If you like creamy cocktails with a fall twist, this Pumpkin Rumchata White Russian is honestly pretty easy to make. It brings together a handful of simple ingredients.
I’ll show you how to mix pumpkin, Rumchata, vodka, and coffee liqueur into a smooth drink with just enough spice to make things interesting.
This recipe works well for a cozy evening or a small get-together. The steps are straightforward, and the flavors manage to stand out without being too sweet.
Pumpkin and Rumchata pair up nicely for a different take on the classic White Russian. I’ll walk you through the process so you can whip up this drink at home.
Pumpkin Rumchata White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- A cocktail shaker is handy for mixing the pumpkin and dairy with the spirits,
- but if you don’t have one, you can stir well and get by.
- A small spoon or bar spoon helps combine everything.
- Measuring tools like a jigger or shot glass are useful for getting the right amounts.
- If I use a shaker, I need a strainer too.
- I keep ice cubes ready to chill the drink.
- Paper towels or napkins are good for wiping the rim or cleaning up any spills.
Ingredients
Here’s what I gather for this cocktail:
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
- 1.5 ounces Rumchata
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree unsweetened
- 1 ounce half-and-half or whole milk
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Whipped cream pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- First, I fill my glass about halfway with ice cubes. In a cocktail shaker or just another cup,
- I add the pumpkin puree, half-and-half, Rumchata, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
- I shake the mix well for about 10-15 seconds. That helps the pumpkin blend in smoothly.
- If I don’t have a shaker, I’ll just stir it really well with a spoon until it looks combined.
- Then I strain the mixture into the glass with ice.
- For a creamy finish, I’ll top it with whipped cream.
- Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
- The cocktail’s best enjoyed soon after you make it.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of this Pumpkin Rumchata White Russian, the first thing I notice is how smooth and creamy it is. The dairy gives it a gentle richness, and the Rumchata brings in sweet, cinnamon flavors.
The pumpkin flavor is there, but it’s not overpowering. I also catch hints of vanilla from the Rumchata.
The coffee liqueur adds a mild bitterness, which is honestly what keeps the sweetness in check.
The cocktail feels thick and coats my tongue. The finish is sweet, with pumpkin and cinnamon flavors lingering for a few seconds.
The smell is inviting, with hints of nutmeg and vanilla. The pumpkin aroma really comes through as soon as I take a sip.
It’s a sweet drink, but not too sugary. The coffee liqueur keeps it balanced, so every sip feels just right.
Substitute
If I run out of Rumchata, or just want something new, I usually grab another creamy liqueur. Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlúa Cream both hit the spot in a pinch.
For that pumpkin flavor, canned pumpkin puree is great, but pumpkin syrup works too. Sometimes I’ll just stir in a pinch of pumpkin spice instead of using puree—it makes for a smoother, less thick drink.
If I need a non-dairy option, I’ll switch to almond milk creamer. It keeps things creamy but skips the dairy entirely.
Using vanilla vodka instead of plain vodka? Adds a nice sweet note, honestly. And if there’s no coffee liqueur around, just about any coffee-flavored drink gets you close enough.