Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes, you know? I love how it sneaks its way into fall flavors for cocktails, too.
If you like shaking up something new at home, you’ll want to try my Empress Gin Pumpkin Spice Collins recipe.
This one’s all about mixing the bold taste of Empress Gin with cozy pumpkin spice for a refreshing, unique fall cocktail.
Honestly, I came up with this because I wanted something festive yet easy to whip up.
The vibrant color from Empress Gin and those warm pumpkin spice notes make this drink pop at any gathering.
If you’re into simple steps and big flavors, you’ll probably have fun with this one.
Empress Gin Pumpkin Spice Collins Cocktail Recipe
This drink brings together Empress Gin and pumpkin spice for a twist on the classic Collins.
It’s got citrus, spice, and that beautiful color—awesome for fall hangouts or just a quiet night in.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker — I use this to mix everything smoothly.
- Jigger or measuring spoons — Gotta measure out the Empress Gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Tall Collins glass — The classic vessel for this cocktail.
- Bar spoon — For stirring if I’m skipping the shake.
- Strainer — Handy if your shaker’s missing one.
- Ice cubes — No one likes a warm Collins.
- Citrus zester or peeler — Makes the garnish look fancy.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional) — If you’re picky about pulp or spice bits.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress Gin — This is the star, trust me.
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice — Fresh-squeezed is worth the effort.
- 3/4 oz simple syrup — For sweetness. Sometimes I swap in pumpkin spice syrup for a little extra oomph.
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice — Just enough to get cozy.
- 2 oz soda water or tonic water — Fizzy finish. Tonic’s bolder, soda’s lighter—depends on my mood.
- Ice cubes — To keep it chilly.
- Lemon slice or peel (garnish) — Looks nice, smells nice.
Instructions
- Fill your shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the Empress Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pumpkin spice.
- Shake it up for about 15 seconds, until the shaker’s cold.
- Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top off with soda or tonic water, and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.
- Serve right away—nobody likes a flat Collins.
Notes
I always recommend Empress Gin for its wild color and botanical kick—it just works with pumpkin spice.
Fresh lemon juice really does make a difference.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a little more simple syrup, or swap it for pumpkin spice syrup if you want to lean in.
I go for soda water when I want something lighter, but tonic gives it a more grown-up, slightly bitter edge.
Sometimes I’ll add a cinnamon stick for garnish—looks cool, smells even better.
Start light on the pumpkin spice; it’s easy to go overboard.
This cocktail’s a breeze to batch for a crowd. Just scale up and mix in a pitcher, then pour over ice.
Equipment
- Tall Collins glass
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup or pumpkin spice syrup
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice
- 2 oz soda water or tonic water
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Lemon slice or peel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add Empress Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and pumpkin spice.
- Shake for about 15 seconds, until well chilled.
- Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or peel.
- Serve immediately while fizzy and fresh.
Tasting Notes
First sip, and the Empress Gin Pumpkin Spice Collins wows with its indigo hue.
It’s honestly a showstopper in a glass.
The flavor? Super inviting.
The pumpkin spice brings a gentle sweetness that doesn’t take over, but you won’t miss it.
Here’s what I notice:
- Sweetness: Light, never cloying.
- Citrus notes: Lemon keeps things bright and fresh.
- Botanicals: Gin’s classic juniper and a little floral in the background.
- Balanced: The spicy warmth and gin’s dryness play well together.
The pumpkin spice blends right in with the gin’s botanicals.
I definitely get hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, which just makes it feel like fall.
The finish is refreshing and clean.
The lemon lingers a bit, and honestly, I usually want another sip.
Isn’t that what you want from a good fall cocktail?
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have Empress 1908 gin at home. I’ll grab whatever gin I’ve got for this Pumpkin Spice Collins cocktail.
Most regular gins work just fine. Here are a few swaps I like:
- London Dry Gin
- Any color-changing gin (just for the fun of it)
- Citrus-forward gins for a brighter twist
If I’m skipping alcohol, I’ll use a non-alcoholic gin alternative. It keeps the taste fresh, minus the buzz.
No pumpkin spice syrup? I’ll whip up a quick one:
- 2 parts maple syrup
- 1 part pumpkin puree
- A pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin or substitute
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz pumpkin spice syrup or homemade mix
- 2-3 oz club soda
- Ice
Instructions
Sometimes I just make it as a gin and tonic or a simple gin sour if I’m feeling lazy. Swapping out the gin keeps things interesting.
If I’ve got a color-changing gin on hand, the drink looks wild but still tastes the same.
