Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

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.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup: This is a sweetener made with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, brown sugar, white sugar, and water. I used this sous vide recipe.

Aromatic Bitters: This is a food product made with botanicals, herbs, alcohol, and water. I used Angostura Aromatic Bitters.

Orange Bitters: This is a food product made with oranges, botanicals, herbs, alcohol, and water. I used Angostura Orange Bitters.

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

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy, wide-bowled glass that’s used to stir ingredients before they’re strained and served. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.

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.

Julep Strainer: This is a flat, perforated metal strainer with a handle that’s used to strain cocktails from a mixing glass or tin into a serving glass while keeping ice and solids behind. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.

Peeler: This is a small, handheld tool with a sharp blade that’s used to remove the outer skin of fruits and vegetables. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.

Lowball Glass: This is a short, wide glass with a thick base that’s used for serving spirits neat or on the rocks. I used the Viski Admiral Whiskey Glass.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: "Believe or not, I don't reach for an Old Fashioned pretty much ever. I do sometimes make a Falling Leaves or a Mountain Man during the autumn months, but I think I'm going to have to add this to my rotation for this season. I never know how pumpkin spice will pair with cocktail ingredients, especially now that I've learned I don't enjoy it in the Margarita template, but it works very well in this one. I personally liked it even more than the original!"

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Recipe