Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Your New Favorite Drink
Pumpkin Spice White Russian is my favorite fall cocktail when I’m craving something creamy, cozy, and full of flavor. It’s a fun twist on the classic, made with vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin purée, and a hint of homemade pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
I love how this drink balances bold coffee liqueur with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and spice. Using real pumpkin purée keeps it rich without being too heavy, and you can easily switch up the cream to fit your preferences.
It’s a fun twist on one of my favorite classic cocktails — simple to make, great for entertaining, and perfect for sipping by the fire.
If you’re looking for more easy drinks to try, here are a few of my favorites: Bahama Mama Drink, Dalgona Coffee, Sweet Tea Berry Sangria, and Pineapple Mojito Mocktail with Strawberry Slush!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: You can mix this up in just a few minutes — perfect when you want something festive without a lot of effort.
- Minimal Ingredients: All you need are a few basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Warm, Cozy Flavor: The pumpkin, spices, and creamy coffee make this the perfect drink for chilly nights.
- Great for Sharing: It’s a fun, seasonal spin on a classic drink that’s always a hit at get-togethers.
- Easy to Customize: Want it sweeter, creamier, or more spiced? You can easily adjust it to match your taste!
How To Make The Perfect Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Prep Your Glass: Start by filling your glass with ice cubes. This keeps your drink nice and cold and helps blend the flavors.
Add the Base: Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur. They make up the rich, flavorful base of the drink.
Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine the pumpkin purée and heavy cream. Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds until smooth and slightly frothy.
Bring It All Together: Pour the creamy pumpkin mixture over the vodka and coffee liqueur. You’ll see a beautiful swirl as everything comes together.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top or add a cinnamon stick for a cozy finishing touch. Enjoy it chilled, right away.
Key Ingredients And Substitutions
Vodka: One ounce adds balance and helps build the base of the drink. Any plain vodka works well.
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa brings in that deep coffee flavor, but any coffee liqueur you have on hand is fine.
Pumpkin Purée: Use pure pumpkin purée for the best flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
Pumpkin Spice: If you don’t have a pre-mixed blend, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
Light Cream: Adds a smooth, creamy texture. You can swap in coconut cream, oat cream, or another dairy-free alternative.
Ice Cubes: Helps keep everything cold and refreshing.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle on top or a cinnamon stick brings a little extra warmth and fall flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the vodka in this Pumpkin Spice White Russian?
Yes! You can replace the vodka with rum or bourbon for a sweeter or bolder flavor.
How can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
To make a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the vodka and coffee liqueur. Add a bit of cold brew coffee or a mix of milk and coffee extract for depth and flavor. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that finishing touch.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice, and cream mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the vodka and coffee liqueur.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Definitely! Flavored vodkas, like vanilla or caramel, can give your Pumpkin Spice White Russian an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 tbsp Pumpkin Puree
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 2 oz Light Cream
- Ice Cubes
- Ground Cinnamon or Cinnamon Bark for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes to chill your drink.
- Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur, creating the base for your cocktail.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the pumpkin spice purée and heavy cream. Shake for about 15 seconds to blend everything together.
- Strain the creamy mixture over the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- For an extra touch, garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that might alter the flavor balance.
- If you don’t have pre-made pumpkin spice, you can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
- You can substitute with heavy cream, half-and-half, or a plant-based cream like coconut or oat cream if you prefer a dairy-free option.