Spiced Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

When fall starts creeping in, I’m always on the lookout for easy ways to work those warm, comforting flavors into my drinks. A spiced pumpkin spice bourbon cocktail? It totally hits the spot with its cozy pumpkin spice, smooth bourbon, and just enough sweetness.

Honestly, this cocktail lets you enjoy all those seasonal flavors without any fuss or over-the-top steps. I love that it feels festive but not uptight—perfect for a chill night in or, you know, sharing with friends if you’re feeling social.

The spices give it a nice depth, and the bourbon keeps everything bold and balanced. There’s something familiar about it, but it still feels a little special, too.

You really just need a few ingredients and some basic tools, and you can whip this up in a couple of minutes. Once you’ve tried it, I bet it’ll find its way into your fall routine, whether you’re hosting or just unwinding after a long day.

Spiced Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this cocktail because it nails that balance between bourbon warmth and those autumn-y pumpkin spices. The citrus, maple, and spice make it taste super seasonal, but it’s still smooth and easy to sip.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I grab this to mix and chill everything fast.
• Jigger or measuring tool – Helps keep the bourbon, syrup, and juice in check.
• Fine mesh strainer – I strain out any pulp from the pumpkin puree or citrus.
• Bar spoon – Handy for stirring in apple cider or ginger beer if you want less dilution.
• Rocks glass – I go for a short, wide-rimmed glass for this one.
• Ice cubes – Bigger cubes are better; they melt slower and keep things cold.
• Peeler or zester – Sometimes I use this for an orange peel garnish.
• Small saucepan – If I’m making spiced pumpkin syrup at home, I just simmer it on the stove.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz spiced pumpkin syrup (or pumpkin syrup with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg)
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1/2 oz clementine juice or orange juice
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 tsp pumpkin puree
• Pinch of pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 oz apple cider (optional, for extra fruitiness)
• Top with ginger beer (optional, for a fizzy twist)
• Cinnamon stick or orange peel for garnish

Instructions

• Add bourbon, spiced pumpkin syrup, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, clementine juice, vanilla extract, and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
• Toss in a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake it up for about 15 seconds, until it’s nice and chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass with big ice cubes.
• Want more depth? Splash in some apple cider.
• If you’re after something lighter, top off with ginger beer after straining.
• Finish with a cinnamon stick or a twist of orange peel right before you serve.

Notes

Honestly, the spiced pumpkin syrup is what really pulls the flavors together. If I’m out of it, I just mix pumpkin puree with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla, then simmer it into a syrup.

I never skip the garnish. A cinnamon stick slowly infuses the drink as it sits, and an orange peel really brightens up the bourbon and spice.

Sometimes I dial back the maple syrup if the apple cider is already super sweet. It’s easy to adjust the sweetness and spice—just taste and tweak until it feels right.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s got this smooth, steady warmth from the bourbon that just kind of settles in. The pumpkin spice brings a gentle sweetness, softening things up and making it taste, well, cozy—like something you’d want to curl up with.

Those spices—definitely cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of clove—show up right away. It’s got that unmistakable fall vibe, almost like a pumpkin old fashioned, but honestly, this one finishes softer and rounder.

I’m picking up some vanilla and caramel notes from the bourbon too. They blend into the pumpkin flavors in a way that’s rich but not over the top, and honestly, it just feels familiar.

If I compare it to a pumpkin bourbon smash, this cocktail comes across a bit more mellow. There’s less fruit or citrus, more emphasis on spice and depth—it’s the kind of drink you’d want to sip slowly on a chilly evening.

Flavor Highlights:

• Sweetness: light and natural, not heavy
• Spice: warm with a soft kick
• Body: smooth, slightly creamy on the tongue
• Finish: lingering notes of pumpkin and oak