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Pumpkin Spice White Russian: The Ultimate Fall Cocktail Recipe

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Description

A creamy, autumnal twist on the classic White Russian, featuring homemade pumpkin spice syrup for a cozy and delicious cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
  • 2 ounces heavy cream
  • 2–3 tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: Whipped cream, cinnamon stick, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine Water and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Dissolve the Sugar: Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid is clear and there are no sugar granules visible at the bottom of the pan.
  3. Add Pumpkin Puree and Spice: Once the sugar is dissolved, add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the saucepan. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure the pumpkin puree is well incorporated and there are no lumps.
  4. Simmer the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the syrup to thicken slightly. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously, as this can cause the syrup to become too thick or burn.
  5. Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a lovely warmth and enhances the other flavors.
  6. Cool and Store: Let the pumpkin spice syrup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools.
  7. Prepare Your Glass: Grab a rocks glass or any short, sturdy glass you like. Fill it with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use is up to you, but I usually fill the glass about two-thirds full.
  8. Add Vodka: Pour 2 ounces of vodka over the ice. I prefer a good quality vodka for a smoother taste, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
  9. Add Coffee Liqueur: Next, add 1 ounce of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) to the glass. The coffee liqueur adds a rich, coffee flavor that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully.
  10. Add Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Now, for the star ingredient! Add 2-3 tablespoons of the pumpkin spice syrup to the glass. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste it. If you want it sweeter or with more pumpkin spice flavor, add another tablespoon. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
  11. Add Heavy Cream: Gently pour 2 ounces of heavy cream over the mixture. The heavy cream gives the White Russian its signature creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter drink, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the heavy cream really makes it special.
  12. Stir Gently: Use a spoon or cocktail stirrer to gently stir the ingredients together. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the cream to curdle. You just want to combine everything enough so that the flavors are well blended.
  13. Garnish (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish your Pumpkin Spice White Russian with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. This adds a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of flavor.
  14. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Pumpkin Spice White Russian immediately and enjoy! This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cool autumn evening or for serving at a fall gathering.

Notes

  • Make it Vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. Just be sure to choose one that is thick and creamy for the best results.
  • Add a Shot of Espresso: For an extra caffeine kick, add a shot of espresso to your White Russian. This will give it a bolder coffee flavor and a boost of energy.
  • Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices in the pumpkin spice syrup. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a unique flavor profile.
  • Make it a Mocktail: Omit the vodka and coffee liqueur for a delicious non-alcoholic version. You can substitute the coffee liqueur with coffee extract or strong brewed coffee.
  • Rim the Glass: Before pouring the cocktail, rim the glass with a mixture of sugar and pumpkin pie spice. This adds a festive touch and a burst of flavor with every sip.
  • Infuse Your Vodka: For an extra layer of pumpkin spice flavor, infuse your vodka with pumpkin spice. Simply add a few tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice to a bottle of vodka and let it sit for a few days, shaking occasionally. Strain the vodka before using it in your cocktail.
  • Make a Big Batch: If you’re hosting a party, you can easily make a big batch of Pumpkin Spice White Russians. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix everything together in a pitcher. Keep the pitcher chilled until ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipesrefreshing.com/pumpkin-spice-white-russian/