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My pumpkin spice white Russian cocktail is super creamy, packed with rich flavors of Kahlua coffee liquor, vodka, and the warmth of pumpkin pie spice.
This cocktail is perfect for fall parties and Thanksgiving, it’s my favorite easy creamy treat with a kick!
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Table of Contents
Creamy Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
I love me a pumpkin spice latte when I get my Starbucks fix the second fall is maybe upon us. I dent love letting my kids have a sip of my latte though, so I decided to creamy a similar tasting cocktail that was strictly adults only. Perfect for cocktail hour on Thanksgiving or at any fall gathering.
My pumpkin spice white Russian cocktail uses pumpkin spice creamer (something I always have on hand in the fall) to give it that latte richness and intense spice. I infuse the spiced-up creamer with vodka (because Russia) and my favorite Kahlua coffee liqueur. This super simple cocktail can be whipped up without much fuss for a cozy evening in. If you don’t have pumpkin spice creamer you can use half and half mixed with a generous pinch of pumpkin pie spice for a similar taste. I love to use maple syrup and vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) with spices and sugar to create a classy rim and top it will with a generous about of whipped cream. What not to love right!?
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Flavored White Russians
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Vodka (2 shots) – The vodka adds a smooth, neutral base to the drink, allowing the pumpkin spice and coffee flavors to shine.
- Pumpkin spice creamer (2 shots) – This creamy addition infuses the cocktail with warm, autumnal pumpkin spice flavors.
- Kahlua coffee liqueur (1 shot) – The rich coffee flavor of Kahlua gives the drink depth and a slight sweetness, complementing the pumpkin spice.
- Whipped cream – A generous dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy sweetness and a perfect finishing touch to this indulgent cocktail.
For the Rim
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 tsp) – The pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, aromatic touch to the rim, enhancing the drink’s fall flavors.
- Sugar (1 tsp) – The sugar provides a sweet, crunchy contrast that balances the spices and adds texture to each sip.
- Crushed vanilla wafers (3 tbsp) – The vanilla wafers create a buttery, cookie-like rim, mimicking the taste of pie crust and complementing the pumpkin spice.
- Maple syrup (1 tsp) – The maple syrup acts as a sticky, sweet base to hold the rim ingredients together, while adding a rich caramel flavor.
Use this Method
Make Rim. Mix the wafers, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar together in a shallow bowl. Dip your cups rims into the maple syrup then into the wafer mix to coat the rim. Set the glasses aside.
Mix Liquor. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add the vodka, pumpkin spice creamer, and Kahlua coffee liqueur. Shake lightly until combined and cold.
Combine and Enjoy. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and more pumpkin pie spice if preferred. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Making Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktails
Chill Your Glasses: Place your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
Adjust Sweetness: Balance the sweetness by adding more or less pumpkin spice syrup or creamer, depending on your preference.
Shake or Stir: For a smoother texture, shake the vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice syrup together before pouring in the cream.
Add Freshly Brewed Espresso: For a rich coffee flavor, add a splash of cooled freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee to the mix.
Garnish with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top for a decadent finish.
Try Flavored Vodka: Experiment with vanilla or cinnamon-flavored vodka to enhance the pumpkin spice profile.
Layer the Ingredients: For a beautiful presentation, carefully pour the cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered look in the glass.
Serve Over Large Ice Cubes: Use large ice cubes or ice spheres to keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
FAQs
Yes, you can use regular cream and add a dash of pumpkin spice or pumpkin spice syrup for the desired flavor.
Absolutely! Use almond milk, coconut milk, or a non-dairy pumpkin spice creamer to make it vegan or lactose-free.
Kahlúa is the most popular choice for a White Russian, but you can use any coffee liqueur or even add a shot of espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
You can pre-mix the vodka, and coffee liqueur but wait to add the cream or creamer until just before serving to maintain the texture.
Adjust the amount of pumpkin spice creamer to your taste, and you can even reduce the sweetness by using less coffee liqueur or opting for unsweetened cream.
Yes, vanilla or cinnamon-flavored vodka can enhance the pumpkin spice notes, making the cocktail even more flavorful.
Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon into the glass to layer it on top of the vodka and coffee liqueur mixture for a visually appealing presentation.
While a traditional White Russian is served cold, you can adapt this drink for cooler weather by warming the cream and serving it as a cozy, spiced alternative.
What to Enjoy with Spicy White Russian Cocktails
Pumpkin Pie: Enhance the pumpkin spice flavors by pairing the cocktail with a slice of rich, spiced pumpkin pie.
Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices in gingerbread cookies complement the creamy, spiced notes of the drink.
Cinnamon Rolls: The sweet, cinnamon-laden pastry is a perfect match for the indulgent creaminess of the cocktail.
Dark Chocolate: A square of dark chocolate or chocolate truffles adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the drink.
Spiced Pecans: Roasted pecans with a cinnamon-sugar coating make a crunchy, flavorful snack to enjoy alongside the cocktail.
Cheesecake: Creamy vanilla or pumpkin-flavored cheesecake adds a decadent pairing to the cocktail’s velvety texture.
Apple Crisp: The tart, baked apples and cinnamon crumble pair wonderfully with the smooth, pumpkin spice-infused drink.
Maple Bacon: The smoky, salty-sweet flavor of maple-glazed bacon adds an unexpected but delicious contrast to the creamy cocktail.
Caramel Popcorn: The sweet, buttery taste of caramel popcorn pairs nicely with the rich, creamy cocktail for a fun and indulgent treat.
Spiced Donuts: A cinnamon or pumpkin spice donut offers a seasonal and flavorful snack to enjoy with the cocktail.
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Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 oz vodka, 2 shots
- 3 oz pumpkin spice creamer, 2 shots
- 1.5 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur, 1 shot
- Whipped cream, to garnish
For the Rim
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp crushed vanilla wafers, or graham crackers
- 1 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix the wafers, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar together in a shallow bowl. Dip your cups rims into the maple syrup then into the wafer mix to coat the rim. Set the glasses aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add the vodka, pumpkin spice creamer, and Kahlua coffee liqueur. Shake lightly until combined and cold.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and more pumpkin pie spice if preferred. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.