Pumpkin Spice White Russian: The Fall Cocktail We Didn’t Know We Needed
Ah, fall. That magical time when the leaves change color, your flannel shirts resurface, and pumpkin spice somehow sneaks into everything—from your coffee to your cereal to, yes, even your cocktails. And honestly? We’re not mad about it. This season, we’re giving one of our favorite cocktails a festive makeover: the Pumpkin Spice White Russian.
If you’re all about cozy fall recipes and trying something that feels both comforting and a little daring, this drink is your golden (or should we say orange?) ticket. Think of it as your favorite fall latte’s glamorous older cousin: rich, spiced, and ready for happy hour.
Ingredients for This Fall-Perfect White Russian Cocktail
To pull off this autumnal twist on the classic cocktail, you’ll need a few pantry staples and a little patience for that pumpkin-infused vodka. This is the Cocina version:
For the infused vodka:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 750 ml (25 oz) vodka
For the cocktail itself:
- 1.5 oz pumpkin vodka
- ¾ oz dark rum
- ½ oz coffee-flavored liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist)
- Brown sugar or sweetener, to taste
This mix screams fall recipe energy—creamy, cozy, and just boozy enough to keep you warm while you watch the leaves fall (or your favorite comfort show).
Step-by-Step: How to Craft the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Russian Cocktail
Step 1: Infuse the vodka
Here’s where the magic begins. In a pan over low to medium heat, combine the pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice. Let them cook for about 5 minutes to release all those fall aromas—like a pumpkin pie warming up your kitchen.
Pour the spiced pumpkin mix into a large mason jar, add your vodka, and shake like you mean it. Refrigerate it for two days to let the flavors mingle and deepen. (Yes, two whole days. Patience, dear bartender.) Once ready, strain it into a clean bottle. Voilà—your pumpkin-infused vodka is officially fall-approved.
Step 2: Mix the cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add your freshly infused pumpkin vodka, dark rum, coffee liqueur, and cream (or coconut milk if you’re feeling tropical-vegan chic). Add a touch of sweetener to taste, then shake it up for about 8-10 seconds.
Strain the mix into a martini glass—because we’re classy like that—and garnish with a cinnamon stick or even a little piece of pumpkin. It’s the kind of detail that makes your friends say, “Wait, did you make this?”
Pro Tips:
- Want it lighter? Cut the rum in half.
- Want it stronger? Double that rum, we won’t tell.
- Want a vegan Pumpkin Spice White Russian cocktail moment? Use coconut milk.
- Sweet tooth activated? Add more sugar. Fall is about indulgence, after all.
Why The Pumpkin Spice White Russian Belongs in Your Fall Recipe Rotation
Here’s the thing: fall food isn’t just about soups, pies, and roasted veggies. It’s also about creating experiences—warm, nostalgic, and full of flavor. The Pumpkin Spice White Russian fits perfectly into that vibe. It’s creamy, comforting, and unapologetically extra.
This cocktail bridges two worlds: the boldness of a coffee-flavored nightcap and the cozy sweetness of a pumpkin dessert. It’s the ultimate “let’s impress our friends but still be chill about it” drink. Serve it at Friendsgiving, a Halloween hangout, or while binge-watching your favorite fall rom-com.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian = The Perfect Cozy Fall Cocktail
So there you have it—our fall-inspired twist on the cocktail that nobody asked for but everyone secretly needed. The Pumpkin Spice White Russian proves that fall recipes can be as spirited as they are delicious. It’s the drink that says, yes, we’re seasonal, and yes, we’re fabulous.
Whether you’re celebrating sweater weather or just love finding new ways to enjoy pumpkin spice, this cocktail has your name written all over it. Let’s raise our glasses to good company, bold flavors, and making the most of this cozy season—one cocktail at a time. Cheers!