe:
- 1 can of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 tbsp of ground cinnamon (or cinnamon)
- 1 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- Maple Syrup
- sanding sugar (or sugar)
- 5 oz of Vodka
- 1 can of Ginger ale
- vanilla beans
- ginger
Add pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, and 1/4 inch sliced fresh ginger to a large jar with a lid. Shake vigorously to combine and store in the fridge for 24 hours. Add the apple cider vinegar, shake, and return to the fridge for a few more hours. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and store the liquid in a sealable jar. Coat the rim of four glasses with maple syrup and dip into sanding sugar. Add ice, 5 tablespoons of pumpkin liquid, and 1 1/2 ounces of vodka to each glass. Stir and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a vanilla bean. Serves 4.
Spiced Pumpkin Punch: The Heart of Your Halloween Party
The Spiced Pumpkin Punch is your secret weapon when hosting a memorable Halloween party. This concoction combines spiced rum with homemade spiced simple syrup, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, and fresh citrus to create a festive and irresistibly delicious punch. Serving this in a punchbowl makes for an efficient way to quench your guests’ thirst and adds a decorative focal point to your celebration.
Recipe:
- spiced rum
- 1 cup of Orange Juice
- 1 cup of Lemon Juice
- 1 cup of spiced demerara syrup
- 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 cups of sparkling water
Add the 750ml bottle of spiced rum, orange juice, lemon juice, spiced syrup, and pumpkin puree in a large bowl. Stir to combine and pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Chill until ready to serve, then pour the mixture into a punchbowl and stir in sparkling water.
Fireball Pumpkin Pie Shots: A Dessert with a Kick
For those who enjoy their dessert with a side of spirits, Fireball Pumpkin Pie Shots offer the perfect solution. Depending on your preference, these innovative shots can be prepared as boozy popsicles or a creamy dessert mousse. Infused with the fiery warmth of Fireball whiskey and the sweet depth of pumpkin, these shots are a testament to the versatility of pumpkin in creating memorable, seasonally inspired drinks.
Recipe:
- pumpkin pudding mix
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 3/4 cup of Fireball (or Cinnamom Whiskey)
- 4 oz of whipped topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the 3-oz package of the instant pumpkin pudding mix and cold whole milk until thickened. Add the Fireball and whisk, and all clumps are gone. Fold in the whipped topping. (Using real whipped cream is not recommended since it tends to separate.) Divide the mixture among 20 1-ounce paper cups, filling 3/4 of the way full to allow the mixture to expand once frozen. Place the cups in the freezer for about an hour. Add a popsicle stick to each cup and allow to freeze for at least 3 hours more, if not overnight. To serve, peel the paper cup away from the popsicle. (makes about 20 1-oz servings) If you would rather not serve these frozen, divide the mixture among 10 2-ounce cups. Top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and serve with a small dessert spoon.
Beyond these recipes, the potential for pumpkin-in cocktails is only limited by your imagination. Its sweet and earthy profile can complement a wide range of spirits, from bourbon’s smoky nuances to gin’s crispness, making it a valuable addition to your autumn cocktail repertoire.
As we celebrate the season’s bounty, let the humble pumpkin inspire you to explore new dimensions in your mixology. Whether you’re warming up with a Pumpkin Old Fashioned, enjoying the layered complexity of a Spiced Pumpkin Shrub, serving a batch of Spiced Pumpkin Punch, or savoring the dessert-like indulgence of Fireball Pumpkin Pie Shots, pumpkin-infused cocktails are a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall.