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.

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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.

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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."

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Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from Liquor.com, an online beverage publication.