Paul Kushner
We have a famous fall drink called the Pumpkin Old Fashioned that I’m excited to share with you as your bartender. This drink is a modern take on the classic Old Fashioned, fusing the rich, comforting tastes of pumpkin and spice with the warmth of whiskey. Offering the ideal harmony of sweetness, spice, and power, it’s like curling up with a warm blanket on a brisk evening. A great blend of sweetness, spice, and strength, it’s like wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket on a brisk evening.
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Tasting Notes
The flavors in the Pumpkin Old Fashioned blend harmoniously. The whiskey’s mellow, oaky warmth will hit you first, then there will be a lovely rush of pumpkin and fall spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon. Every sip is rich and fulfilling due to the smooth finish that has a touch of sweetness from vanilla.
Equipment and Glassware
A strainer, bar spoon, and mixing glass are required to make this cocktail. It is typically served in a rocks glass, which helps to concentrate the scents of the beverage and improves the flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 3-4 dashes aromatic bitters
- Pinch pumpkin spice
- Cocktail cherry (garnish)
- Cinnamon stick (garnish)
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, orange liqueur, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and aromatic bitters. Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel or rosemary sprig, and serve.
Pro Tips
You can blend pumpkin puree with sugar, water, and fall spices to produce your own pumpkin spice syrup, which will have a stronger pumpkin taste. Since a huge ice cube melts more slowly, it keeps your drink chilled without thinning out too soon.
When to Serve
If you’re looking for a drink to warm you up on a cold night, or if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving celebration, the Pumpkin Old Fashioned is a great choice. It’s a great topic for discussion and a big hit at holiday gatherings.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For the best experience, choose a high-quality bourbon or rye that you enjoy on its own. Bulleit Bourbon and Rittenhouse Rye are excellent choices for their balance and smooth finish, which complement the pumpkin and spice flavors beautifully.
Similar Cocktails
- Fig Old Fashioned: A sweet twist on the classic, with rich fig syrup and a hint of orange, perfect for a sophisticated sip.
- Maple Bacon Old Fashioned: A savory update with maple syrup sweetness and a smoky bacon garnish, for a bold, unforgettable taste.
- Raspberry Bourbon Smash: Fresh raspberries muddled with bourbon and lemon for a vibrant, fruity cocktail with a punch.
- Bourbon Old Fashioned: The timeless classic, combining bourbon with a touch of sugar, bitters, and citrus for a smooth, strong finish.
- Blackberry Whiskey Smash: Juicy blackberries and whiskey with a splash of lemon creating a sweet and tart drink that’s irresistibly refreshing.
History
Known for its straightforward but powerful flavors, the Old Fashioned has been a mainstay in the cocktail world since the early 19th century. By combining the seasonal appeal of pumpkin and spices, the Pumpkin Old Fashioned elevates this custom and pays respect to its origins while becoming a contemporary take on an autumnal favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 3-4 dashes aromatic bitters
- Pinch pumpkin spice
- Cocktail cherry garnish
- Cinnamon stick garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, orange liqueur, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and aromatic bitters. Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel or rosemary sprig, and serve.
