The Pumpkin Sour is one of my favorite Halloween cocktails. It blends sweet pumpkin with a zesty lemon twist. It’s cozy, festive, and perfect for autumn gatherings. I love pumpkin martini, but this cocktail adds a refreshing, tangy balance. It is a seasonal must-have.
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Pumpkin sour recipe
The Pumpkin Sour is a version of the classic whiskey sour cocktail. This seasonal cocktail embodies the essence of autumn in a glass. It combines the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the classic sour cocktail base.

This drink is perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, and Thanksgiving. It suits any occasion to celebrate the flavors of autumn. Here’s how to make the pumpkin sour cocktail:

Pumpkin Spiced Sour
Pumpkin sour is a sophisticated autumn-inspired craft cocktail. It combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the bright, citrusy punch of a classic whiskey sour.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- 1 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 oz maple syrup or simple syrup
- 1 dash of cinnamon
- 1 dash of nutmeg
- 1 egg white optional, for a frothy texture
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon stick or pumpkin spice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and egg white (if using).
- Shake vigorously without ice for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and get that frothy texture.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice or serve it straight up in a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle pumpkin spice on top.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal
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How to pair
The pumpkin cocktail pairs well with a range of dishes.
- Savory Dishes
- Pumpkin pasta complements the sour notes of the cocktail.
- Bacon-wrapped dishes pair wonderfully with the sweetness of pumpkin.
- Chanterelle mushrooms add depth and richness to any pumpkin dish.
- Appetizers
- Spiced nuts echo the drink’s warm spices
- Butternut squash crostini mirrors the pumpkin notes
- Brie en croûte with fig jam balances the cocktail’s acidity
- Desserts
- Pumpkin pie amplifies the cocktail’s pumpkin notes
- Pecan tart contrasts with its nutty sweetness
- Spiced apple crisp complements the drink’s warm spices
- Main course pairings: The pumpkin spiced sour acts as a palate cleanser between bites of rich, autumnal dishes.
Main Course | Pairing Notes |
Roasted turkey | The cocktail’s acidity cuts through the richness |
Butternut squash risotto | Creamy texture complements the drink’s silkiness |
Spiced pork tenderloin | Warm spices echo the cocktail’s flavors |
Variations
- Non-alcoholic version use apple cider and pumpkin puree for a spirit-free sour.
- Vegan alternatives use aquafaba as a vegan egg-white substitute.
- Pumpkin Sour with pumpkin syrup gives warmth and sweetness to the sour.
- Different base spirit variations:
- Rye whiskey adds a spicier backbone.
- Aged rum contributes notes of caramel and vanilla.
- Cognac brings a touch of luxury and fruit.
- Hot Pumpkin Spiced Sour
- Combine all ingredients except egg white in a small saucepan.
- Heat gently, stirring constantly.
- Remove ice from the ingredients.
- Pour into a preheated mug.
- Top with frothed milk instead of egg white.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.