Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

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Cocktail History

The Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created as an autumn variation of the classic Old Fashioned.

This unique take stays true to the original’s structure by using whiskey, bitters, and syrup, but it swaps out the standard simple syrup for a homemade pumpkin spice version. The result is a cocktail with added depth, warmth, and a delightful hint of fall spices, making it a perfect companion for crisp autumn evenings.

Cocktail Ingredients

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

Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, with other grains, water, and yeast, which are distilled and then aged in new charred oak barrels to develop a rich, caramelized 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.

Aromatic Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with a blend of herbs, spices, roots, and botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop an aromatic, bittersweet flavor.

Orange Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with orange peels, herbs, spices, botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop a slightly bitter citrus flavor.

Orange Twist: This is the peel of an orange that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 Buffalo Trace Distillery Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 🔗 Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• 🔗 Angostura Orange Bitters

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.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy glass vessel with a wide opening that’s used for stirring cocktails with ice before straining and serving.

Julep Strainer: This is a round metal strainer with a perforated bowl shape and handle that’s used for straining stirred cocktails from a mixing glass while holding back ice and solids.

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.

Peeler: This is a handheld kitchen tool with a sharp blade that’s used for removing thin strips of peel from fruits and vegetables.

Lowball Glass: This is a short, wide glass with a thick base that’s used for serving cocktails with ice or spirits neat.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 OXO Good Grips 2 Piece Peeler Set
• 🔗 Viski Admiral Whiskey Glass

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Warm amber-orange color

• Aroma: Pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and oak

• Taste: A smooth balance of bourbon’s depth with cozy pumpkin sweetness and cozy spices

• Finish: Lingering notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and oak

Kendall’s Take
“The fan favorite flavor of fall, pumpkin pie spice, finds a surprisingly natural home in this Old Fashioned variation. The mixture of warm baking spices complements the spirit’s depth beautifully, creating a cocktail that feels cozy without losing its structure. To me, the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned is festive and balanced and would be an easy way to bring a little autumn flair to a classic lowball.”

Recipe