18 Delicious Pumpkin Cocktails to Spice Up Your Fall Celebrations
Jump to:
- 1. Pumpkin Martini
- 2. Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail
- 3. Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned
- 4. Pumpkin Spice Mule
- 5. Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
- 6. Pumpkin Apple Cider Mocktail
- 7. Pumpkin Pie Punch
- 8. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- 9. Pumpkin Eggnog with Bourbon
- 10. Pumpkin Sangria
- 11. Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
- 12. Pumpkin Spice Margarita
- 13. Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktail
- 14. Pumpkin Spice Mudslide
- 15. Pumpkin Mimosa
- 16. Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini
- 17. Pumpkin Sazerac
- 18. Pumpkin Toddy
- How to make pumpkin syrup for cocktails
- How to make pumpkin purée for cocktails
- Why pumpkin cocktails are perfect for Halloween
- Interesting garnishes & presentation tips for pumpkin cocktails
Get ready to stir up some deliciously cozy drinks this fall! We’ve rounded up a line-up of pumpkin cocktails that will have your taste buds celebrating the flavors of the season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving a drink with an autumnal twist, these fall-infused sippers are sure to carve out a place in your heart.
1. Pumpkin Martini
Our Pumpkin Martini is filled with pumpkin spice and all things nice, and it’s up there with the best holiday Martinis to enjoy this season! With an indulgent combination of vanilla vodka, Irish cream pumpkin purée, and spice, this might just become your favorite dessert cocktail this season. All the comfort in one sip!
Make it with: SKYY Vanilla Vodka
2. Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail
This Hot Pumpkin Pie cocktail recipe is packed with the comforting flavors of fall and is the perfect sipper for cold nights. Made with vodka, Irish cream, pumpkin pie purée, and cool whip, it’s the ideal after-Thanksgiving dinner dessert drink.
3. Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned
Love a classic Old Fashioned? Then you’ve got to try the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned. Combine 0.5 oz of homemade pumpkin syrup with 2 dashes of orange bitters and an orange wedge in an Old Fashioned glass, muddling it together. Next, add 2 oz of bourbon. If desired, add a splash of club soda for effervescence. Stir gently using a cinnamon stick for a truly enchanting Halloween cocktail.
Make it with: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
Learn more: Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned Cocktail: What is the Difference?
4. Pumpkin Spice Mule
Mule cocktails are always a treat, and when the spooky season rolls around, we like to get extra spicy with them. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake together 2 oz SKYY Vodka, one tablespoon of pumpkin purée, 0.25 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a squeeze of lime juice. Strain it into a copper mule mug filled with ice and top off with 3-4 oz of spicy ginger beer. Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and serve.
5. Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
The classic Whiskey Smash has stood the test of time, and this pumpkin whiskey cocktail is such a delightful riff on this stalwart drink. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin syrup, 2 oz whiskey, 0.5 oz orange juice, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Top off with 2 to 3 oz of ginger beer, if desired.
Make it with: The Glen Grant Whiskey
To make a mocktail, leave out the whiskey and add one additional tablespoon of orange juice, plus one tablespoon of apple cider, and a splash of vanilla extract.
6. Pumpkin Apple Cider Mocktail
This pumpkin mocktail recipe is a tasty spin-off of the crisp, fall-inspired apple cider cocktails we all know and love and is a great option when you need to serve a crowd. In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of apple cider, half a cup of canned pumpkin, and half a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Whisk and heat over medium heat until hot. Once hot, ladle into a heatproof mug. At this point, you can add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or apple liqueur if you want to make this a cocktail.
7. Pumpkin Pie Punch
We like to think of this big-batch drink as the festive, Halloween-loving cousin of the always epic Rum Punch. Combine 64 oz of apple cider, 2 cups of ginger ale, 1 can of pumpkin pie mix, and 1 cup of SKYY Infusions Vanilla Vodka in a pitcher. Stir until fully combined. Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream, sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, and serve.
