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Check out my favorite fall bourbon-based cocktail the pumpkin old fashioned! This fan favorite combines bourbon, pumpkin puree, bitters, and maple syrup for a complex autumn inspired cocktail perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas get togethers.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Crisp Pumpkin Old Fashioned Cocktail
The second September hits I am all about the pumpkin and pumpkin spice everything. I love me some pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin pie of course and when I want some liquor this pumpkin old fashioned is my go-to!
Some people may be surprised at the use of fresh pumpkin puree in this cocktail but don’t be scared off. The pumpkin gives a wonderful creaminess to this classic drink. If you don’t have bourbon, you can substitute whiskey and if you don’t have maple syrup you can use simple syrup or even honey. The real fun part of making this cocktail is garnishing it. You can go crazy with all your fall favorites like orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and my personal favorite – bourbon cherries. This cocktail is great for an evening in or can be made in a larger batch for a party or cocktail hour at your Thanksgiving or Christmas party.
How to Make Pumpkin Flavored Old Fashioned Cocktail
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Bourbon (1 1/2 oz) – The rich and smooth bourbon serves as the bold base of the Pumpkin Old Fashioned, offering depth and warmth to the drink.
- Maple syrup (2/3 oz) – A drizzle of maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel, perfectly complementing the autumn flavors.
- Pumpkin puree (1 tbsp) – Creamy pumpkin puree gives the cocktail its signature seasonal twist, infusing it with earthy and cozy pumpkin flavor.
- Bitters (1-2 dashes) – A dash or two of bitters balances the sweetness and enhances the complexity of the drink with subtle spice.
- Orange peel, cinnamon stick, and bourbon cherry (to garnish) – A garnish of orange peel, cinnamon stick, and bourbon cherry provides a fragrant and visually appealing finishing touch, enhancing the fall aroma and flavor.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:
- Shake. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the bourbon, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and bitters, shake well.
- Strain. Add ice to the glass then strain the cocktail mixture.
- Garnish. Rub orange peel around the rim of the glass then garnish the drink with orange peel, cinnamon stick, and bourbon cherry as you like.
Tips and Tricks for Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Use high-quality bourbon. Opt for a smooth, full-bodied bourbon to complement the rich pumpkin and spice flavors.
Fresh pumpkin puree. For the best flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree or high-quality canned pumpkin without added spices.
Warm the puree slightly. If your pumpkin puree is chilled, warm it slightly before mixing to help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
Balance sweetness. Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference or the bourbon’s natural sweetness.
Don’t overdo the bitters. Start with just one dash and taste before adding more, as the bitters can quickly overpower the pumpkin and maple flavors.
Stir, don’t shake. Stir the ingredients gently with ice for a smooth, well-mixed drink that retains its classic Old Fashioned texture.
Use large ice cubes. Large, slow-melting ice cubes will chill the drink without diluting the flavors too quickly.
Torch the orange peel. For extra flavor, gently heat the orange peel with a lighter before expressing its oils over the drink to enhance the citrus aroma.
Cinnamon garnish. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer, which will slowly infuse its flavor into the drink as it sits.
Bourbon cherries. Use homemade or high-quality bourbon-soaked cherries for garnish to add a pop of sweet complexity.
Taste as you go. Adjust the balance of pumpkin, sweetness, and bitters to suit your personal taste, as each ingredient can alter the final flavor profile significantly.
FAQs
Yes, while bourbon is traditional, you can substitute with rye whiskey for a spicier profile, or even dark rum for a sweeter, richer twist.
To prevent a thick texture, make sure to use a smooth puree and stir the cocktail well with ice to fully incorporate it. You can also strain the drink through a fine mesh sieve if needed.
Angostura bitters are the most common choice, but you can experiment with aromatic or spiced bitters to enhance the fall flavors.
Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the amount of maple syrup depending on your taste preference. Start with less and add more as you go.
While garnishes aren’t mandatory, they significantly enhance the aroma and visual appeal, adding depth to the flavor experience. If you’re short on time, the orange peel alone can still provide a great citrus twist.
Yes! Multiply the recipe and mix in a large pitcher, but wait to stir with ice and add garnishes until serving to avoid diluting the flavors.
Serve your Pumpkin Old Fashioned in a short rocks glass or an Old Fashioned glass for the classic presentation.
For a non-alcoholic version, use a bourbon substitute or an alcohol-free whiskey alternative, and adjust the other ingredients to balance the flavor.
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or a simple syrup, though each will slightly alter the flavor profile.
What to Enjoy with Your Fall Pumpkin Cocktail
Charcuterie board. A mix of aged cheeses, cured meats, figs, and dried cranberries brings out the savory and sweet elements in the Pumpkin Old Fashioned.
Sweet potato fries. Crispy sweet potato fries with a dash of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sea salt pair well with the earthy pumpkin and bourbon notes.
Pumpkin bread. Slices of pumpkin bread, banana bread, or even a spiced ginger loaf offer a comforting, sweet companion to the drink.
Apple tart. The caramelized apples and buttery crust of a warm apple tart or pie provide a perfect autumnal match to the cocktail’s flavors.
Smoked meats. Grilled or smoked meats like brisket or ribs with a maple glaze enhance the rich, smoky bourbon base.
Roasted root vegetables. A side of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets with a balsamic glaze provides a savory contrast to the drink’s sweetness.
Pecan pie. The caramelized pecans and buttery filling of pecan pie echo the warm, nutty notes in the Pumpkin Old Fashioned.
Try these pumpkin recipes:
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Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz bourbon
- ¾ oz maple syrup
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1-2 dashes bitters
- Orange peel cinnamon stick, and bourbon cherry, to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the bourbon, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and bitters, shake well.
- Add ice to the glass then strain the cocktail mixture.
- Rub orange peel around the rim of the glass then garnish the drink with orange peel, cinnamon stick, and bourbon cherry as you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
