By Becky Hardin
Published Oct 15, 2021
This pumpkin whiskey smash is one of my favorite cocktails for fall. I made it with homemade pumpkin simple syrup and seasoned it with pumpkin pie spice to make it super cozy. With just 5 ingredients, it’s a pretty simple and straightforward drink to make. Plus, you can make the simple syrup ahead of time so it’s easy to make one any time the mood strikes!
Pumpkins aren’t just for pies! This adults-only drink is perfect to enjoy as the weather gets colder. Simple to make, this pumpkin whiskey cocktail is seasoned with my favorite flavors of fall! Whether I just want to cozy up on a chilly fall evening or am looking for a festive cocktail to serve at Halloween or Thanksgiving, I can’t go wrong with this beauty!
What’s in This Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail Recipe?
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pumpkin simple syrup.
- Pumpkin Puree : Adds fresh pumpkin flavor and color to the syrup.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice : Adds warmth and depth to the simple syrup.
- Whiskey: Makes this cocktail sweet and nutty. You can also use Bourbon if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to cut the richness and sweetness of the cocktail.
Tips for Success
- You can easily make a pitcher of this cocktail the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Don’t add the ice as this will melt and dilute the drink, add it just before serving.
- This pumpkin cocktail packs a punch, and you definitely know that it’s a whiskey cocktail! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can add some soda water to water it down a little when you pour it into glasses.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin whiskey smash is delicious served as it is, but it comes alive with some garnishes. I like to add lemon slices, star anise, mint, cinnamon sticks, or rosemary. And don’t forget the sugar rim!
Ingredients1x2x3x
For the Pumpkin Simple Syrup
- ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- ▢ 1 cup pumpkin puree 227 grams
- ▢ 2 cups water 454 grams
- ▢ 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice 18 grams
For the Cocktails
- ▢ 1 cup whiskey or bourbon
- ▢ 1 cup pumpkin simple syrup from above
- ▢ ¼ cup lemon juice plus more, to taste
- ▢ Ice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, water, and pumpkin pie spice. 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool down completely before using it. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- In a pitcher, combine the whiskey, pumpkin simple syrup (made above), and lemon juice. Stir and add the ice. Pour into glasses. 1 cup whiskey or bourbon, 1 cup pumpkin simple syrup, ¼ cup lemon juice, Ice
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Large Pitcher
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make a Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail Step by Step
Mix the Pumpkin: In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice.
Simmer the Syrup: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool down completely before using it. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Make the Drinks: In a pitcher, combine 1 cup of whiskey, 1 cup of pumpkin simple syrup (made above), and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Stir and add the ice. Pour into glasses.
More Pumpkin Drink Recipes to Try!
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Pumpkin Pie Punch (Thanksgiving or Halloween Punch Idea)
Hot Pumpkin Cocktail Recipe
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate (Spiked Hot Chocolate)
Pumpkin Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Large Pitcher
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 227 grams
- 2 cups water 454 grams
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice 18 grams
For the Cocktails
- 1 cup whiskey or bourbon
- 1 cup pumpkin simple syrup from above
- ¼ cup lemon juice plus more, to taste
- Ice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, water, and pumpkin pie spice. 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool down completely before using it. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- In a pitcher, combine the whiskey, pumpkin simple syrup (made above), and lemon juice. Stir and add the ice. Pour into glasses. 1 cup whiskey or bourbon, 1 cup pumpkin simple syrup, ¼ cup lemon juice, Ice
Notes
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
