Pumpkin Spice Martini
A creamy, spiced fall cocktail that tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass. Vodka, real pumpkin puree, maple syrup, heavy cream, and pumpkin pie spice shaken cold and poured into a graham cracker-rimmed martini glass. Ready in five minutes and just as good as a mocktail without the vodka.
Equipment
- cocktail shaker with strainer
- martini glass
- zip-top bag
- Rolling Pin (or kitchen mallet)
- two small plates
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (Tito's, Ketel One, or Grey Goose recommended)
- ½ oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ oz pure maple syrup (plus a little more for the rim)
- 2 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 graham cracker sheets (crushed into fine crumbs)
- Ice
- whipped cream (optional garnish)
- pinch of pumpkin pie spice (optional garnish)
Mocktail Swap:
- 2 oz milk or half-and-half (replaces the vodka)
Instructions
- Place the graham cracker sheets in a zip-top bag, seal, and crush into fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Pour the crumbs onto a small plate. Pour a little maple syrup onto a second plate.
- Turn the martini glass upside down and gently swirl the rim in the maple syrup until evenly coated. Roll the rim in the graham cracker crumbs until coated all the way around. Set aside right-side up.
- Add the vodka, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to a cocktail shaker. Add a generous handful of ice.
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosty.
- Strain the cocktail into the graham cracker-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice if desired. Serve immediately.
Mocktail Version:
- Swap the vodka for milk or half-and-half. Prepare as directed above.
Notes
Make ahead (for a crowd):
- Crush the graham crackers and set out the crumb and maple syrup plates ahead of time.
- Pre-mix all the liquid ingredients (without ice) and refrigerate in a pitcher. Shake each portion with ice to order.
- Rim glasses right before guests arrive.
- Scale up by multiplying all ingredients by the number of drinks. Shake two at a time.
How to store:
- This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. The shake creates froth that doesn't hold.
- Leftover pumpkin puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.