Now you’ve hollowed out those pumpkins, what should you do with them?! Pumpkin can be sweet, spicy, earthy, or smoky, adding warmth and a unique essence to drinks. Their vibrant colour makes them Instagram-friendly and their nostalgic connection to autumn and comfort means they’re more than just a seasonal trend! Here are some ways to bring this unique ingredient into your creations.
Pumpkin Puree
The most popular way to incorporate pumpkin, puree provides rich texture, earthy sweetness, and vibrant orange colour. Bartenders use it to thicken and flavour cocktails like pumpkin margaritas, pumpkin martinis, or creamy pumpkin cocktails.
Pumpkin-Spiced Syrups
A versatile and long-lasting option, pumpkin-spiced syrup can add the pumpkin spice flavour to just about any cocktail. This syrup blends pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla, lending an autumnal depth to classics like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
Pumpkin-Smoked Cocktails
Smoked cocktails add a new level of complexity, blending the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with a campfire aroma. Bartenders achieve this effect by smoking the glass or the ingredients themselves, such as with a pumpkin-spiced bourbon or rum.
Pumpkin-Infused Bitters
Pumpkin bitters can provide just the right hint of autumnal flavour in small amounts. Made with pumpkin and a blend of warm spices, they work well in cocktails like Manhattans or Negronis for a sophisticated seasonal twist.
Pumpkin in Tiki Cocktails
The unexpected combination of pumpkin with tropical flavours has been embraced by adventurous mixologists. Imagine a pumpkin-spiced Mai Tai with rum, pumpkin puree, and hints of pineapple or coconut!
Frozen Pumpkin Cocktails
Frozen cocktails are often associated with summer, but pumpkin adds a surprising, delicious twist. Frozen pumpkin daiquiris or pumpkin piña coladas offer a unique approach to cocktails and are popular at bars looking to stand out.
Pumpkin Garnishes
Go all out by serving pumpkin cocktails in small hollowed-out pumpkins or by adding toasted pumpkin seeds as garnish. These garnishes are not only visually striking but can also provide a delightful crunch and additional nutty flavour to complement the drink.
