Easy Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned Recipe

This pumpkin spice old fashioned recipe took me by surprise. 

It is so tasty and just darn fun to make and drink. 

When you slow down and take the time to make a special holiday cocktail like this one, it is just tastes a bit better.

When I started working out how to make this recipe, my first thought was to use some pumpkin puree in it but I didn’t love the texture.

Old fashioned cocktails have been my favorite drink since the first time that I had one at a Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival event.

I wanted to keep that classic flavor that I love but add the twist of pumpkin spice. 

At that moment, I decided to make some pumpkin spice syrup and use that. 

Oh my, was making that syrup the right idea because this pumpkin spice cocktail turned out so insanely delicious.

You will notice in the recipe below that I also muddled a slice of apple into the drink and it just adds that perfect pop of extra depth of flavor.

Gather your tools and ingredients

Making a pumpkin spice old fashioned is fairly easy to do but I do advise gathering everything that you need before you get started.

All of these tools are standard bar tools and standard kitchen tools.

About the jigger

However, if you don’t have a jugger or muddler on hand, you can work around it. 

A jigger is a precise double-ended shot glass.

On one side you have a measurement of  ½ ounce and on the other it will measure 1 ounce. 

Some jiggers also offer easy measuring for other volumes such as ¼ ounce and 1-½ ounce. 

Do pay close attention to the jigger that you are using.

About the muddler

The muddler is one of the best barware purchases that I have ever made. 

For too many years, I would just make due with a spoon but it was a bit more time consuming that way and annoying.

However, if you don’t have a muddler don’t let that stop you from making this cocktail.

Just use a spoon to mush the ingredients around and use the edge of the glass. 

Trust me, it does the trick.

Tools:

• Cutting Board
• Small Knife
• Vegetable Peeler
• Small Plate
• Measuring Spoons
• Lowball Glass
• Jigger
• Muddler

Ingredients:

• Bourbon
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• Plain Bitters
• Club Soda
• 1 Apple Slice Wedge (¼-inch), Peeled
• Large Ice Cube
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Cinnamon Stick
• Star Anise

How to make a Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

When it comes to making this pumpkin old fashioned recipe, it is best to think about it in three parts. We will cover part one and two below and for part three, just scroll down to the full recipe card.

Part 1: The Rim

• Honey
• Cinnamon

To create the flavorful rim you will need to coat the rim of the cocktail glass with honey. 

This will be a bit sticky but the pay off is worth it.

A good way to do this is to pour some honey on a small plate and spread it around so that is around the diameter of your cocktail glass.

Then, flip the glass upside down and dip it in the honey. 

Then you can use your fingers or a basting brush to evenly spread the honey around the rim.

Then spread the cinnamon around in a second small plate. 

Finally, dip the honey rimmed glass in the cinnamon.

Part 2: Make the cocktail

Before we get into the specifics, let’s chat about ice cubes. 

In my eyes, ice is ice and what impacts ice the most is the quality of water.

So if your water tastes decent, you are set.

BUT, I was recently gifted an ice cube maker that makes clear large cube ice. 

In no way is this needed but it sure is fun. 

This is the ice maker that I got and it is super cheap but the process of getting the cubes out is slightly annoying. 

However, I find it fun, so I keep making crystal-clear cubes for drinks.

1. In a lowball glass, add in the pumpkin spice syrup, bitters, apple slice, and muddle.
2. Pour in the bourbon and club soda.
3. Stir the drink with the cinnamon stick.
4. Add a large ice cube.

The bottom line

Pumpkin spice old fashioned is a delicious fall variation on the traditional tried and true old fashioned cocktail.

Take your time making this cocktail and then enjoy every sip.