The Grown Up Pumpkin Juice Cocktail is a seasonal sipper that blends the cozy flavors of fall with the warming kick of bourbon. Apple cider provides a crisp base, while pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice deliver richness and depth. A touch of simple syrup keeps the drink balanced, and the maple–cinnamon sugar rim adds an extra layer of autumn sweetness. Served over crushed ice in a tall glass, this cocktail is refreshing yet full of character perfect for holiday gatherings, fall parties, or cozy nights when you want to enjoy a festive drink with a little grown-up edge.

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Tasting Notes

The Grown Up Pumpkin Juice Cocktail is spiced, smooth, and perfect for fall. Apple cider lays the foundation with crisp sweetness, while bourbon whiskey adds warmth and depth. Pumpkin purée brings body and seasonal character, balanced with a touch of simple syrup for sweetness. Pumpkin spice rounds out the drink with comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The maple-and-cinnamon-sugar rim adds texture and a dessert-like quality that pairs beautifully with the cocktail’s flavors. Served over crushed ice, this drink is refreshing yet cozy, making it ideal for gatherings where seasonal flavors take center stage.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending and chilling the ingredients thoroughly. A strainer ensures a smooth pour over ice, while a bar jigger helps keep proportions accurate. A bar spoon is useful for stirring, especially if you want to adjust sweetness or spice levels before serving. For presentation, an Irish coffee mug or highball glass works best, offering enough room for ice and the layered garnish. Two shallow plates are also required for preparing the rim: one for maple syrup and one for the cinnamon-sugar mixture that completes the festive look.

Ingredients

4 ounce apple cider
1.5 ounces bourbon whiskey
0.5 ounce pumpkin puree
0.25 ounce simple syrup
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Maple syrup for rimming
Cinnamon-sugar mixture for rimming

Instructions

Start by preparing your glass. Pour a small amount of maple syrup onto a shallow plate. On a separate plate, combine cinnamon and sugar.
Dip the rim of an Irish coffee mug or highball glass into the maple syrup, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating the rim evenly.
Fill the mug halfway with crushed ice and set it aside.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider, bourbon whiskey, pumpkin puree, simple syrup, and pumpkin spice.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the crushed ice.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Grown Up Pumpkin Juice Cocktail!

Pro Tips

Use freshly pressed apple cider for a richer, fresher flavor.
Opt for pure pumpkin purée, not pie filling, for better balance.
Adjust simple syrup to taste depending on sweetness preference.
Shake firmly to fully integrate the pumpkin purée with the other ingredients.
Use crushed ice for a lighter, slush-like texture.
Chill the glass beforehand for a longer-lasting cold serve.
Add an apple slice or cinnamon stick for extra garnish appeal.

When to Serve

The Grown Up Pumpkin Juice Cocktail is best enjoyed during the fall and winter months when apple and pumpkin flavors are in season. It’s an excellent choice for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or casual evenings at home by the fire. The combination of cider, bourbon, and spice makes it versatile enough for both festive gatherings and quiet nights. It pairs beautifully with seasonal desserts like apple crisp, pumpkin pie, or spiced cookies. Served in a rimmed glass with crushed ice, it adds both flavor and presentation, making it a standout drink for autumn entertaining.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Maker’s Mark
Buffalo Trace
Bulleit Bourbon
Woodford Reserve
Four Roses

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