Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This Pumpkin Spice White Russian is a creamy fall twist on the classic cocktail. Vodka and coffee liqueur meet pumpkin puree, cream, warm pumpkin pie spice and a touch of maple syrup, then the whole thing is poured over ice in a glass with a cinnamon sugar rim and topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. It tastes like pumpkin pie and iced coffee in one glass, and it takes about 5 minutes to make. For more festive sips, try this candy cane Christmas punch or a batch of homemade limoncello.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice White Russian

• Tastes like fall in a glass: pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and coffee in every sip.
• Quick to make: shake, pour and garnish in about 5 minutes.
• Creamy and smooth: pumpkin puree and cream make it rich without being heavy.
• Easy to adjust: make it sweeter, lighter, stronger or alcohol-free.
• Pretty for parties: the spiced rim and whipped cream make it look special.

Ingredients for a Pumpkin Spice White Russian

For the cocktail (1 drink)

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 2 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon maple syrup or simple syrup, to taste
• Ice

For the rim and garnish

• 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup or a lime wedge, for wetting the rim
• Whipped cream
• A pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
• 1 cinnamon stick

Optional extras

• Crushed graham crackers instead of cinnamon sugar for the rim (optional)
• A splash of vanilla extract in the shaker (optional)
• A drizzle of caramel sauce inside the glass (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Pumpkin puree: use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.
• Coffee liqueur: any coffee liqueur works. It brings both coffee flavor and sweetness, so taste before adding extra syrup.
• Cream: heavy cream gives the richest drink, while half-and-half is lighter. Whole milk works in a pinch.
• Syrup: maple syrup adds a cozy autumn flavor. Simple syrup keeps the taste neutral.
• Pumpkin pie spice: a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Use a little, because it is strong.

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice White Russian

1. Prepare the rim: mix the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Wet the rim of a rocks glass with maple syrup or a lime wedge, then dip it into the cinnamon sugar.
2. Fill the glass: add fresh ice to the rimmed glass.
3. Shake the cocktail: add the vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin puree, cream, pumpkin pie spice and syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
4. Shake well: shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds, until the pumpkin is fully blended and the shaker feels very cold.
5. Strain and pour: strain the drink into the prepared glass over the ice.
6. Garnish: top with whipped cream, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick. Serve right away.

Prep time is about 5 minutes. The recipe makes 1 cocktail and is easy to multiply for a crowd.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice White Russian

• Shake, do not stir: shaking blends the thick pumpkin puree smoothly into the cream.
• Strain for a silky drink: a fine strainer catches any spice clumps.
• Chill your glass: a cold glass keeps the drink creamy and cold longer.
• Taste before sweetening: the coffee liqueur is already sweet.
• Keep dairy cold: keep the cream and opened pumpkin puree refrigerated until you mix the drinks, following basic FDA safe food handling tips.

Serving Ideas

Serve this pumpkin spice cocktail at Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or a cozy fall movie night. It pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spice desserts like this no-bake pumpkin pie or a slice of cottage cheese pumpkin cheesecake. Planning a holiday dinner? It is a fun after-dinner drink next to a sweet potato pumpkin casserole.

Variations

• Frozen: blend all the cocktail ingredients with 1 cup of ice until smooth.
• Lighter: use half-and-half or milk and a smaller amount of syrup.
• Spiced rum version: swap the vodka for spiced rum for extra warmth.
• Vanilla twist: use vanilla vodka or add a splash of vanilla extract.
• Alcohol-free: replace the vodka and coffee liqueur with cold brew coffee and a little extra maple syrup.
• Party pitcher: multiply the ingredients by 6, whisk them in a pitcher, chill, and shake each serving with ice before pouring.

Storage

This cocktail is best served fresh. You can mix the pumpkin, cream, spice and syrup base ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; shake it with the vodka, coffee liqueur and ice just before serving. Store the cinnamon sugar in a sealed jar at room temperature.

Please Drink Responsibly

This cocktail contains alcohol and is for adults 21 and over. Enjoy it in moderation, never drink and drive, and offer the alcohol-free version to guests who prefer it. For facts on standard drink sizes and drinking levels, see the NIAAA alcohol facts and statistics.

FAQ

What is in a pumpkin spice White Russian?

Vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin puree, cream or half-and-half, pumpkin pie spice and a little maple or simple syrup, served over ice with whipped cream.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

You can, but it is already sweetened and spiced, so skip the syrup and reduce the pumpkin pie spice.

Can I make it without a shaker?

Yes. Whisk the ingredients in a jar with a tight lid, shake it, then pour over ice.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use oat milk creamer or full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free whipped topping.

How do I make a batch for a party?

Whisk the base in a pitcher and chill it, then shake each drink with ice and serve in rimmed glasses.