Pumpkin Spice Martini Recipe - Thanksgiving Cocktail

What cocktail could be better to serve this fall than a Pumpkin Spice Martini! This easy pumpkin martini recipe is just liquor and garnish no muddling around with pumpkin puree or the like. We are looking for flavor in a cocktail, not to turn it into a dessert.

This is the perfect cocktail to serve on Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Martini

While I was thinking about Thanksgiving when I made this cocktail, the pumpkin martini would be perfect anytime in the fall.  It is lightly sweet from the small amount of Irish Cream used. The other "sweeter" flavors are from flavorings rather than sugars. So this is not one of those sickeningly sweet holiday cocktails. It is definitely reminiscent of pumpkin pie though.

This Thanksgiving cocktail is not nearly as high in carbs as I expected. Most of the calories come from alcohol rather than sugar. If you don't care about carbs serve some cute Oreo Acorns or Pumpkin Spice Popcorn on the side... YUM!

How to Make a Pumpkin Martini

Other than shaking over ice and straining, like any straight up martini, there is just a bit of garnishing. This makes the drink more fall festive.

You will need a chilled glass and cocktail shaker.

Ingredients in Pumpkin Spice Martini

• 1 ½ ounces Pumpkin Spiced Rum , Jack-O Blast pumpkin liqueur
• 1 ounce Vanilla vodka
• ½ ounce Irish Cream Liqueur or Rumchata
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (If you're not a fan of pumpkin spice mix, simple ground cinnamon will do. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you like)
• coarse brown sugar for rim (optional)

Instructions

First before mixing the pumpkin martini, wet the rim of the cocktail glass and twist it in a plate of brown sugar. A crystallized type of sugar called sucanat  is shown, but other types are good, I just don't suggest standard brown sugar.

Pour the liquors over ice cubes in a shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into the glass.

Finally, sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top of the pumpkin spice rum cocktail for garnish.

I hope you enjoy this pumpkin spice martini and Aunt Ida doesn’t drive you nuts this year.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of pumpkin spice syrup or maple syrup. Pop in a cinnamon stick for good measure. This will make it more like dessert. Use my homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup  and Pumpkin Pie Spice for a special touch.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

For a more pumpkin pie effect sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the martini or do a graham cracker rim. If you garnish with whipped cream stick a couple graham crackers in it. Serve immediately. For a special treat top with my Eggnog Whipped cream!

Check out my Nutty Pumpkin Cocktail, Coquito recipe and cocktails page for other great Thanksgiving cocktail options.