Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipe Pumpkin Pie Martini

With the coming of Thanksgiving, I enjoy making a cocktail that captures the holiday season’s spirit. My Pumpkin Pie Martini combines some amazing flavors that make it taste just like a slice of the famous dessert.

This skin-on cocktail features 1.5 oz of vanilla vodka, 1 oz of pumpkin spice liqueur, and 1 oz of Irish cream liqueur. To push the richness over the top, I added some actual pumpkin puree.

For balance and smoothness, I used 1.5 oz of half-and-half. Finally, I rimmed the glass with crushed graham crackers and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to give the cocktail that festive fall finish.

Ingredients

Vanilla Vodka: Contributes a smooth, sweet vanilla note that boosts the flavor profile of dessert-like cocktails.

Liqueur de Citrouille Épice: Donne un riche mélange d’épices réchauffantes, parfait pour les vibrations automnales.

Irish Cream Liqueur: Provides a creamy consistency and delicate hints of chocolate and coffee.

Pureed Pumpkin: Supplies a genuine flavor of pumpkin, as well as fiber and a touch of sweetness.

Spice of Pumpkin Pie: A blend of spices bringing warmth and coziness to the cocktail.

Graham Crackers, Crushed: Provide a sweet, crunchy rim that calls to mind pie crust.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur
• 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
• 1.5 oz half-and-half
• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Crushed graham crackers (for rimming the glass)
• Honey or corn syrup (for rimming the glass)
• Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
• Ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing a chilled martini glass. Use honey or corn syrup to wet the rim of the glass and then dip it into a shallow dish of crushed graham crackers to thoroughly coat the rim. Once done, set the glass aside.

2. In a cocktail shaker, add
1.5 ounces of vanilla vodka.

3. Add 1 oz of pumpkin spice liqueur.

4. Pour 1 oz of Irish cream liqueur into the shaker.

5. For a creamy texture, measure and add
1.5 oz of half-and-half.

6. For a real-deal pumpkin flavor, include 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree.

7. Add a warm, spiced scent by sprinkling in 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

8. Ice should be placed in the shaker, it should then be capped, and vigorous shaking for 20-30 seconds should follow until the apparatus and its contents are well chilled and combined.

9. Pour the prepared mixture into the martini glass and ensure that it is adequately strained.

10. If you would like, you can add a dollop of whipped cream to the top before serving. A light dusting of ground nutmeg will also make for a lovely garnish.

Equipment Needed

1. Martini glass
2. Shallow dish
3. Cocktail shaker
4. Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
5. Teaspoon and tablespoon measuring spoons
6. Ice
7. Strainer
8. Optional: Whipped cream dispenser or spoon (for garnish)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use regular vodka instead of vanilla vodka?A: You can certainly use plain vodka, but vanilla vodka adds an extra layer of deliciousness that enhances the pumpkin spice.
• Q: What can I use instead of pumpkin spice liqueur?If you lack pumpkin spice liqueur, make up for it with a mixture of cinnamon schnapps and a splash of nutmeg, or use more pumpkin pie spice so that the flavor profile doesn’t suffer.
• Q: Is there a non-dairy alternative for the half-and-half?A: You can substitute almond milk creamer or coconut milk to keep the cocktail creamy while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Q: How do I rim the glass with graham crackers and honey?To coat the glass evenly, dip the rim in honey or corn syrup and gently press it into crushed graham crackers.
• Q: Can I make this cocktail vegan?A: Use plant-based creamer and a vegan Irish cream alternative to create a cocktail that is completely vegan.
• Q: How should I serve the Pumpkin Pie Martini?Serve it in a martini glass, chilled, with an optional topping of whipped cream and a garnish of ground nutmeg.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some ingredient substitutions for the Pumpkin Pie Martini:
Vanilla vodka: Use plain vodka and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Pumpkin spice liqueur: Combine 1 oz vodka with 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 teaspoon maple syrup.
Irish cream liqueur: Replace with coffee liqueur or concoct your own using sweetened condensed milk, a splash of vanilla extract, and whiskey.
Milk and cream in equal parts make half-and-half. Substitute heavy cream if you want a richer texture.
When you can’t get pumpkin, use butternut squash puree instead.