When autumn arrives, it is like pumpkin spice is in the air! This is when you will love a cocktail like our Pumpkin Spice Cocktails. With homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup, whisky or bourbon, apple cider, and ginger beer, there is nothing like this cocktail for fall.

Want more fall cocktails, then try our Pumpkin Pie Martini, Spiced Pear Apple Cocktail, or how about our Crock Pot Apple Cider? All are fabulous libations, and the cider can be non-alcoholic too.

Close-up shot of two pumpkin spice cocktails with rim trim and a cinnamon stick.

HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THIS RECIPE

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Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand

Torani Syrup, Pumpkin Pie, 25.4 Ounce (Pack of 1)

Crystal Cut Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses – 10oz Ultra-Clear

Horizontal picture of two cocktails with pumpkin puree and leaves and a light green kitchen towel.

What is in this Pumpkin Spice Cocktail?

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cocktails.

This is a great cocktail recipe to serve for fall, but especially Thanksgiving. It has all the wonderful flavors that are synonymous with autumn. I love a great apple cider, and it is something we only see in the fall. Making a special cocktail like this one will have everyone feeling warm, happy, and festive.

Don’t want alcohol? Then serve this great drink without the whisky or bourbon. Add ginger ale instead of ginger beer, and the kids will be wanting more.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Simple Syrup

Sugar & Water – These are the basics for any simple syrup recipe.

Pumpkin Puree – Not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling, you just want pure pumpkin.

Pumpkin Pie Spice – This great combination of spices is what everyone is talking about come fall.

Cocktail

Whiskey or Bourbon – Either of these alcohols will work.

Homemade pumpkin syrup – Ingredients are above, and the directions are in our recipe.

Apple Cider or apple juice – If you can find apple cider (non-alcoholic is the best)

Dashes of Bitters – This balances out the cocktail and gives it a more complex flavor.

Ginger beer – I love ginger beer, but if you find it too biting, you can use ginger also.

Garnish/Rim Trim

Pumpkin pie spice– This is used to make your rim trim or garnish the best.

Sugar – Added to the pumpkin spice, it gives the garnish the perfect needed sweetness.

Cinnamon stick – The perfect garnish and makes a great stir stick, too.

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Cocktail

To Make The Pumpkin Syrup

Add all syrup ingredients into a saucepan on medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar has dissolved and all ingredients are combined. Strain through a mesh strainer and set aside.

Dipping a glass into sugar and spice to get a rim trim.

In a flat dish, add sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Prep your glass by dipping in some apple cider and then in the sugar-spice mixture.

In your cocktail shaker, add your ingredients except ginger beer. Shake with ice and pour into your glass. Top with
ginger beer and desired garnishes.

Front view of a pumpkin spice cocktail with rim trim and a cinnamon stick.

Recipe Tips!

Two pumpkin spice cocktails with white pumpkin, and cinnamon sticks.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the syrup up to 1 month ahead of time!

How do I Store this Pumpkin Syrup?

This pumpkin syrup recipe makes 8 ounces of syrup. You can store the syrup in the fridge in an airtight mason jar or container for up to 1 month.

Are there any Substitutions I can Make?

Yes! You can add more bourbon and takeaway syrup for a less sweet drink. You can also use store-bought pumpkin syrup.

Also, you can substitute ginger ale for ginger beer if you prefer that.

Are Cinnamon Sticks Edible?

Cinnamon sticks are edible, but they are really hard and almost impossible to chew. I like to use them as a garnish only or as a stir stick for the cocktails.

Square photo of two cocktails with pumpkins and leaves.

WANT SOME SNACKS TO GO WITH THESE GREAT COCKTAILS?

Having a cocktail and snacks at the ready for when company comes in the door is welcoming and really gets the party started. You can always have a mocktail also available to the ones that don’t want alcohol, like in this recipe, as we spoke about above.

Pin it HERE!!!

Pin it HERE!!