A delicious twist on a classic cocktail, this pumpkin spice martini combines classic martini ingredients with the warm flavors of fall to create a smooth, sweet drink perfect for all your festivities. Made with a spiced sugar rim, this indulgent cocktail is guaranteed to be a hit!
‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin! This time of the year is my absolute favorite and with recipes like pumpkin pie brownies, chocolate chip pumpkin pretzels, and pumpkin bagels, it’s pretty clear why. However, we all know that as soon as October rolls around the real star of the show is the coveted pumpkin spice latte! I’m a huge fan, but sometimes I need a little something more. So, I took the classic drink up a notch with the addition of vodka, kahlúa, and espresso. The result was a pumpkin spice martini that’s full of flavor and perfect for holiday parties, chilly bonfire nights, and everything in between.
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Pumpkin Martini Ingredients
For the Rim
- Sugar - Plain granulated sugar forms a coating around the rim for sweet flavor in every sip. For a showstopping presentation, you could also use coarse turbinado sugar for a crystal-like appearance.
- Pumpkin Spice - I use a pre-made blend, but you could also make your own with a combination of ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves.
- Maple Syrup - Acts as a “glue” holding the sugar and spice to the glass.
For the Pumpkin Martini
- Pumpkin puree - Forms the base of the pumpkin flavor. For the best results, use canned pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.
- Coconut Cream - Used to create an extra creamy consistency.
- Maple Syrup - Enhances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice - Used to replicate the taste of classic pumpkin spice lattes and ties in the flavor of the rim.
- Vodka - The liquor used in this pumpkin martini. Any kind you like best will work.
- Kahlúa - Use store-bought, or create your own dairy-free version with this recipe.
- Espresso - Adds a strong coffee flavor.
- Ice - Used to chill the ingredients creating a refreshing drink.
How to Rim the Glass
Rimming the glass simply means coating the outside edge with sugar and, in this case, spice. Technically, it’s optional, but it makes for a super Instagramable presentation and creates an even tastier pumpkin spice martini. Plus, it’s quick and easy to do!
Step 1: Combine the seasonings. Whisk the sugar and pumpkin spice together on a small plate, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Apply the maple syrup. Place a dollop of syrup on a clean cloth or paper towel. Then, hold the martini glass upside down, and run the syrup along the outside edge of the top of the glass.
Step 3: Add the sugar mixture. Keeping the glass upside down, place it on the plate with the sugar and spice. Then, gently twist the glass in a circle, making sure all sides are coated in the mixture.
Hold the glass upside down for about 10 seconds to allow the coating to set. Then, flip it right side up, and set it aside.
Step 4: Repeat. If you’re making cocktails for guests, continue the process, adding more sugar and spice to the plate as needed until all of your glasses have been coated.
How to Make a Pumpkin Martini
Once your glasses have been prepared, making this pumpkin spice martini is a breeze! All you’ll need is a cocktail shaker and a few minutes of your time.
Step 1: Create the pumpkin base. Add the pumpkin puree, coconut cream, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice to the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Stir to combine until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients. Pour the vodka, kahlúa, and espresso into the shaker with the pumpkin mixture. Then, fill the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously for at least 1 minute to combine.
Step 3: Serve. Strain the liquid into your prepared glasses, sprinkle extra pumpkin spice on top, and enjoy. Cheers!
Expert Tips
- Mix the pumpkin puree and coconut milk together really well. This is what gives the martini its irresistible creamy consistency.
- Shake the cocktail really well. This is how you get that nice foamy layer on top. For more foam, I also like to take a little spoonful from the espresso glass and plop it on top of the cocktail. Give it a little stir to incorporate it into the drink.
- Martinis are typically served ice cold. After you rim your glass, place it in the fridge or freezer while you make the drink to keep it cold.
Pumpkin Spice Cocktail Recipe FAQs
Use whole milk or heavy cream if you can. If you need to make it dairy free, I recommend oat milk as it will have the creamiest consistency. You can also use a little dairy free coffee creamer, too. Just make sure it’s plain flavored or vanilla flavored.
You didn’t shake well enough! You need to really shake the espresso into the drink to create air bubbles. This takes at least 1 minute, maybe longer.
I don’t recommend making this pumpkin martini ahead of time as the frothy consistency is likely to become soggy. Luckily, it’s a breeze to whip up!
The only ingredient in the can should be pumpkin. Make sure you don’t use pumpkin pie filling. Farmers Market is my go-to pumpkin puree.
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Recipe
Pumpkin Martini Recipe
Ingredients
For the rim
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin spice
- Maple syrup - to act as glue
For the cocktail
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream - or heavy cream or dairy free milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 1 oz kahlua
- 1 ½ oz espresso
- Ice
Instructions
- First, rim your martini glass with pumpkin spice sugar if desired. To do this, mix together the sugar and pumpkin spice on a small plate. Place a dollop of maple syrup on a cloth or paper towel. Hold the martini glass upside down and run the maple syrup around the edges (this acts as glue for the rim). Keeping the glass upside down, gently place it on the plate with the pumpkin spice sugar. Twist the glass carefully into the sugar so all sides are coated in the sugar. Hold the glass upside down for about 10 seconds before flipping it right side up. Set the glass aside to set while you prepare the drink.
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, add the pumpkin puree, coconut cream, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Stir well to combine. You should be left with a creamy pumpkin mixture.
- Add the vodka, kahlua, and espresso to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker up with ice and shake vigorously for at least a minute.
- Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. Sprinkle extra pumpkin spice on top if desired and enjoy!
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