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8. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
On nippy days, a boozy hot chocolate is a gorgeous way to warm up your guests from the inside out. To make Spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, combine 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, a splash of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan. Whisk continuously over low heat until all the ingredients are combined and the milk is heated through. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and stir in 1 oz of SKYY Infusions Vanilla Vodka. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, and serve.
9. Pumpkin Eggnog with Bourbon
Making this cozy drink can be as easy or intricate as you prefer. You can make the eggnog from scratch, or you can get some ready-made from the store. Once you have your ‘nog ready to go, add 2 oz of eggnog, 1 oz of chilled black coffee, and 1 oz of Wild Turkey 10 Bourbon to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy and combined. Strain into a tumbler over fresh ice if desired, or into a Martini glass for some extra pizzazz. Top off with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
10. Pumpkin Sangria
Sangria recipes might be associated with summertime, but this version is tailor-made for fall enjoyment. To a large pitcher, add 3 cups of sparkling apple cider, a bottle of white wine, 1 cup of rum, and 1 cup of pumpkin syrup. Slice 3 apples (removing the core and any seeds) and add some to the pitcher, saving some slices for garnish. Fill serving glasses with fresh ice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and fresh apple slices before serving.
Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum
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11. Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
If a classic White Russian tickles your fancy, you’ve got to treat yourself to a Pumpkin Spice White Russian. Add 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz SKYY Vodka, half a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 2 oz heavy cream, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake together for about 10 seconds, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, garnish with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy!
12. Pumpkin Spice Margarita
This fall-themed variation of the Lime Margarita is perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz tequila and 1 oz orange liqueur, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 2 oz of pumpkin simple syrup. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar and enjoy!
Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Reposado and Grand Marnier
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13. Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktail
Shrub cocktails are having a moment, and we are leaning in. To make this Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktail, start by making your pumpkin shrub and leave it to infuse for 1 – 24 hours. To do so, combine 1 bottle (8.45 oz) of apple cider vinegar or raw pumpkin vinegar (if available) with 3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
To serve, combine 1.5 oz of Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, and 1.5 oz of the pumpkin shrub in a serving glass over ice. Top off with 3 oz ginger beer and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Learn more: Make the Best Shrub Cocktails to Impress Your Friends
14. Pumpkin Spice Mudslide
A creamy dessert cocktail like the classic Mudslide is a lovely after-dinner treat. To make the fall version, the trick lies in using pumpkin spice cream liqueur. If you struggle to find it in stores, simply add 0.25 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to a measure of regular cream liqueur.
To make the cocktail, add 1 oz pumpkin spice cream liqueur, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz SKYY vodka, half a cup of ice, and two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a blender. Blend on high speed until combined. Cover the inside of a serving glass in chocolate syrup, then pour in the milkshake mixture. Top with whipped cream (optional). Serve with a straw or spoon.
15. Pumpkin Mimosa
Keen to dress up your brunchtime Mimosa for Halloween? Start by making some pumpkin ‘juice’. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add one can (15 oz) of pumpkin purée, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 0.25 cup of water. Cook the mixture down slightly, stirring constantly, for approximately a few minutes. The mixture should still be a purée, so don’t cook it down too far. Remove it from the heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve, and set aside the purée for other Halloween treats.
To make the drinks, add 1.5 oz of the pumpkin juice to a Champagne flute and top off with 4 oz of Champagne or Prosecco. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if preferred and serve.
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16. Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini
The Pumpkin Spice Martini is a festive variation of the classic Espresso Martini with the perfect hint of spice. Combine 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz SKYY Vodka, 1 oz espresso, and 0.5 oz pumpkin syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and three coffee beans, and serve.
17. Pumpkin Sazerac
The world’s oldest cocktail, all dolled up in its Halloween best? Don’t mind if we do! Simply add 1 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz pumpkin syrup, and 3 dashes of bitters to a mixing glass with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled rocks glass, swirl 0.25 oz of absinthe around the inside, discard, and strain the whiskey mixture into the prepared glass. Twist a lemon peel over the top of the drink to express the essential oils, set aside, and serve.
