Glorious gourds: Pumpkin cocktails that shake up fall’s favorite flavor

For many people, the fall season brings warm, comforting flavors to the table. While the PSL might have both its loves and disapprovals, the reality is that pumpkin can be a great fall flavor. When looking for a seasonal twist to a classic cocktail, the gourd is great, and these pumpkin cocktails will shake up what’s in the glass.

When thinking about pumpkin cocktails, it is important to keep the flavors in balance. Never too sweet, not pumpkin overpowering, and definitely not too spicy, these options bring the fall without going overboard.

Absolut Pumpkin Pie Martini

Even though the espresso martini might be a staple, this seasonal twist could be an easy swap for a slice of pumpkin pie. It brings all those classic flavors to the glass. Put down the fork and pick up the cocktail shaker.

Ingredients:

• Ice Cubes
• 1½ Parts Absolut Vanilia
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon Syrup
• 1 Part Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Pumpkin Puree

How to Mix:

• Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

https://twitter.com/AbsolutUS/status/1585330495600181257?s=20&t=8X8jcvUs2qRIn05fo306YA

NOLET’S Silver Pumpkin Mule

When a slightly spicy note is craved, this seasonal version of a mule is a must try. While the NOLET’S Silver brings a slight floral note to the glass, the brightness from the lime helps to keep the cocktail balanced. For a beverage to kick off the night, this seasonal mule is a great option.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
• 1 oz. Pumpkin Pureé
• 0.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• Dash of Cinnamon & Nutmeg
• Ginger Beer
• Any combination of Lime, Cinnamon Stick, Cranberries, Currants or Dried Ginger for Garnish

Method:

• Combine all ingredients but Ginger Beer in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled and pour over fresh ice in a Mule Mug or tumbler and top with Ginger Beer and garnish with whatever you choose.

SIA Pumpkin Spice Manhattan

For many people, a Manhattan is their signature cocktail. Slightly sweet but robust at the same time, it is a classic for a reason. This version brings a little extra flavor to the glass.

The key to this pumpkin cocktail is the black walnut bitters. That flavor may not be front and center, but it brings all the ingredients together.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz SIA Scotch Whisky
• .5 oz Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• .5 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 3 Drops of Black Walnut Bitters
• Maple Leaf (to garnish)

Instructions:

•  Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice and stir until desired chill and dilution
• Strain into a cocktail glass

Pumpkin Margarita

While a margarita is generally a sour drink, adding some pumpkin spice liqueur rounds out the flavor. Although this flavor option might have the leaves rustling versus the beach breezes, it might be the perfect pairing to a tasty tamale.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Tequila Cazadores Reposado
• 1 oz. Bols Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
• 2 oz. Orange Juice
• ½ oz. Lemon Juice
• Dash of Cinnamon Powder

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients with ice. Shake and serve over the rocks. Rim glass with cinnamon sugar, and garnish with slices of lime and orange.

Pumpkin SKYY recipe

For this Pumpkin SKYY cocktail, the addition of chai spice adds a warmth and depth to the sip. Balanced by the brightness from the lemon juice, it is an easy sipper. It might be best to skip the slice and shake up this cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon chai spice
• 0.5 parts lemon juice
• 0.75 parts 1:1 Honey Syrup
• 2 parts SKYY Vodka
• Grated Nutmeg

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to shaker, add ice and shake until chilled. Double strain into coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.