What are the best pumpkin cocktails?

The fall season can feel like the highlight of the year to some as the air gets a little cooler, and the clothes get much more comfortable. In many ways, fall is a time when people like to create exciting meals and stir up some unique drinks. 

When trying out some new drink recipes this fall, consider using the increasingly popular pumpkin flavor that is loved across the country. 

We want to highlight some fun pumpkin-inspired cocktails that taste like the fall and will open up your taste buds to an array of new experiences. Before we dive into some of our favorite pumpkin cocktails, we want to highlight why adding pumpkin elements to your cocktails can be so exciting. 

Why add pumpkin to your drinks?

In the cocktail world, everybody knows about the classic drinks you can stir up as well as some that make a scene whenever ordered at the bar. Most cocktails are centered around really bright and loud flavors that make some cocktails taste more like an energy drink than an alcoholic beverage. 

When looking to expand your cocktail palate, implementing the flavors of the fall will surely help you get into the spirit of the season. If you love pumpkin pie and everything that has to do with pumpkin spice, then you will be glad to know that the many pairings of pumpkin also extend into the cocktail world. 

Here are our favorite cocktails that you can create with pumpkin themes and fall flavors.

The best pumpkin cocktails to try this season:

Spiced Pumpkin Martini

Starting with an already favorite classic, you can use pumpkin to make a martini even better. A great martini starts with the vodka, and this is where the fun begins. 

While you can go out and often find a pumpkin spice martini, you can make your own in a few hours using your favorite vodka and a few extra ingredients.

In addition to the vodka with a pumpkin twist, you also want to add a hint of ginger and some spiced syrup. These ingredients are all rather simple for what tastes like a more exotic cocktail, but the end result is definitely worth the try.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Whereas a dash of pumpkin spice syrup can make for a more traditional martini, the pumpkin pie martini is quite a different beast. Similar to other dessert martinis, the pumpkin pie martini is a little thicker in consistency and is best enjoyed after a meal when you feel the need for some dessert.

If you love the taste of pumpkin pie, you will be blown away with how similar you can make this drink resemble that treat. 

With the addition of pumpkin puree, pumpkin caramel syrup, vanilla vodka, and additional sweeteners, if needed, you are on your way to effectively drink a pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Old-Fashioned

As the name suggests, the old fashioned has been around forever and has been enjoyed by many across bars and homes all over the place. 

Even though the name suggests the drink is old and set in its ways, you can make the old fashioned new again in a number of ways. 

It just so happens that pumpkin is one of the most unique ways to make an old fashioned pop. 

With just pumpkin puree, maple syrup, bourbon, and some Grand Marnier, you’ll have an old fashioned unlike any other.

Polished Princess

For those who like a mix of fruity flavors and a hint of pumpkin, try the Polished Princess. The Polished Princess was created to highlight vodka paired with added texture. 

The hint of pumpkin-spiced with other rich flavors makes this a refreshing cocktail to enjoy all throughout the fall season. 

Starting with your base of vanilla vodka, you will see that the addition of both cranberries and pumpkin spice brings visions of the fall to your head. 

That added egg white into the mix even further creates a lush and soothing texture that helps to bring the flavors together in this unique and exciting cocktail.

Pumpkin Spice Cocktail

Its name may not be all that exciting, but we are confident that you will be very pleased once you try this interesting vodka-based drink. If you are a fan of trying new vodka flavors, you can either make your own or by some ginger vodka to help this drink take off. 

To help the drink come to life, you will want to add in some pumpkin puree to help the drink get that bold pumpkin flavor. 

The addition of some sweetness with honey and lime water also helps to bring unique flavors to the surface as they help create this fresh and flavorful drink.

The Great Pumpkin

Charlie Brown fans are already getting out their bar equipment at the name of this drink as it is as exciting as its flavors. What’s unique about this drink is that it is all based around a homemade scotch whiskey that is an exciting drink to try and perfect.

The time spent making this drink is well worth it as your new creation will be paired with some maple syrup, lemon juice, a hint of cinnamon, and ginger to top it all off. 

You’ll be showing this one off to all your friends once you realize how awesome it is.

Pumpkin Spice Gin Sour

If made just right, this drink looks really special and is packed the unique flavors to match. If you like a simple drink that looks and tastes much more advanced, this could be a great recipe to try out. With just a base of standard gin to get the drink started, there is very little preparation you will need to make. 

With the gin ready, we are going to add some pumpkin butter to the drink instead of a traditional puree as it helps to better accent this style of drink. Add in the essential egg white and lemon, and you’ll be on your way to looking like a pro bartender in no time at all.

Pumpkin Irish Cream

Irish cream lovers rejoice as this drink feels like a fall time smoothie that will knock your socks off. Depending on the route you like to make your drinks, you can either make this drink the old-fashioned way or try out some of the newer pumpkin-spiced Irish creams that have been coming out.

To make this treat, you will utilize Irish whiskey, pumpkin puree, condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and any added ingredients you feel necessary to either help the spice or sweetness out. 

This recipe is great for those who like to experiment as you can add new flavors to see what creation you can make your own.

Pumpkin Spiced Whiskey

Our last favorite drink to make for the fall that highlights pumpkin is a little more complicated than other drinks, but it is certainly worth the effort. 

To make this whiskey, you will want to essentially create your own form of a maple simple syrup by combining maple syrup, water, allspice, ginger, vanilla, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create your own addition to the drink.

Once you have played around with the syrup to really make it yours, you will add that to a whiskey of your choice to create the pumpkin spiced whiskey. It may also be nice to try this recipe with a malt instead of whiskey to see if those flavors blend more to your liking.