I love serving playful drinks at fall parties, and honestly, my go-to is this easy Pumpkin Patch Punch cocktail recipe. It mixes pumpkin flavors with just a handful of simple things to make a sweet, refreshing drink.
It’s perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy night when you want something a little special.
Every time I make this cocktail, someone ends up asking for the recipe. If you’re after a festive, tasty drink that doesn’t take forever to prep, I think you’ll like this one.
I’ll break down everything you need—equipment, ingredients, and the quick steps.
Pumpkin Patch Punch Cocktail Recipe
I keep coming back to this cocktail when I’m craving pumpkin and those cozy spices. The equipment is basic, the ingredients are all autumn vibes, and honestly, the steps couldn’t be easier.
With a couple of tips, you can whip up a festive drink for your next fall hangout.
Equipment
- Large pitcher or punch bowl for mixing
- Long stirring spoon to blend everything easily
- Measuring cups and utensils for accuracy
- Cocktail shaker (optional, if you want a smoother punch)
- Fine mesh strainer for extra-smooth texture (if using pumpkin purée)
- Glassware for serving (short tumblers or punch glasses)
- Ice bucket or tray for keeping the punch cold
- Small knife and cutting board for slicing garnishes
- Citrus juicer for fresh lemon or orange juice
- Small bowls or dishes for holding garnishes and spices
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider (or sweet apple juice)
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh if possible)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1/2 cup bourbon, spiced rum, vodka, or brandy
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or simple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a few cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if available)
- 1 cup ginger beer or club soda, for topping
- Ice cubes, enough to fill serving glasses
- Orange slices or cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- Add pumpkin purée, apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and syrup to the pitcher.
- Stir in your choice of bourbon, rum, vodka, or brandy until everything’s combined.
- Sprinkle in pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, then mix well.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour punch over the ice in each glass.
- Top each glass with a splash of ginger beer or club soda.
- Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
- If you want it extra smooth, strain the punch through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
Notes
I really think real pumpkin purée gives the punch a deeper, richer flavor than the pie mix.
If you’re not into super sweet drinks, just use club soda instead of ginger beer.
Maple syrup works so well with the warm spices, but plain simple syrup is fine, too.
Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and cuts the sweetness a bit.
I usually prep all the garnishes ahead—thin orange slices, a few extra cinnamon sticks.
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending how big your glasses are.
For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the booze and add a little more apple cider or orange juice.
If you want a bolder spice kick, let the punch sit for 20 minutes before serving.
Lots of ice keeps it nice and cold.
Equipment
- Long stirring spoon
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Ice bucket or tray
- Knife & cutting board (for garnishes)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups apple cider or sweet apple juice
- 1 cup orange juice fresh preferred
- ½ cup pumpkin purée not pie mix
- ½ cup bourbon spiced rum, vodka, or brandy
- ¼ cup maple syrup or simple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice plus more for garnish
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup ginger beer or club soda for topping
- Ice cubes enough to fill glasses
- Garnish: orange slices cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Stir in bourbon, rum, vodka, or brandy.
- Add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the punch over the ice in each glass.
- Top each serving with a splash of ginger beer or club soda.
- Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
- Optional: strain through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother punch.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of this pumpkin punch, the first thing that hits me is that rich, unmistakable fall flavor. There’s this smooth pumpkin thing going on, plus cinnamon and nutmeg in the background.
The drink’s got a creamy texture, but the soda gives it a little fizz that keeps it light. I really like how the bubbles make every sip feel refreshing, even though it’s a cozy drink.
Here’s what I notice most:
- The pumpkin cocktail base is mellow and sweet
- Spiced flavors like clove and allspice add gentle warmth
- The finish is crisp, thanks to the ginger beer or club soda
For parties, this drink totally works as a Halloween cocktail or just a fun party punch. The sweet-spice balance always seems to be a hit with my friends.
I’ve noticed the spiced pumpkin punch goes really well with salty snacks—think nuts or crackers. The spices don’t overpower anything, and each ingredient feels balanced, so nothing takes over.
Substitute
Sometimes I realize I’m missing an ingredient or two for my Pumpkin Patch Punch.
No big deal—there are a few easy swaps that usually do the trick.
Missing prosecco?
I just reach for whatever bubbly I’ve got on hand.
Sometimes I’m in the mood for a different flavor, so I’ll switch up the juice.
Cranberry juice can be swapped for apple juice if I want something a little softer.
Sparkling cider is perfect when I’m skipping the alcohol altogether.
It keeps things festive without the buzz.
If I’m craving something extra creamy and sweet, a splash of cream soda does wonders.
Kids seem to love it too, especially when there’s no alcohol in the mix.
