Pumpkin Mule Cocktail Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for new fall drinks, and honestly, a Pumpkin Mule is quickly becoming one of my favorites. There’s just something about the way pumpkin spice, ginger beer, and vodka come together—it’s smooth, a little spicy, and perfect for sweater weather.

This easy Pumpkin Mule cocktail recipe brings those cozy pumpkin flavors into a classic mule, and it’s a fun way to mix up your usual fall drink lineup. I love the combination of pumpkin spice, tangy lime, and that fizzy ginger beer kick. It really works whether you’re hanging out with friends or just curled up at home.

Pumpkin cocktails like this are a nice break from the usual apple or cinnamon stuff you see everywhere in fall. I get a little too excited to share this recipe because it’s just so simple, and it really does taste like autumn in a glass.

Pumpkin Mule Cocktail Recipe

I’m a big fan of bringing fall flavors into cocktails. This pumpkin mule layers in pumpkin spice, ginger beer, and a handful of other cozy notes to give the moscow mule a real autumn vibe.

Equipment

• Copper mug (keeps things cold and looks classic)
• Cocktail shaker or just a jar with a lid (for mixing)
• Jigger or measuring spoons (so you don’t go overboard)
• Bar spoon or any spoon, honestly (for stirring)
• Citrus juicer (fresh lime is worth it)
• Fine strainer (if you’re using puree and want it smooth)
• Ice scoop or a big spoon (for crushed ice)
• Knife and cutting board (for prepping garnishes)
• Grater or microplane (if you want to sprinkle some fresh spice on top)

I like to set everything out before I start—makes the whole thing less messy and just easier to pull together.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (sometimes I use vanilla vodka or pumpkin vodka for a little more oomph)
• 1 oz pumpkin puree (not pie filling—just the plain stuff)
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz pumpkin spice simple syrup (or just pumpkin simple syrup)
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a DIY mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice)
• 4 oz ginger beer (spicy or regular, your call)
• Ice (crushed is best, but cubes work)
• Optional Garnish: cinnamon stick, lime slice, grated nutmeg, whole cloves, allspice berries

Sometimes I’ll swap in spiced rum or make my own pumpkin spice syrup if I’m feeling ambitious. Ginger ale works if you want it less spicy. Each little tweak brings something different, which keeps it interesting.

Instructions

• Fill your copper mug about halfway with crushed ice.
• In a shaker, add vodka, pumpkin puree, lime juice, and pumpkin spice syrup.
• Toss in the pumpkin pie spice.
• Shake it up for 10-15 seconds until it’s nice and mixed.
• Strain over the ice in your mug.
• Top it off with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick, lime slice, or maybe a little grated nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.

I always taste and adjust as I go—sometimes it needs a bit more lime or a pinch more spice.

Notes

Copper mugs aren’t just for looks—they really do keep the drink colder, which is a nice touch. If I’m out of pumpkin spice syrup, I just simmer sugar, water, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice together until it thickens up a bit.

Vanilla vodka or pumpkin vodka adds a little warmth, but if you only have plain, that’s totally fine. Fresh lime juice makes a big difference, trust me. Crushed ice chills things down fast and helps the flavors blend. If you want it less sweet, go for a spicy ginger beer and skip the simple syrup.

I like to strain the puree well so there aren’t any weird bits left. If you love spice, add a little extra cinnamon or even toss a couple of whole cloves right into the mug.

Tasting Notes

First sip, and the ginger beer’s gentle spice hits right away. There’s a tingle, but it doesn’t overpower anything.

The pumpkin is subtle and earthy, adding a creamy touch that just feels right for fall. It’s not overly sweet, which I appreciate—just enough to give you that autumn feeling without being cloying.

Here’s how I’d sum it up:

• Spice Level: Mild, mostly from the ginger beer
• Pumpkin Taste: Light, creamy, smooth
• Sweetness: Balanced, not too much
• Citrus: Lime juice peeks through every sip

Texture matters to me, and this one’s refreshing and smooth, with a bit of fizz.

If you’re into drinks with warm spices and just a hint of pumpkin, this cocktail really does hit the spot on a chilly evening. It’s a cozy, fall-themed sipper that works for gatherings or just a quiet night in.

Substitute

Sometimes I just want to shake things up with my Pumpkin Mule. If I’m out of ginger beer or vodka, no big deal—I’ll improvise.

Here are some simple ingredient swaps:

• Vodka: Honestly, rum or bourbon brings a new twist.
• Ginger Beer: I’ll grab ginger ale if I’m in the mood for something sweeter.
• Pumpkin Puree: Occasionally, I’ll toss in pumpkin spice syrup, or even canned sweet potato if that’s what’s in the pantry.

If I’m making a pumpkin mule mocktail, I just leave out the booze. Here’s my usual approach:

• I’ll use extra ginger beer or ginger ale as the base.
• Sometimes I add a splash of club soda for a little more fizz.
• I keep the pumpkin puree and always squeeze in some fresh lime juice.

Quick Equipment, Ingredients, and Instructions for a Mocktail:

• Equipment:
• Copper mug or just a regular glass works
• Spoon for mixing
• Ingredients:
• 2 oz pumpkin puree
• 4 oz ginger beer or ginger ale
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz club soda
• Instructions:
• Fill your mug or glass with ice.
• Add in the pumpkin puree and lime juice.
• Pour over the ginger beer or ale, then the club soda.
• Stir it up and that’s it—enjoy.

It’s honestly kind of fun to experiment with whatever’s lying around.