Pumpkin Spice Oaxacan Coffee

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Cocktail History

The Pumpkin Spice Oaxacan Coffee is an autumn cocktail that was created as a variation of the Oaxacan Coffee.

The recipe keeps the essence of the original with freshly brewed coffee and smoky mezcal, finished with a rich layer of whipped cream. The difference lies in replacing the usual Mexican brown sugar syrup with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup, which infuses the drink with the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. This flavorful addition pairs beautifully with the mezcal’s earthy smokiness, creating a balanced and indulgent drink that’s perfect for fall mornings or crisp evenings.

Cocktail Ingredients

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

Coffee: This is a beverage made with ground coffee beans and water, which are brewed or steeped to develop a rich, slightly bitter flavor.

Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with fermented agave and yeast, which are distilled after roasting agave hearts in underground pits to develop a smoky, complex flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar, and water, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a spiced, autumnal flavor.

Whipped Cream: This is a dairy topping made with cream and sugar, which are whipped into a light, airy texture.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Wide Awake Coffee Company Espresso Blend Cold Brew Coffee
• 🔗 Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
• 🔗 Reddi-Wip Original Dairy Whipped Topping

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 and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and reaching the bottom of tall glasses and mixing vessels.

Coffee Maker: This is a kitchen appliance that brews coffee by passing hot water through ground coffee beans.

Irish Coffee Mug: This is a heat-resistant glass mug with a sturdy handle and footed base that’s used for serving warm cocktails and coffee drinks.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker
• 🔗 Libbey Georgian Irish Coffee Mug

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Deep brown color with a frothy white top

• Aroma: Cream and coffee

• Taste: Sweet whipped cream followed by an explosion of bold coffee and smoky mezcal

• Finish: Some sweetness from the syrup with notes of pumpkin and baking spices

Kendall’s Take
“Coffee and mezcal weren’t the most obvious duo for me at first, but the smoky depth of the mezcal plays beautifully against the rich, bold coffee flavor. Add pumpkin spice syrup into the mix, and suddenly the whole drink feels warm, seasonal, and perfectly suited for fall evenings. The Pumpkin Spice Oaxacan Coffee is cozy with a little edge—a great pick when you want your coffee cocktail to have some seasonal personality.”

Recipe