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About This Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect fall cocktail, this is it! This cocktail takes classic whiskey sour vibes and upgrades them with real pumpkin, warm spices, and fresh rosemary. It uses a homemade pumpkin syrup that comes together in just a few minutes and really takes this drink to the next level!
The flavor profile is warm and comforting, but not dessert-like, so it works before dinner, during cocktail hour, or even as a brunch drink if you’re feeling festive.
Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving, need a signature Thanksgiving drink, or just want something seasonal to sip by the fire, this cocktail delivers fall flavor without being overly sweet or heavy.
For more delicious cocktail recipes, try my Citrusy Christmas Margarita Recipe or Apple Cider Margarita with Cinnamon Sugar Rim!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cocktail
- Not too sweet: Lots of pumpkin drinks turn out too sugary, but this one has balanced acidity and just the right amount of spice.
- Made with REAL pumpkin: Free from artificial flavoring or syrups.
- Prep ahead: The pumpkin syrup can easily be prepped ahead for easy batch cocktails.
- Seasonal but unexpected: This pumpkin cocktail feels cozy and festive without tasting like a PSL in a glass.
- Elevated but simple: Easily made with just a few ingredients, but it looks and tastes like a craft cocktail.
- Irish whiskey: Jameson or any smooth Irish whiskey works well. You can also swap with bourbon or rye for a stronger spice profile.
- Fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ALWAYS best. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as bright.
- Pumpkin syrup: Use this recipe for a homemade pumpkin simple syrup. It’s so easy and worth it!
- Angostura bitters: Adds depth and balance. Orange bitters also work well.
- Rosemary: Muddle in the shaker to infuse the drink with herbal flavor.
- Mocktail: Swap the whiskey for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or use apple cider in its place.
- Serve it warm: Skip the ice and warm it on the stovetop like mulled cider. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
- Make it spicy: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne to the pumpkin syrup if you like a touch of spice!
- Batch for a crowd: Mix all cocktail ingredients (minus ice + garnish) in a pitcher 1–2 hours before serving. Keep chilled and shake individual servings to order.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat until boiling.
2. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a bottle or container and store in the refrigerator.
3. Wash rosemary, then add to a shaker and gently muddle to extract the oils.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice.
5. Strain and pour in a glass with fresh ice.
6. Garnish with orange zest, a sprig of rosemary and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired, and enjoy!
- Pumpkin syrup: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can also freeze in silicone cubes for longer storage.
- Pre-mixed cocktail (no ice): Store in a sealed jar up to 24 hours ahead and shake just before serving.
Helpful Tips
🌿Rosemary: Don’t skip muddling the rosemary. This infuses the drink with flavor you won’t get from just a garnish.
🎃Strain pumpkin: For a clearer drink, strain the pumpkin syrup through cheesecloth or a fine sieve.
🥚Frothy: Want it extra frothy? Add an egg white and dry shake before adding ice.
🧊Cocktail ice: Use a large ice cube to slow dilution and make it feel like a bar-worthy cocktail.
✨Adjust to your preference: Always taste and adjust! You can add more lemon for acidity, syrup for sweetness, or more whiskey for a stronger drink.
Can I use bourbon instead of Irish whiskey for this pumpkin cocktail?
Yes! Bourbon will make it sweeter and slightly richer. Rye will make it spicier.
Do I have to make the homemade pumpkin syrup?
Technically no, but store-bought pumpkin syrups tend to be overly sweet and artificial. The homemade version is quick and tastes way better.
Can I serve this pumpkin cocktail warm?
Yes! Skip the ice and warm on the stovetop like mulled cider. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Smashing Pumpkin Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail:
- 1/4 cup Irish whisky (60g) Jameson or other
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (30g)
- 2 Tbsp pumpkin syrup recipe below
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 sprig rosemary
Pumpkin syrup:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (250g)
- 1½ cup granulated sugar (300g)
- 1¼ cups water (300g)
- Dash of cinnamon
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Instructions
Pumpkin syrup:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat until boiling.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a bottle or container and store in the refrigerator.
Cocktail:
- Wash rosemary then add to a shaker and gently muddle to extract the oils.
- Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice.
- Strain and pour in a glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with orange zest, a sprig of rosemary and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Pumpkin syrup: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can also freeze in silicone cubes for longer storage.
- Pre-mixed cocktail (no ice): Store in a sealed jar up to 24 hours ahead and shake just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
