Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash

There is something about fall that makes bourbon drinks feel extra comforting. The Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash is one of those cocktails that brings the best parts of the season together in a single serving. I first made it for a small get-together on a cool October night. We had chili simmering on the stove, music playing softly in the background, and this punch sitting on the counter waiting to be served. It was the first thing people noticed, mainly because the aroma of pumpkin spice and orange lifted right out of the bowl.

I love this recipe because it is incredibly easy to prepare, and it does not require any last-minute mixing once guests arrive. The pumpkin puree and maple syrup blend into a smooth base that tastes warm without being heavy. The bourbon adds depth, and the orange juice keeps the drink bright. You can make it a little fizzy by topping it with ginger beer, or serve it as is if you want something calmer.

If you are looking for a holiday cocktail that feels seasonal and fits everything from Halloween parties to Thanksgiving dinner, the Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash is a great choice. It works for punch bowls, pitchers, or even single servings, perfect for a relaxing night at home.

Why You’ll Love This

The Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash combines rich pumpkin flavor with warm spice and bold bourbon. It has a homemade feel but takes minimal effort.

Reasons this cocktail stands out

• Simple prep, great for hosting
• Pumpkin and spice make it perfect for fall gatherings
• Maple syrup brings natural sweetness
• Bourbon adds depth and balance
• Ginger beer topping adds fizz if you want it
• Works well as a batch cocktail for parties

Once you try it, you will see why it becomes a go-to during the holiday season.

Ingredients

This recipe uses a blend of pumpkin, spices, bourbon, and citrus to create a smooth, seasonal mix. Every ingredient serves a clear purpose, making the drink feel complete.

You will need

• 12 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces maple syrup
• 4 ounces orange juice
• 2.5 ounces water
• 2.5 ounces pumpkin puree
• 7 dashes orange bitters
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch sea salt
• ginger beer for topping, optional
• cinnamon sticks for garnish
• star anise

The pumpkin puree creates a silky base. The maple syrup helps pull all the flavors together. Orange bitters and orange juice balance the drink, preventing it from tasting too rich. The sea salt and vanilla complement the pumpkin, and the bourbon ties everything together in a smooth, cohesive cocktail.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing good bourbon and quality maple syrup makes a noticeable difference. The brands below offer a reliable, consistent flavor that pairs well with pumpkin and spice.

You can try

• Buffalo Trace, smooth and steady for batch cocktails
• Wild Turkey 101, bold enough to stand out against the pumpkin
• Maker’s Mark, known for its soft sweetness that pairs well with maple
• Evan Williams, budget-friendly with a clean finish
• Real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor
• Fresh orange juice, if you want a brighter finish

If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the bourbon slightly and add more orange juice. For a punchier finish, add an extra splash of bourbon before chilling.

Equipment and Glassware

You do not need fancy tools to make the Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash. Everything is mixed in a bowl, stirred, chilled, and served over ice.

Helpful items

• Punch bowl
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Rocks Glass

A punch bowl works best because it gives the drink room to chill evenly, allowing the colors and garnishes to stand out.

How to Make It

This recipe is easy to follow, and most of the work happens before anyone arrives. The flavors deepen as the mixture chills, so the drink tastes complete without extra effort.

1. Add maple syrup, water, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt to a punch bowl.
2. Stir until the pumpkin puree blends smoothly into the syrup.
3. Add the bourbon, orange juice, and orange bitters.
4. Mix again until everything is thoroughly combined.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
6. Add ice to the bowl right before serving.
7. Top with ginger beer for a sparkling finish.
8. Garnish each glass with cinnamon sticks or star anise.

If you want the drink sweeter, add a touch more maple syrup after tasting.

Pro Tips

Minor adjustments can help your Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash taste even better. These tips help with texture, flavor, and presentation.

Try these ideas

• Chill your punch bowl before adding the mixture
• Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
• Add the ginger beer only at the last moment
• Taste the syrup before adding bourbon to adjust the sweetness
• Balance the spice by adding more pumpkin pie spice if needed
• Use fresh orange juice for the cleanest flavor
• Keep extra ice on the side so the bowl does not water down
• Garnish right before serving to keep the aroma bright

Experimenting with small changes helps you find the version that best suits your taste.

Variations

This cocktail is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to various occasions or preferences.

Here are a few options

• Make it nonalcoholic by removing the bourbon and using sparkling cider
• Swap the bourbon for dark rum for a deeper flavor
• Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
• Use cinnamon syrup instead of maple for a sharper finish
• Add pear juice if you want a softer fruit note

Each variation creates a new twist while keeping the fall theme.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash is well-suited for gatherings where guests seek something comforting and seasonal. Because it is a punch-style drink, it is ideally suited to group events.

Serve it for

• Fall dinner parties
• Friendsgiving
• Halloween gatherings
• Pumpkin carving nights
• Thanksgiving appetizers
• Cozy nights with comfort food

Pair it with

• Cheese boards
• Pumpkin bread
• Apple tarts
• Warm pretzels
• Roasted nuts

The spice and bourbon match well with dishes that have warm or savory notes.

Storage and Serving Notes

You can make the base of the Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash ahead of time. Mix everything except the ginger beer. Cover the bowl or store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to a day. The flavors deepen overnight, resulting in a more full-bodied taste.

Add ginger beer and ice right before serving to keep the drink fresh and prevent it from losing its fizz.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions people ask about the Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling as a substitute for pumpkin puree?
It is better to use plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling often contains added sugar and spices that can disrupt the balance.

Do I need ginger beer?
No. It is optional. Ginger beer adds fizz, but the drink tastes great without it.

Can I make this less sweet?
Reduce the maple syrup or add more orange juice. Taste before chilling to adjust.

What type of bourbon works best?
Smooth, steady bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark works well. Stronger bourbons work too if you want more bite.

Can I serve this warm?
You can, but the flavor is better chilled. Warming it changes the texture of the pumpkin.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked the Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Smash, try these drinks from mybartender.com that fit a similar mood.

• Bourbon Milk Punch: sweet, smooth, great for winter
• Pumpkin Pie Martini: creamy pumpkin flavor with warm spice
• Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned: rich maple and smooth bourbon
• Apple Cider Mule: crisp apple with a ginger finish