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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.
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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 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I’m usually averse to most cocktails made using the Flip template because I’m not big on whole egg as an ingredient. I can’t deny that this is an absolutely incredible take that just wouldn’t be the same without the frothy texture though. I loved the use of pumpkin ale as well and really noticed its hoppy flavor coming through in what could’ve been a busy drink. Overall, the Great Pumpkin is a great seasonal drink that beer lovers and craft cocktail enthusiasts alike would enjoy.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Liquor.com, an online beverage publication.
Great Pumpkin
The Great Pumpkin is a modern cocktail that was created in 2008 by Jim Meehan at PDT in New York City, New York. Made using the flip template, it calls for the classic’s mixture of spirits—in this case beer, apple brandy, and rye—and both egg yolk and egg white. Plus, it adds it a delicious and rich spices maple syrup that elevates its already seasonal flavors and tops it off with a sprinkling of grated nutmeg.
Ingredients
Method
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Add pumpkin ale, apple brandy, rye, maple syrup, egg white, egg yolk, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Remove ice from shaker.
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Dry shake for 5-10 more seconds to emulsify egg.
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Strain into a cocktail glass.
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Garnish with grated nutmeg.
