Kris Scott/Cheapism
Fall is here and with it comes an inundation of pumpkin spice everything. In the fall drink realm, pumpkin spice lattes pretty well dominate, but what about more ... spirited ... recipes? Pumpkin spice cocktails offer a boozy take on the classic flavors of fall. From pumpkin spice martinis to more perplexing options like pumpkin margaritas, we've rounded up some must-try fall cocktail recipes.
Take two things that are all the rage and mix them together and it's pretty hard to go wrong. This pumpkin cocktail recipe is a combination of an espresso martini and the pumpkin spice flavor that rules the season. The pumpkin in this drink comes from two different angles (pumpkin pie spice andpumpkin puree), so the flavor can still come through alongside the taste of coffee. Other ingredients include cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar.
Recipe:The Littlest Crumb
This pumpkin cocktail calls for a homemade pumpkin simple syrup to pair with lemon juice and whiskey. We're not totally convinced about the pairing of lemon juice and pumpkin spice, but we are imagining the syrup adds a hint of sweetness to this one. Concocted with a splash of Salted Caramel Crown Royal or maybe Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey? We have to admit: We're tempted.
Recipe:The Cookie Rookie
Now we're going off the rails a bit with a pumpkin spice margarita that pairs tequila with the usual lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup you would see in a standard marg, but oh wait! Add in some pumpkin spice, cinnamon sticks, and a slice of lime (because it's still a margarita, duh) and you've got the perfect autumnal spirit for Taco Tuesday. Sounds a little weird, but we'd try it.
Recipe:Zen and Honey
Vanilla vodka, spicy ginger beer, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin puree, and a squeeze of lime join together in a stamped copper mule mug (don't you dare deviate from the vessel here) to form the ultimate chilled pumpkin flavor cocktail. Not a fan of ginger beer? Substitute club soda with a splash of spiced syrup.
Recipe:Freutcake
This pumpkin cocktail is one we'd definitely dive into for dessert. It's made up of Bailey's Irish Cream, vodka, Kahlua, and pumpkin pie spice. Shake it all together and pour it over ice and you've got a decadent, indulgent cocktail. For an extra dose of yum, we might even throw in a dash of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe:The Cookin' Chicks
We love a good horchata as the weather starts to cool down, and this pumpkin spice spin on the classic Mexican drink has our mouths watering. You can choose between spiced or vanilla rum for this recipe, and we have to say, we're pretty torn on which route would be a better one to follow. No matter what way you pour it, the pumpkin spice horchata is a cocktail we'd absolutely drink.
Recipe:Slim Pickin's Kitchen
One sip of a pumpkin old fashioned might have you channeling your inner Ron Burgundy, sitting in your apartment that smells of rich mahogany, surrounded by many leather-bound books. This drink, which includes maple syrup and walnut bitters, exudes a timeless sense of class with an autumn twist, and we are here for it.
Recipe:Inspired by Charm
Hot chocolate is not exclusive to winter. Pumpkin hot chocolate is all the rage and competes with hot apple cider when it comes to warm fall drinks. This boozy take is all the more tantalizing and sounds ideal for an autumn brunch. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, we might even throw in some graham cracker crumbs for an extra punch of nostalgic flavor.
Recipe:Kimspired DIY