Pumpkin Cocktails: How To Add Fall Flavor To Your Drinks
Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
Introduction
Fall is in the air, and that means one thing: pumpkin season! October 26th is National Pumpkin Day and this year, why not spice up your usual cocktail routine or cocktail hour by adding some delicious pumpkin flavor?
In this blog post, we will teach you how to make three amazing pumpkin cocktails. We'll also give you some tips on pairing the flavor with different alcohols and mixers. So get ready to add a touch of fall flavor to your drinks!
This History of National Pumpkin Day
National Pumpkin Day is an annual observance held on October 26th each year. This special day pays tribute to one of the most iconic fall fruits, and it celebrates all of the ways that pumpkins are used in our food, culture, and history.
For thousands of years, humans have cherished the bright orange, fleshy fruit that we call a pumpkin. There are many different varieties of this versatile fruit, ranging in size from the cute sugar pumpkins to larger specimens like giant pumpkins and Cinderella pumpkins that can weigh hundreds of pounds. Regardless of their size or shape, pumpkins have been prized for centuries for their delicious flavor and enticing aroma, as well as for their multitude of uses.
Today, pumpkins are still one of the most popular fruits in our culture. They are featured prominently in recipes like pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, as well as other sweet treats like pumpkin spice lattes and homemade pumpkin ice cream.
Pumpkins are also a seasonal favorite for decorating homes during harvest season with carved jack-o-lanterns and colorful arrangements of gourds and squash. And thanks to their high nutritional content, which includes vitamin A and fiber among other nutrients, pumpkins serve an important role in our diet too.
Thanks to National Pumpkin Day and all its celebrations, we will continue to treasure this beloved autumn fruit for years to come!
Jack-O-Loco
How To Make The Jack-O-Loco Recipe
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Whiskey
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Pumpkin Syrup / Purée
Glass:
Rocks
Garnish:
Basil Leaves
Angostura Bitters
Instructions:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 5 - 8 minutes
- In a mixing glass with ice, add Whiskey, Lime Juice, and Pumpkin Syrup / Purée.
- Stir well and strain into a Rocks glass.
- Garnish Basil Leaves and a dash of Angostura Bitters and serve.
Scent of Home
How To Make The Scent of Home Recipe
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Blended Scotch Whisky
- 0.5 oz Ginger Flavored Liqueur
- 0.5 oz Pumpkin Syrup / Purée
- 0.5 oz Honey Water
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Glass:
Old Fashioned
Garnish:
Lime Wheel
Instructions:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster: 5 - 10 minutes
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add Blended Scotch Whisky, Ginger Flavored Liqueur, Pumpkin Syrup / Purée, Honey Water, and Fresh Lemon Juice.
- Shake well and strain into an Old Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a Lime Wheel and serve.


Ghost-Tini
How To Make Ghost-Tini Recipe
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur
- 2 oz Vanilla Flavored Vodka
- 1.5 oz Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Glass:
Cocktail
Instructions:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster 3 - 5 minutes
- In a mixing glass with ice, add Irish Cream Liqueur, Vanilla Flavored Vodka, and Pumpkin Spice Liqueur.
- Stir well, strain into a Cocktail glass, and serve.
Tips On How To Make The Best Pumpkin Cocktails
- To make your cocktail even more pumpkin flavored try adding pumpkin spice creamer, pumpkin spice syrup, pumpkin spice vodka, pumpkin butter, pumpkin beer, or even some of your favorite store bought or homemade pumpkin pie filling.
- Try garnishing with crushed graham crackers, a brown sugar rim, a cinnamon stick, and or whipped cream.
Recommended Pumpkin Spice Liqueur Brands
Whether you're planning a fall party or just looking for a delicious autumnal treat, pumpkin spice liqueur is the perfect choice. This flavorful spirit adds rich, spicy flavor to any cocktail, and there are lots of great brands on the market to choose from. Here are three recommendations for pumpkin spice liqueur:
Mr Stacks
Mr Stacks Pumpkin Spice is a premium liqueur that is perfect for all your seasonal celebrations. With deep notes of vanilla and cinnamon, this liqueur has just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you're sipping on it straight or adding it to your favorite cocktail, Mr Stacks is one top-shelf pick for pumpkin spice lovers everywhere.
Hiram Walker
For something a bit more classic, check out Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice Liqueur. This renowned brand has been crafting spirits for over 150 years, and it definitely shows in their incredible pumpkin spice liquor. Smooth and well-balanced, this liqueur will keep you coming back for more with every sip.
Bols
Last but not least, we recommend Bols Pumpkin Spiced Liqueur as another great option for fans of all things pumpkin spice. This tried-and-true brand always delivers high quality products that live up to the hype, and their pumpkin spice liqueur is no exception. A flavor-packed spirit that's perfect for fall cocktails or even enjoying on its own, Bols is an absolute must-try if you're looking for an unbeatable autumnal treat. So what are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a bottle today!
With so many great brands out there to choose from, there's sure to be one (or several!) that will become your go-to spirits for welcoming crisp weather and cozying up by the fire this fall season!
What To Pair With Pumpkin Drinks
When it comes to fall cocktails, pumpkin is the star of the show! This vibrant and versatile ingredient pairs well with a wide range of flavors, from spicy to sweet. Here are some top picks for foods that taste great with a pumpkin cocktail:

Salty Snacks
Whether you prefer potato chips, salty pretzels, or crunchy tortilla chips, these tasty treats will perfectly complement the sweet and spicy flavors of a pumpkin cocktail.

Chocolate
If you're looking for something indulgent, then nothing beats pairing your spiced pumpkin drink with chocolate in all its forms: bars, bites, ganache, or hot cocoa. You'll satisfy your cravings and elevate your cocktail at the same time!

Fruit
For a light and refreshing accompaniment to a hearty cold-weather cocktail like pumpkin spice latte or Ghost-Tini, try some seasonal fruits such as figs, pears, apples, or grapes. These juicy fruits have just enough sweetness to shine alongside richer ingredients.

Nuts
Another tasty option for festive fall drinks is a nutty snack like roasted hazelnuts or lightly salted almonds. The crunch of the nuts pairs well with the smooth cocktail.

Spicy Foods
Spicy dishes like curries and jambalaya go perfectly with pumpkin cocktails. Not only do the spicy flavors complement each other nicely, but the creamy texture of these drinks also helps to cool down the spiciness in your mouth.
Conclusion
On National Pumpkin Day, there is no better way to celebrate than by enjoying a delicious cocktail made with everyone's favorite fall flavor. From pumpkin spice lattes and seasonal confections to cozy fall meals and festive craft projects, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy this quintessential autumn fruit. But perhaps the most delightful way to mark the occasion is by mixing up a tasty pumpkin cocktail. Whether you prefer something sweet and fruity or spicy and savory, there are endless possibilities for incorporating pumpkins into your drink. So why not raise a glass and put some pumpkin in your drink on National Pumpkin Day?
Cheers,
Team Barsys