Drunk Pumpkin Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Drunk Pumpkin recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Rum
Alcohol 14%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 20g
Prep time 5 minutes

The Drunk Pumpkin cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink that’s perfect for fall or whenever you want a taste of autumn. It blends pumpkin flavors with spices, creating a cozy and comforting experience in every sip. We’ll explore its history, taste, interesting facts, ingredients, recipe, and more. Ready to dive in? Let’s go! ⬇️

History

The Drunk Pumpkin cocktail originated in the early 2000s as a seasonal favorite. It became popular during Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations. Its warm, spiced flavors make it a beloved choice for fall gatherings.

  • The name “Drunk Pumpkin” comes from the cocktail’s pumpkin flavor and alcohol content.
  • It was first introduced in popular bars in the United States.
  • It’s inspired by traditional pumpkin pie spices.

The taste of a Drunk Pumpkin?

The Drunk Pumpkin tastes like a liquid pumpkin pie with a kick. It’s sweet, spiced, and has a warm, comforting flavor.

I personally love drinking Drunk Pumpkins because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Interesting facts about Drunk Pumpkin

  • It’s often garnished with cinnamon sticks or whipped cream.
  • The drink is sometimes served in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin.
  • It’s a popular choice for Halloween parties.

Ingredients 📃

  • Vodka: 2 oz (60 ml)
  • Pumpkin puree: 1 oz (30 ml)
  • Maple syrup: 0.5 oz (15 ml)
  • Heavy cream: 1 oz (30 ml)
  • Cinnamon: a pinch
  • Nutmeg: a pinch
  • Ice: as needed

A Drunk Pumpkin is best served in a **rocks glass** because its wide mouth allows the spices and aroma to be fully appreciated. Alternatively, a **mason jar** can also give a rustic, autumnal feel to the presentation.

Recipe. How to make Drunk Pumpkin 🍹

  1. In a shaker, add *2 oz (60 ml) vodka*, *1 oz (30 ml) pumpkin puree*, *0.5 oz (15 ml) maple syrup*, and *1 oz (30 ml) heavy cream*.
  2. Add a pinch of *cinnamon* and *nutmeg*.
  3. Fill the shaker with *ice* and shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a *rocks glass* filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a *cinnamon stick* or a dollop of *whipped cream*.

While the Drunk Pumpkin is delicious, it does contain sugar and calories due to the pumpkin puree and maple syrup. To make a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia and light cream instead of heavy cream.

Rate this recipe


Food Pairings

Certain foods complement the flavors of a Drunk Pumpkin perfectly.

Cheese Platter

The creamy and rich flavors of a cheese platter pair wonderfully with the spiced sweetness of a Drunk Pumpkin.

Roasted Nuts

Roasted nuts provide a crunchy contrast and enhance the warm, autumnal taste of the cocktail.

Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate desserts, especially dark chocolate, balance the sweetness and spice of the drink, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

I really enjoy the taste of Drunk Pumpkins—the cool pumpkin and warm spices make it a perfect drink for relaxing after a long week.


🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
Receive the freshest cocktail recipes and bar trends directly in your inbox.
Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Bartender Advice

  • *Use fresh* pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
  • *Shake vigorously* to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • *Experiment with spices* to find your perfect balance of flavors.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Drunk Pumpkin, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Drunk Pumpkin

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with spiced rum for a more intense flavor.
  • Maple syrup: Can be swapped with honey for a different sweetness profile.
  • Heavy cream: Can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Drunk Pumpkin Variations

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cocktail

  • Ingredients: Vodka, pumpkin puree, coffee liqueur, cream, spices.
  • Recipe: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass.

Pumpkin Martini

  • Ingredients: Vodka, pumpkin puree, triple sec, lemon juice.
  • Recipe: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.

Pumpkin Bourbon Smash

  • Ingredients: Bourbon, pumpkin puree, lemon juice, maple syrup, spices.
  • Recipe: Muddle ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake, and strain into a rocks glass.

For a Virgin Drunk Pumpkin, simply omit the alcohol and increase the pumpkin puree and cream. Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Drunk Pumpkin without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the vodka and add more pumpkin puree and cream for a delicious non-alcoholic version.

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?

You can use canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.

Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can experiment with spiced rum, bourbon, or even a flavored vodka to create a unique twist.

How do I store leftover Drunk Pumpkin mix?

Store any leftover mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake well before using.

What can I garnish a Drunk Pumpkin with?

Common garnishes include cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Is Drunk Pumpkin a seasonal drink?

While it’s most popular in the fall, you can enjoy it year-round by adjusting the spices to suit your taste.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

Quarter Deck

The Quarter Deck is a smooth, sophisticated cocktail that combines the rich flavors of rum with the sharp zest of sherry. It offers a unique taste experience with a hint of citrus, making it both refined and pleasantly sippable.

Miami Vice Frozen Cocktail

The Miami Vice Frozen Cocktail is a vibrant, frosty blend that combines the tangy sweetness of strawberry daiquiri with the smooth creaminess of piña colada. It's a delightful two-layered drink that offers a taste of tropical paradise with each sip.

Toucan

The Toucan cocktail is a vibrant, tropical blend that combines fruity flavors with a smooth touch of rum, evoking the colorful spirit of its namesake bird. This delightful concoction offers a playful dance of sweetness and tang on the palate, perfect for savoring on a sunny day.

Voodoo Doll

The Voodoo Doll is a mysterious and enchanting cocktail that weaves together spicy, sweet, and herbal flavors, crowned with a dash of bitters for a magical touch. It's a bewitching blend that tantalizes the taste buds, offering a potion-like experience with every sip.

Mabi Cocktail

The Mabi Cocktail is a tropical and tangy beverage, combining the unique flavors of mabi tree bark with citrus and a hint of sweetness. It's a delightful fusion that dances on the palate, offering a playful yet sophisticated taste experience.

Spiced Pear French 75

The Spiced Pear French 75 is an elegant and aromatic cocktail, blending the warmth of spiced pear with the crispness of champagne. Its smooth and sophisticated flavor is accented by a gentle note of citrus, making it a delightful choice for celebrations.