Great Pumpkin

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Cocktail History

The Great Pumpkin is an autumn cocktail that was created in 2008 by Jim Meehan at PDT in New York City, New York. A playful take on the classic Flip template, the recipe combines the richness of both egg white and yolk with a dynamic blend of beer, apple brandy, and rye whiskey as the base. To complement these autumnal ingredients, it then incorporates a spiced maple syrup, adding a cozy, sweet warmth to the drink, and it tops it with freshly grated nutmeg, making for a festive and indulgent treat perfect for fall gatherings or solo sipping.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pumpkin Ale: This is a type of beer made with pumpkin, baking spices, hops, malts, yeast, and water. I used Whole Hog Beer Pumpkin Ale.

Apple Brandy: This is a type of brandy made with apples, pears, spices, sugar, alcohol, and water. I used Laird’s Applejack.

Rye: This is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% rye grain, malted barley, corn, and water. I used Heaven Hill Distillery Rittenhouse Rye.

Maple Syrup: This is a sweet, amber-colored syrup made by boiling down the sap of sugar maple trees. I used spiced maple syrup.

Egg White & Yolk: This is both the clear liquid and yellow portion in an egg. I used fresh egg white and yolk.

Grated Nutmeg: This is a spice made from the seed of a nutmeg tree. I used Frontier Co-op Whole Nutmeg.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bottle Opener: This is a handheld tool that’s used to remove caps or seals from bottles. I used the OXO Steel Bottle Opener.

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.

Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is a two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a glass or metal mixing glass that’s used for shaking and blending ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is a metal strainer with a spring around its edge that’s used to filter out ice and solids when pouring the cocktail into a glass. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Grater: This is a tool that’s used to finely shred or zest ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips Grater.

Coupe Glass: This is a stemmed, shallow, wide-bowled glass that’s designed to enhance aroma and presentation. I used a thrifted coupe glass.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Light yellow color with a frothy white top

• Aroma: Savory nutmeg and beer

• Taste: Light-bodied flavor that melds pumpkin and maple with whiskey, brandy, and ale

• Finish: Sudden whiskey sharpness with a hint of apple

Kendall’s Take
“Flips don’t hold back on texture, and this fall version embraces that template’s luscious, frothy richness. The whole egg creates a silky body that makes each sip of the Great Pumpkin feel indulgent, while the pumpkin ale adds subtle hops and seasonal depth beneath the surface. It’s bold, cozy, and surprisingly well-balanced—a fantastic option for anyone who loves beer-forward cocktails or richer fall drinks.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was found in the publication Liquor.com.