This pumpkin whiskey smash is one of my favorite cocktails for fall. I made it with homemade pumpkin simple syrup and seasoned it with pumpkin pie spice to make it super cozy. With just 5 ingredients, it’s a pretty simple and straightforward drink to make. Plus, you can make the simple syrup ahead of time so it’s easy to make one any time the mood strikes!
This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.
Pumpkins aren’t just for pies! This adults-only drink is perfect to enjoy as the weather gets colder. Simple to make, this pumpkin whiskey cocktail is seasoned with my favorite flavors of fall! Whether I just want to cozy up on a chilly fall evening or am looking for a festive cocktail to serve at Halloween or Thanksgiving, I can’t go wrong with this beauty!
What’s in This Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail Recipe?
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pumpkin simple syrup.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds fresh pumpkin flavor and color to the syrup.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warmth and depth to the simple syrup.
- Whiskey: Makes this cocktail sweet and nutty. You can also use Bourbon if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to cut the richness and sweetness of the cocktail.
Tips for Success
- You can easily make a pitcher of this cocktail the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Don’t add the ice as this will melt and dilute the drink, add it just before serving.
- This pumpkin cocktail packs a punch, and you definitely know that it’s a whiskey cocktail! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can add some soda water to water it down a little when you pour it into glasses.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin whiskey smash is delicious served as it is, but it comes alive with some garnishes. I like to add lemon slices, star anise, mint, cinnamon sticks, or rosemary. And don’t forget the sugar rim!
Pumpkin Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Large Pitcher
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 227 grams
- 2 cups water 454 grams
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice 18 grams
For the Cocktails
- 1 cup whiskey or bourbon
- 1 cup pumpkin simple syrup from above
- ¼ cup lemon juice plus more, to taste
- Ice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, water, and pumpkin pie spice.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool down completely before using it. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- In a pitcher, combine the whiskey, pumpkin simple syrup (made above), and lemon juice. Stir and add the ice. Pour into glasses.1 cup whiskey or bourbon, 1 cup pumpkin simple syrup, ¼ cup lemon juice, Ice
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make a Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail Step by Step
Mix the Pumpkin: In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice.
Simmer the Syrup: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool down completely before using it. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Make the Drinks: In a pitcher, combine 1 cup of whiskey, 1 cup of pumpkin simple syrup (made above), and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Stir and add the ice. Pour into glasses.
Did you strain the syrup? One place says to and and another just says to cool it after simmering.
Both!