Pumpkin Spice Martini Recipe

by | Sep 5, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes, Holiday Cocktails, Seasonal Cocktails

Pumpkin Spice Martini in a martini glass with cinnamon-sugar rim, creamy orange cocktail, and cinnamon stick garnish on a marble bar top with blurred pumpkins and autumn background

Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 cocktail

This Pumpkin Spice Martini is our go-to fall cocktail when guests want something cozy, seasonal, and a little indulgent. It tastes like pumpkin pie blended into a creamy martini—warm spices, velvety texture, and a smooth finish. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or anytime you want autumn in a glass.

About This Pumpkin Spice Martini

We first poured this at a fall bridal shower in Long Island and it instantly stole the show—someone called it “dessert in a coupe.” The secret is balance: vanilla vodka, pumpkin liqueur, Irish cream, and a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg so the spice supports (not smothers) the creamy base.

Pro link: Planning bottles for a holiday party? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate by guest count.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz pumpkin liqueur
  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • Dash ground cinnamon
  • Dash ground nutmeg
  • Ice
  • Garnish: whipped cream & cinnamon dusting (optional)

Steps

  1. Combine. Add vanilla vodka, pumpkin liqueur, Irish cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake. Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
  3. Strain. Fine-strain into a chilled martini glass.
  4. Garnish. Top with whipped cream and a cinnamon dusting (optional).

Bar Tips

  • Chill glassware: 10 minutes in the freezer = silkier sip.
  • Sweeter? Add 0.25 oz simple syrup.
  • Lighter: Swap Irish cream for half-and-half.

Flavor Pairings

  • Snacks: spiced nuts, shortbread, apple crisp.
  • Spirits: try spiced rum in place of vodka for deeper autumn notes.

Variations

  • Pumpkin Espresso Martini: Add 1 oz espresso for a coffee twist.
  • Spiced Rum Pumpkin: Replace vodka with spiced rum.
  • Mocktail: Use pumpkin spice creamer + milk + cinnamon syrup.

When to Serve

Ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and fall parties. Pairs with pumpkin pie, apple desserts, and creamy cheeses.

See our seasonal roundup: Fall Cocktail Recipes • Browse all Cocktail Recipes.

What’s in a Pumpkin Spice Martini?

Vanilla vodka, pumpkin liqueur, and Irish cream, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. All the classic pumpkin-pie flavors in cocktail form. The best holiday cocktail drink recipe made with ease!

What alcohol goes best with pumpkin spice?

Spirits with warmth like spiced rum or bourbon, pair beautifully and with the addition of vanilla vodka it keeps it creamy and dessert-like.

What flavors complement pumpkin spice?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, caramel, and coffee (add espresso for a pumpkin espresso martini).

What’s a great autumn cocktail besides this?

Try Apple Cider Margarita, Maple Old Fashioned, or Fall Sangria for crowd-pleasing seasonal options.