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This Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash is the perfect cozy cocktail for long autumn and winter nights. Homemade spiced pumpkin syrup, mixed with warming bourbon, orange, and bitters. Then topped off with bubbly ginger beer for a very special fall cocktail. Perfect for the cold nights to come and Thanksgiving. Make a large batch to serve to family and friends over the holidays, this is so easy to create.
Oh, I’ve been waiting to share this cocktail for the longest time! It was one of the inspirations for creating my pumpkin smash candle with Snif, which is now completely sold out!! It has been so fun seeing you all receive your candles!
And while I know they are currently sold out, Snif listened to your comments and has managed to do a restock before Thanksgiving. You can pre-order the Pumpkin Smash candle here. I would snatch one up while you can because when these sell out, this will really be it!
Just like this cocktail, our candle is perfect for enjoying all November long and even into December!
As I mentioned, one of the inspirations for this candle’s scent, was this exact cocktail. To me, a warming whiskey cocktail in hand just screams slow November nights, Thanksgiving, and the holidays.
I wanted to create this cocktail with similar emotions to the Pumpkin Smash Candle. I knew there needed to be some whiskey, some spices, pumpkin, and maple to give off a light sweetness.
Now that we’ve officially launched the candle, I can share the cocktail recipe!! And just in time for the holiday season to really kick off!
The details
This cocktail is a little different for me. I’m focusing more on spices and much less on the fruit. I’m a fruity cocktail kind of person, but I’m switching things up. The key to this drink lies within the spiced maple pumpkin syrup. It’s a mix of pumpkin puree, sweet maple, and warming pumpkin pie spice…cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Everything simmers together and is then finished off with vanilla to add richness.
Shake this up with whiskey or your favorite bourbon, and a squeeze of orange juice. Then top it off with spicy, sweet, and bubbly ginger beer for an oh-so-delicious cocktail.
I’m giving you recipes for both a single drink and the punch version. So if you’re serving guests over the holidays, you’ll have the ideal warming cocktail to serve up!
As mentioned, this is the perfect drink to warm up to on cold nights – which are already here in New York! It’s officially chilly season, hats and gloves are needed.
I highly suggest making a batch of the spiced syrup this weekend. Then when friends and family randomly show up you can easily whip up delicious cocktails.
And you must complete the cozy vibes with the Pumpkin Smash candle. Nothing is more welcoming than a candle burning with a fall cocktail in hand. Well, I must add that a roaring fire would really complete the scene.
This one is perfect for both Thanksgiving and even looking ahead to Christmas too. Enjoy guys!!
Looking for other easy fall cocktails?? Here are my favorites:
Lastly, if you make this the perfect cozy cocktail for long autumn and winter nights, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 232 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- 1. To make the spiced pumpkin syrup. Combine all ingredients in a sauce pot. Boil 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin syrup, the bourbon/whiskey, orange juice, and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Top off with ginger beer, if desired.
To Make a Mocktail: omit the bourbon and use 1 additional tablespoon orange juice, plus 1 tablespoon apple cider, and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Punch
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 232 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- 1. To make the spiced pumpkin syrup. Combine all ingredients in a sauce pot. Boil 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool.2. In a punch bowl, combine the spiced pumpkin syrup, the bourbon, orange juice, and bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Before serving, add ice, then pour the ginger beer over.
