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Cocktail History
The Pumpkin Spiked Horchata is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created in 2023 as an autumn-inspired variation of the Mocha Spiked Horchata, one of my all-time favorite drinks. This version of the recipe also calls for Licor 43’s horchata liqueur, cold brew coffee liqueur, and flavored bitters, but it swaps out tequila for spiced whiskey and adds pumpkin spice to give it a delightful autumnal vibe.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Horchata Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with various creamy ingredients depending on the culture. I used Licor 43 Horchata.
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Knob Creek 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
Coffee Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with coffee, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Mr. Black Spirits Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur.
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.
Cardamom & Caramelized Raisin Bitters: This is a food product made with cardamom, caramelized raisins, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Crude Bitters & Sodas Limited Edition Cardamom & Caramelized Raisins Bitters.
Cinnamon Stick: This is a dried spice that has been rolled into a stick. I used Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is a spice blend made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I used Simply Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice.
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.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Creamy light orange color
• Aroma: Cinnamon, coffee, and vanilla
• Taste: Comforting mix of horchata’s telltale rice and cinnamon flavor enhanced by the warm, earthy sweetness of pumpkin and a touch of whiskey and coffee
• Finish: Lingering cinnamon and bold coffee bitterness
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “The Mocha Spiked Horchata I shared a few years back has become one of my go-to cocktails, so I had the idea of trying an autumnal version a couple of months ago. It ended up taking a few tries to get it right because the ratios I pulled from the original and tweaked weren’t quite what I expected. But the final cocktail is really quite delicious and incredibly different than its inspiration. I don’t know that it quite overcomes my obsession with the original, but I will absolutely whip up the Pumpkin Spiced Horchata during the fall months when I’m craving something spiced and pumpkin.”
Recipe
Pumpkin Spiked Horchata
The Pumpkin Spiked Horchata is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created in 2023 as an autumn-inspired variation of the Mocha Spiked Horchata, one of my all-time favorite drinks. This version of the recipe also calls for Licor 43's horchata liqueur, cold brew coffee liqueur, and flavored bitters, but it swaps out tequila for spiced whiskey and adds pumpkin spice to give it a delightful autumnal vibe.
Ingredients
Method
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Add horchata, bourbon, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice syrup, bitters, and cubed ice to a lowball glass.
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Stir for 5-10 seconds.
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Garnish with cinnamon stick and pumpkin pie spice.