Pumpkin Apple Shandy

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Cocktail History

The Pumpkin Apple Shandy is an autumn cocktail that was created by recipe developer Jenn Meyering in Fort Worth, Texas. The recipe elevates pumpkin beer by mixing it with freshly pressed apple cider and a warming kick of spiced bourbon whiskey, a combination that highlights the rich, baking spice flavors of pumpkin ale while adding natural sweetness, depth, and balance. This fusion creates a delightful drink perfect for crisp autumn evenings or seasonal celebrations.

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 Cider: This is a beverage made with freshly pressed apple juice and baking spices. I used The Glass Orchard Apple Cider.

Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Buffalo Trace Distillery Benchmark Bourbon.

Bartending Tools

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

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.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

Imperial Pint Glass: This is a tall, straight-sided glass with a slight bulge near the rim that’s designed to serve beer. I used a thrifted imperial pint glass.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Rich amber orange hue

• Aroma: Malty beer with notes of baking spices

• Taste: Crisp apple cider with the creamy, earthy flavor of pumpkin and slight bitterness of beer

• Finish: More pumpkin spice and apple sweetness

Kendall’s Take
“Beer, bourbon, and apple cider might sound almost too simple to be a cocktail on paper, but together they create a beautifully fall-forward combination. The cider adds mellow sweetness while the bourbon brings warmth, and the beer ties it all together with crisp refreshment. Overall, I’d say the Pumpkin Apple Shandy is a bonfire-ready pour and exactly the kind of drink that disappears quickly at an autumn gathering.”

Recipe