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Cocktail History
The Drunken Pumpkin Spice Latte is an autumn cocktail that was first published on Delish, an online food and beverage blog. The original recipe was based on the quintessential pumpkin-flavored drink that pops up on coffee shop menus in early September but was made with lower quality ingredients we weren’t likely to use again, such as pumpkin vodka, rum cream liqueur, and instant coffee. To add more complexity, this version uses vanilla vodka, creamy horchata, fresh espresso, and a favorite homemade pumpkin spice syrup.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vanilla Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with fermented grains or potatoes and water, which are distilled and then infused with vanilla to develop a sweet, spiced flavor.
Horchata Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with traditional horchata ingredients, such as rice, almonds, cinnamon, and vanilla, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a rich, creamy flavor.
Espresso: This is a type of coffee made with finely ground coffee beans and water, which are brewed under high pressure to develop a rich, intense flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a spiced, autumnal flavor.
Whipped Cream: This is a dairy topping made with cream and sugar, which are whipped into a light, airy texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is a spice blend made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I used Simply Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Saucepan: This is used to warm the ingredients. I used the Cuisinart 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan with Cover.
Spoon: This is used to stir the ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spoon.
Ladle: This is used to transfer the drink to cups. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Ladle.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Brown with a frothy white top
• Aroma: Pumpkin and sweet cream
• Taste: Dairy-sweetened espresso flavor mixed with autumn baking spices
• Finish: Throat-warming bitter coffee notes and more spices
Kendall’s Take: “This might come as a surprise, but I am not a fan of the traditional Pumpkin Spice Latte that lands on menus at coffee shops as soon as the calendar flips to September. This drink, however, is absolutely fabulous. I don’t drink coffee regularly as is, but I would absolutely indulge in one of these on a chilly night. This version is a nice serious boozy drink too. Most serious imbibers will roll their eyes when a sweet cocktail topped with whipped cream ends up on a menu, but they’re made for people like me. Give the Drunken Pumpkin Spice Latte a try as soon as you can!”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was found on the publication Delish.com.
Drunken Pumpkin Spice Latte
Description
The Drunken Pumpkin Spice Latte is an autumn cocktail that was first published on Delish, an online food and beverage blog. The original recipe was based on the quintessential pumpkin-flavored drink that pops up on coffee shop menus in early September but was made with lower quality ingredients we weren't likely to use again, such as pumpkin vodka, rum cream liqueur, and instant coffee. To add more complexity, this version uses vanilla vodka, creamy horchata, fresh espresso, and a favorite homemade pumpkin spice syrup.
Ingredients
Method
Add horchata, espresso, vanilla vodka, and pumpkin spice syrup to a saucepan.
Cook over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes while stirring until warmed through.
Pour into a coffee mug.
Garnish with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
