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18 Pumpkin Cocktails to Warm Up this Halloween

September 25, 2023 by Anna-Bet Stemmet

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Get ready to stir up some spookily good drinks this Halloween – we’ve rounded up a line-up of pumpkin cocktails that will have your taste buds howling with delight! Whether you’re hosting a ghoulish gathering or just craving a potion with a twist, these fall-infused clinkers are sure to carve out a place in your heart. 

How to make pumpkin syrup

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 

1. Pumpkin Martini

Fall-themed 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!  

2. Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

Fall-themed 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

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 Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. If desired, add a splash of club soda for effervescence. Stir gently using a cinnamon stick for a truly enchanting Halloween cocktail. 

Learn more: Manhattan vs. Old Fashioned Cocktail: What is the Difference? 

4. Pumpkin Spice Mule

Pumpkin Spiced Mule cocktail

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

Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Smash cocktails

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.  

TOP TIP: 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

Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider Mocktails

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

Pumpkin Pie Punch with with whipped cream and cinnamon garnish

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. 

Trick or treat! 27 Easy Halloween Cocktails 

8. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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

Two glasses of Pumpkin Spice 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

Pumpkin Sangria cocktails

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 Appleton Estate 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. 

Snuggle Up: Our 20 Best Fall Cocktails 

11. Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail

Two creamy Pumpkin Spice White Russian cocktails

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

Pumpkin Pie 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 Espolòn Tequila Reposado, 1 oz Grand Marnier, 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! 

Get cozy: 24 Easy Winter Cocktails 

13. Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktail

Pumpkin Spice Shrub cocktail being poured

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

Pumpkin Mudslide cocktailsA 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

Three Pumpkin Mimosa Cocktails

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. 

‘Tis the season: 10 Best Martini Recipes 

16. Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martinis

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

Pumpkin Sazerac cocktails

The world’s oldest cocktail, all dolled up in its Halloween best? Don’t mind if we do! Simply add 1 oz Wild Turkey 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.  

Sleigh bells and snow bells! 13 of the Coziest Warm Winter Cocktails 

18. Pumpkin Toddy

Pumpkin Toddy cocktails

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. 

There you have it – you’re all sorted with pumpkin cocktails for Halloween! To stay on trend and in the know, sign up for our tasty newsletter today. 

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