Pumpkin Bourbon Flip Cocktail Recipe

I’m always up for trying new drinks, especially when they lean into those cozy, seasonal flavors. If you’re into rich, creamy cocktails with a fall vibe, you’ll probably want to give this one a shot.

The Pumpkin Bourbon Flip brings together smooth bourbon, real pumpkin, and just enough spice to make it feel special—like autumn in a glass.

Making this at home isn’t tricky, honestly, and it’s a nice way to treat yourself or impress a friend or two. You only need a handful of ingredients and some basic bar tools.

This recipe walks you through it, step by step, so pretty much anyone can pull it off.

Pumpkin Bourbon Flip Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving something cozy and creamy, the Pumpkin Bourbon Flip is my go-to for that fall-in-a-glass feeling. It uses real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and bourbon—everything comes together for a velvety, rich cocktail.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker (with a tight seal)
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Bar spoon or just a regular spoon
• Ice cubes
• Coupe glass or any small cocktail glass

I always make sure my tools are clean before I start—nobody wants weird flavors sneaking in. The shaker is key since you’re mixing pumpkin, bourbon, and an egg, so you’ll want to shake it like you mean it for that silky finish.

The fine mesh strainer is there to keep the drink smooth and free of any bits.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 oz maple syrup or simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (or 1 1/2 oz pasteurized egg white)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Pinch of pumpkin pie spice or pumpkin spice
• Ice cubes
• Cinnamon stick or extra nutmeg, for garnish

Pure pumpkin puree gives the best flavor in my opinion. A good bourbon makes all the difference since it’s the backbone of the drink.

I usually stick with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice for that warm, autumn thing, but you can tweak the spices if you want.

Instructions

• Add bourbon, pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or simple syrup), lemon juice, vanilla extract, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice to a cocktail shaker—no ice yet.
• Shake hard for about 30 seconds (dry shake) to get everything blended and frothy.
• Toss in a handful of ice cubes.
• Shake again for another 30 seconds (wet shake) to chill it down.
• Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
• Top with a cinnamon stick or a little sprinkle of nutmeg.

The dry shake really helps the egg blend in and makes the cocktail super creamy. Chilling it after mixing keeps it fresh and lets the flavors come together.

Notes

Fresh lemon juice is a must—bottled just doesn’t taste the same, and it really brightens things up. If you’re not into using a whole raw egg, pasteurized egg white is a solid option and feels a bit safer.

Sometimes I go for maple syrup because it adds a deeper, richer flavor, but simple syrup totally works if that’s what you’ve got. A cinnamon stick or a dusting of pumpkin spice on top smells amazing and looks pretty nice too.

This drink is definitely best made fresh. I usually only mix up what I’m ready to serve right away. If I’m making a batch, I hold off on adding the egg until the last shake so it stays safe and creamy.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the Pumpkin Bourbon Flip, the smooth texture stands out immediately. It’s creamy, and there’s this gentle froth on top that feels inviting.

The drink is rich, but somehow it doesn’t feel heavy at all. There’s a warm sweetness up front from the pumpkin and maple syrup.

I catch a little bit of spice—maybe cinnamon and nutmeg? It’s subtle, just enough to keep things interesting without taking over. The pumpkin itself is there, but honestly, it’s not overwhelming.

The bourbon brings a mellow warmth that kind of lingers as you sip. It adds depth, but it doesn’t smack you in the face with harshness or anything.

I’m actually surprised by how well the bourbon and pumpkin play together. They balance each other out in a way I didn’t expect.

If I let the drink sit for a bit, the flavors seem to blend even more. The spices mellow, and the whole thing just gets smoother.

Honestly, I think the Pumpkin Bourbon Flip is one of those drinks you want to sip slowly—just to soak up every bit of flavor.