Pumpkin Cocktails You’ll Fall For

Pumpkin is the unofficial mascot of fall. It’s in our pies, our lattes, our candles—so why not our cocktails? Whether you’re the type who wants your drinks cozy and comforting or you’re just looking to show off something clever at your next dinner party, pumpkin has more to offer than just pie. Here are some playful (and seriously tasty) ways to sneak pumpkin into the classics you already know and love.

1. Sip on a Pumpkin Pie Martini

Forget pumpkin spice lattes for a second—martinis deserve the pumpkin treatment too. A pumpkin pie martini can swing dessert-y if you want, but the trick is starting with unsweetened pumpkin puree (canned works fine). That way, you control the sweetness with syrups or liqueurs instead of letting pumpkin pie filling boss you around.

For the liquor, you’ve got options: go sleek with plain vodka, go cozy with vanilla vodka, or lean full-dessert with RumChata. Feeling extra? Blend the whole thing with ice for a frozen pumpkin slushy martini that screams “grown-up milkshake.” Strain well so it’s smooth and silky, not chunky. Nobody wants a fibrous martini.

2. Upgrade Your Old Fashioned With Pumpkin Spice

The old fashioned is basically the little black dress of cocktails: timeless, elegant, and always ready for a seasonal remix. Swap your sugar cube for pumpkin spice syrup, and suddenly you’ve got a drink that’s both classic and cozy.

If you’re ambitious, make the syrup yourself—just simmer pumpkin puree, sugar, water, pie spice, and maybe even a splash of maple syrup until it’s smooth and fragrant. Strain it, stash it, and you’ve got a secret weapon for cocktails and coffee. Or you can buy one pre-made (no judgment—we all cut corners sometimes).

3. Cozy Up With a Pumpkin Hot Toddy

Hot toddies are the cocktail equivalent of chicken soup: delicious, but usually something you reach for only when you’re feeling a little sniffly. Enter the pumpkin hot toddy, which turns “medicinal” into “I’m drinking this because it’s fun.”

You can keep it simple with pumpkin spice syrup, hot water, lemon, and whiskey—or go all in by juicing pumpkin and simmering it with sugar and spices until it becomes liquid comfort. Either way, sip it hot and let it double as your hand warmer.

4. Give Your Espresso Martini a Pumpkin Cold Foam Crown

Espresso martinis are everywhere right now, but you can one-up the crowd with a pumpkin cold foam topper. Think Starbucks PSL vibes—but boozy, chic, and way more fun to say out loud.

Blend cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice syrup until airy, then chill. When it’s cocktail time, crown your espresso martini with a generous dollop. It’s velvety, festive, and basically dessert-with-a-kick. Want to skip the foam? Try blending pumpkin puree and pie spice right into the drink with ice for a frozen pumpkin espresso martini. PSL meets late-night energy boost.

5. Shake Up a Pumpkin White Russian

The white Russian is already dangerously close to dessert, so adding pumpkin is really just leaning into its true destiny. Mix vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, and a couple spoonfuls of pumpkin puree in your shaker. Strain well, sprinkle with spice, and voilà: the cocktail version of a pumpkin spice latte that actually gets the job done.

For bonus points, infuse your vodka with pumpkin pie spices before mixing. Or don’t. A quick dash of cinnamon and nutmeg straight into the shaker gets you there faster.

6. Go Bold With Pumpkin Butter and Rum

Pumpkin butter isn’t just for toast—it’s a cocktail power move. Thick, spiced, and slightly sweet, it melts right into drinks and gives them body, depth, and that unmistakable fall vibe.

Making pumpkin butter is easier than you think: just simmer pumpkin puree (canned or homemade) with apple juice or cider, sugar or maple syrup, and a cozy mix of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Cook it down until it’s thick, glossy, and spreadable—like jam. Taste as you go so you can tweak the sweetness or spice level to your liking.

Once you’ve got your pumpkin butter, stir it into a ginger-rum cocktail. Muddle fresh ginger, then shake it all up with rum, pumpkin butter, citrus (orange or lime juice), bitters, and maybe even a splash of pumpkin spice syrup instead of cinnamon syrup for extra autumn flair.

The result? A drink that’s zesty, spicy, and pumpkin-forward without being over the top. It’s cozy enough for sweater weather, but bold enough to make you forget pumpkin was ever just about pie.