The Drunk Pumpkin is a festive cocktail that captures the cozy flavors of fall with a playful Halloween twist. This drink blends the warmth of pumpkin spice with a light, bubbly finish, creating a balance of comfort and refreshment. A splash of orange food coloring gives it a glowing hue that makes it stand out at parties and perfectly fits the season. To make it even more fun, the cocktail is garnished with a ghost-shaped marshmallow peep, adding both sweetness and a spooky touch. Easy to prepare and full of character, the Drunk Pumpkin is perfect for autumn celebrations.
Tasting Notes
The Drunk Pumpkin cocktail is a playful mix of sweet spice and lively fizz with a festive Halloween flair. Vodka provides a smooth, neutral base that lets the pumpkin spice syrup shine, bringing warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Ginger beer adds a crisp, spicy kick that balances the sweetness and gives the drink a refreshing sparkle. The orange food coloring transforms it into a bright, seasonal showstopper, while the ghost peep garnish adds a whimsical, sugary finish. Each sip offers the perfect mix of warmth and refreshment ideal for autumn nights or Halloween celebrations.
Equipment and Glassware
To make the Drunk Pumpkin, gather a few simple bar tools. You’ll need a mason jar or rocks glass for serving, which perfectly fits the cocktail’s casual, festive vibe. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, while a bar spoon helps stir the drink evenly without losing the carbonation. Keep ice tongs handy for filling the glass cleanly. A cocktail napkin and a small plate for your garnish prep are also useful. If you want a polished presentation, pre-chill the jar for a few minutes before assembling your drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 2 oz Ginger beer
- 2 Drops Orange Food Coloring
- Ghost Peep for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mason jar with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, pumpkin spice syrup, ginger beer, and add the orange food coloring.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon until the ingredients are well combined and evenly colored.
- Garnish with a ghost peep on the rim for a spooky touch.
Pro Tips
- Use chilled ginger beer to keep the drink crisp and carbonated.
- Stir gently to maintain the fizz while blending the flavors.
- Add the food coloring last to control the intensity of the orange hue.
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, increase the syrup slightly to taste.
- Use clear ice cubes for the best visual presentation.
- Swap ginger beer for ginger ale if you prefer a milder spice.
- Serve in a glass with a wide rim to make room for the ghost peep garnish.
When to Serve
The Drunk Pumpkin is the ultimate Halloween party cocktail—perfect for spooky gatherings, pumpkin carving nights, or fall-themed celebrations. Its bright orange color and balance of sweetness and spice make it a hit at both casual and festive events. Serve it as a signature drink for October parties or cozy nights by the fire. It pairs wonderfully with autumn snacks, desserts, or anything featuring cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether served in individual mason jars or as part of a themed cocktail bar, it brings fun and flavor to any occasion.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Absolut, or Smirnoff for a smooth, clean base.
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Monin, Torani, or homemade (made with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and spices).
- Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, or Q Mixers for a sharp, refreshing bite.
Similar Cocktails
- Monsters Inc
- Haunted Harvest Punch
- Halloween Spritz
- Witches Brew Halloween Cocktail
- Bloody Margarita

Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 2 oz Ginger beer
- 2 Drops Orange Food Coloring
- Ghost Peep for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mason jar with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, pumpkin spice syrup, ginger beer, and add the orange food coloring.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon until the ingredients are well combined and evenly colored.
- Garnish with a ghost peep on the rim for a spooky touch.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a sweeter variation, use club soda instead of ginger beer to tone down the bitterness.
- Make your own pumpkin spice syrup for a more robust flavor by simmering pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices.
- If ghost peeps aren’t available, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a small pumpkin candy for a similar festive vibe.



