Pumpkin Spice Martini

Written By Lauren Vosbein

Meet the Pumpkin Spice Martini: cozy, creamy, a little indulgent, and basically your favorite fall sweater in cocktail form. Except this one comes with vodka and considerably better stories.

It's our October Drink of the Month because pumpkin spice season deserves more than a latte. This grown-up twist on everyone's favorite fall obsession brings together vanilla vodka, spiced rum, real pumpkin, and a little creamy magic for a cocktail that's equal parts autumn comfort and happy hour sophistication. Consider it sweater weather with a splash of something stronger.

Why we love it:

It's rich. It's velvety. It's pumpkin spice with a personality. The vanilla vodka and spiced rum bring warmth, the pumpkin adds that unmistakable fall flavor, and a cinnamon sugar rim makes every sip feel like a little celebration. Perfect for Halloween parties, girls' nights, or unwinding after a chilly evening on the courts. Because the only thing better than a good fall rally is a cocktail that tastes like dessert and doesn't require a fork.

Recipe:

  • 1½ ounces vanilla vodka

  • 1 ounce spiced rum

  • 1 ounce unsweetened pumpkin puree

  • ¾ ounce pumpkin spice simple syrup

  • 1 ounce half-and-half or oat milk cream

  • ½ ounce vanilla liqueur

  • Pinch of pumpkin pie spice

  • Cinnamon sugar and simple syrup, for the rim

How to make it:

  • Chill a coupe glass, then dip the rim in a little simple syrup followed by cinnamon sugar.

  • Add the vanilla vodka, spiced rum, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice syrup, cream, and vanilla liqueur to a cocktail shaker.

  • Fill with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.

  • Double strain into your prepared coupe glass for a silky, smooth finish.

  • Dust lightly with pumpkin pie spice for a little extra autumn flair.

  • Serve immediately, preferably with good friends, questionable Halloween costumes, and absolutely no discussion of your DUPR rating.

Lauren Vosbein
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