In the fall, we love all things pumpkin, from trendy pumpkin spice lattes to classic pumpkin pie. If you’re one to try all sorts of pumpkin recipes, then you should definitely add pumpkin martini to your home bar menu. The smooth, not-too-sweet drink is made with creamy pumpkin puree, rich half-and-half and a dash of spice.
Like our favorite mixed drinks, this cocktail comes together easily. The only special equipment you’ll need is a cocktail shaker. Serve it for dessert after a cozy fall dinner, or offer a tray of martinis alongside an appetizer spread.
Pumpkin Martini Ingredients
- Vodka: A shot of vodka brightens the rich cocktail without adding bite. Look for the best vodka brands, because the quality will really make a difference here.
- Canned pumpkin: Thick, flavorful canned pumpkin is one of our favorite baking ingredients. Don’t sub in pumpkin pie filling, which has sugar and spice added.
- Half-and-half: Rich half-and-half dilutes the thick pumpkin to make it drinkable. You can sub a tablespoon of heavy cream mixed with milk. Or, if you want a lighter drink, you can sub in all milk, though the drink will be thinner and not as sweet.
- Simple syrup: Made with just water and sugar, simple syrup blends easily into cold or thick liquids.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is not just for baked goods; it adds a sweet, aromatic note to this cocktail.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Use a good store-bought brand, or make a homemade pumpkin pie spice.
- Ice cubes: Ice cubes cool the cocktail and help it mix to creamy perfection in the shaker.
- Rim garnish: Gild the lily by coating the martini rim with maple syrup and crumbled graham crackers.
Directions
Step 1: Garnish the glass
This first step is optional. Coat the rim of the martini glass with maple syrup. Spread graham cracker crumbs across a plate, and dip the rim of the glass into the crumbs. Set aside.
Step 2: Shake the ingredients
Fill a shaker about halfway with ice. Add the vodka, pumpkin, cream, simple syrup, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice. Cover tightly, and shake well until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker, 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 3: Strain and serve
Strain into the prepared martini glass (or a plain glass). Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Add a twist with flavored vodka: Plain vodka lets the pumpkin flavor shine, while vanilla vodka adds an aromatic note, and caramel or whipped cream vodkas lean into the sweetness of the cocktail.
- Sweeten with maple syrup: Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup to achieve a more caramel-y flavor.
- Swap in coconut cream: Make the drink vegan or just add a sweet flavor note by subbing coconut cream for the half-and-half.
- Play with garnishes: Dip the glass rim into cinnamon sugar, crushed gingerbread cookies or ground nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Top with whipped cream: Pumpkin martinis make a delicious dessert, especially with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s like the liquid version of a pumpkin pie slice!
How to Store Pumpkin Martinis
If you want to make a big batch of martinis, store the extra pumpkin martini mix in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several hours. The thick, creamy drink might separate, so shake it well before serving.
Pumpkin Martini Tips
What can you serve with pumpkin martinis?
Pumpkin spice martinis make a festive cocktail to serve at a fall potluck. If you don’t want to serve the creamy drink alongside heavy fall dishes, you can treat it like an aperitif before fall pasta dishes, soups or protein-heavy dinners.
These martinis also make delightful after-dinner drinks. Lean into the decadence and serve them alongside pumpkin pie and ice cream, or complement the flavors of the cocktail with sweet maple desserts. Naturally, they’re a festive addition to Thanksgiving dinner, too.
Can you make nonalcoholic pumpkin martinis?
Without the vodka, a pumpkin martini will taste delicious and rich, but might be a bit sweet to sip on its own. If you’re looking for tasty pumpkin drinks with no alcohol, try a milkshake or pumpkin juice. Otherwise, make the martini with a nonalcoholic vodka, such as Strykk, or an herbal N/A liquor like Seedlip.
