Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ounce heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ ounce simple syrup or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
- Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
- Graham cracker crumbs, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: If desired, rim your martini glass with graham cracker crumbs by running a damp paper towel around the rim, then dipping it into crumbs on a small plate. Set aside. For extra chill, place the glass in the freezer while preparing the cocktail.
- Combine ingredients: Add vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, simple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to your cocktail shaker. Make sure the pumpkin puree is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add ice and shake vigorously: Fill the shaker with ice cubes, about two-thirds full. Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for 15-20 seconds. You need vigorous shaking to properly incorporate the pumpkin puree and create a smooth, creamy texture. The shaker should be very cold to the touch.
- Double strain: Using a Hawthorne strainer and, ideally, a fine mesh strainer, pour the cocktail into your prepared martini glass. Double straining ensures no ice chips or pumpkin bits end up in your smooth cocktail.
- Garnish beautifully: Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Dust with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Add a cinnamon stick as an elegant stirrer. The garnish makes the drink look as good as it tastes.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your pumpkin spice martini while it’s ice cold. The creamy texture and balanced flavors are best when freshly made.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices
- Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to fully incorporate the pumpkin
- Double straining creates the smoothest texture
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup to taste
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Can substitute regular vodka plus ½ teaspoon extra vanilla extract
- Make it dairy-free with coconut cream
- For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with ice instead of shaking
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail / Beverage
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 martini (approximately 5 oz)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 41mg