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Cocktail History
The Pumpkin Pie Mule is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as an autumn variation of my Holiday Gin Mule, Winter Gin Mule, and Spring Gin Mule. The recipe pairs the classic’s usual ingredients—vodka, citrus, and ginger—with a pumpkin and baking spice-flavored simple syrup to give an iconic drink some fall flair.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vanilla Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with vanilla pods, grains, vegetables or fruits, alcohol, and water. I used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, brown sugar, white sugar, and water. I made mine using this sous vide recipe.
Lemon Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lemon. I used freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Ginger Beer: This is a carbonated beverage made with ginger spice, yeast, and sugar. I used Q Mixers Ginger Beer.
Cinnamon Stick: This is a dried spice that has been rolled into a stick. I used Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks.
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.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Creamy orange hue
• Aroma: Ginger, pumpkin, and a hint of vanilla
• Taste: Smooth blend of spicy ginger beer, creamy pumpkin pie flavor, and the warmth of vodka with a touch of cinnamon
• Finish: Crisp and refreshing notes of ginger and baking spices
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “Who doesn’t love a Moscow Mule? The combination of vodka, lime, and ginger beer is already iconic, so when you pair it with the quintessential flavors of fall baking spices, they become a natural (and delicious) fit, in my opinion. I’m actually not one who’s on the edge of her seat each August waiting for the Pumpkin Spice Lattes to drop the following month, but I really loved the pumpkin spice flavors in this drink. When mixed with spicy ginger beer, the Pumpkin Pie Mule becomes the equivalent of drinking a dessert but in a refreshing way. I loved this cocktail.”
Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Mule
The Pumpkin Pie Mule is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as an autumn variation of my Holiday Gin Mule, Winter Gin Mule, and Spring Gin Mule. The recipe pairs the classic's usual ingredients—vodka, citrus, and ginger—with a pumpkin and baking spice-flavored simple syrup to give an iconic drink some fall flair.
Ingredients
Method
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Add vodka, pumpkin spice syrup, lemon juice, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a lowball glass over fresh crushed ice.
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Top with ginger beer.
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Garnish with cinnamon stick.
