Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Elevate your fall evenings with a sophisticated and indulgent Pumpkin Spice White Russian. Combining the classic creamy cocktail with warm pumpkin spice syrup made from scratch, this recipe captures the essence of autumn in every sip, perfect for cozy nights, Halloween parties, or festive brunches.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan,
- Rocks glass,
- Fine-Mesh Sieve / Cheesecloth
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cocktail
- 2 ounces vodka or preferred spirit (bourbon or rum substitutions possible)
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa; amaretto for nutty twist)
- 2 ounces heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option; half-and-half for lighter version)
- 2 ounces pumpkin spice syrup prepared from recipe above
- ice as needed
- optional garnish whipped cream, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Making the Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
- Combine water, granulated sugar, and pumpkin puree in a medium saucepan. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely and prevent burning.
- Add pumpkin pie spice; reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse spices.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for added depth.
- Cool syrup completely, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer into an airtight container. Store refrigerated up to two weeks.
- Assembling the Pumpkin Spice White Russian:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice to chill without quick dilution.
- Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice and stir gently to combine.
- Add pumpkin spice syrup to infuse autumnal flavor.
- Gently float the heavy cream or vegan alternative over the back of a spoon on top of the drink to create layers.
- Stir gently once or twice to combine layers without losing visual appeal.
- Optionally garnish with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Pumpkin Spice White Russian!
Notes
This cocktail is versatile: you can infuse your vodka with pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor, adjust syrup sweetness to preference, and create vegan or spicier variations. Make the pumpkin spice syrup ahead for quick cocktail assembly.