Make it with: Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey
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18. Pumpkin Toddy
When the weather is stormy, a warming Hot Toddy is comforting beyond words. To make a Pumpkin Toddy, combine 1 oz apple brandy, 0.5 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters to a heat-proof mug, then stir to combine. Top off with 5 oz of boiling water, stir, garnish with grated cinnamon, and serve.
How to make pumpkin syrup for cocktails
Quite a few of our seasonal pumpkin cocktail recipes call for pumpkin syrup, and this is our go-to recipe to use at home. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine one cup of sugar, one cup of pumpkin purée, two cups of water, and two tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool down completely before using it. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Read next: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktail Making
How to make pumpkin purée for cocktails
To get that rich, velvety texture and authentic fall flavor in your pumpkin cocktails, homemade pumpkin purée is the way to go. Not only does it taste better than store-bought options, but it also allows you to control the texture and spices to suit your drinks. Here is our step-by-step guide:
- Start with fresh pumpkins. Look for sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins—these are smaller, sweeter, and less watery than carving pumpkins. You’ll need about 1 small pumpkin to make a decent batch of puree.
- Cut and roast. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds (but don’t toss them—roasted pumpkin seeds make for a fun garnish!), and place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 45-60 minutes until the flesh is tender.
- Scoop and blend. Once cooled, scoop out the soft flesh and blend it in a food processor until smooth. For a cocktail-ready consistency, add a bit of water or apple cider to thin it out if necessary.
- Spice it up. If you want a more spiced purée, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the blend. This will give your cocktails an extra cozy kick.
Why pumpkin cocktails are perfect for Halloween
Pumpkin cocktails and Halloween go hand in hand, and it’s not just about the flavor—it’s about the vibe. Pumpkin is the star ingredient of fall, capturing the warmth and coziness that we crave when the temperatures drop. Plus, the orange hue of pumpkin adds an instant festive touch, making these cocktails visually perfect for any spooky soirée.
Pumpkin cocktails also fit right into the playful, adventurous spirit of Halloween. Whether you’re brewing up drinks for a themed party or just embracing the fall season, the combination of pumpkin with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove creates a sense of nostalgia and fun. Each sip reminds you of pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, and the crunch of leaves underfoot—exactly what we want from fall drinks.
And let’s not forget, pumpkin cocktails allow you to get creative! From crafting pumpkin-flavored Mules to pumpkin spice Margaritas, there’s a cocktail for every Halloween occasion. It’s the versatility of the ingredient that makes it so great—whether you’re into something sweet and creamy or prefer a boozy, spiced sipper, pumpkin can be the foundation for all kinds of spooky creations.
Interesting garnishes & presentation tips for pumpkin cocktails
Pumpkin cocktails deserve equally festive and creative garnishes to make them stand out. Elevate your pumpkin cocktails with these fun presentation tips and garnish ideas that’ll not only taste great but also make your drinks look stunning:
- Cinnamon sticks and star anise. These fragrant spices do double duty as stirrers and aromatic enhancers. They look striking in a glass and add a rich, warm scent to every sip.
- Toasted marshmallows. For a decadent touch, skewering a lightly toasted marshmallow on the rim of your cocktail glass brings the flavors of fall campfires and s’mores into play. This works particularly well for hot pumpkin cocktails like a Spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.
- Edible gold glitter. If you’re going all out for a Halloween bash, adding a sprinkle of edible gold glitter to the rim or top of your cocktails can create a magical, otherworldly glow that’s perfect for the occasion.
- Caramel drizzle. For creamy pumpkin cocktails, a drizzle of caramel sauce inside the glass or over whipped cream on top adds an indulgent sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice flavors.
Presentation is key, especially when it comes to Halloween. Use fun glassware, like copper mugs for Pumpkin Mules or tall hurricane glasses for punches, to make the drinks feel extra festive. And don’t forget the garnish—it’s the final flourish that makes the whole experience unforgettable.
There you have it – you’re all sorted with pumpkin cocktails for fall! To stay on trend and in the know, sign up for our tasty newsletter today. Remember to tag us in your pictures when you share your pumpkin cocktail snaps on Instagram, and visit the SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey Bourbon websites for more recipe inspiration.