Pumpkin Bourbon Smash

This Pumpkin Bourbon Smash brings the flavors of fall to your cocktail hour. An easy-to-make drink of warm bourbon, sweet pumpkin syrup, a hint of citrus, and a splash of club soda, creates the perfect cozy drink for sipping by the fire.

Fall cocktails to sip by the fire

When it's cold outside I love to curl up by the fire and sip on a cocktail with warm spices and fall flavors. There's something so comforting about relaxing by the fire with drink in hand and unwinding after a long day.

A few of my fall and winter favorites are this lightly sweetened Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, this perfectly spiced Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, and this warm and spicy Hot Fireball Apple Cider Cocktail.

Why you'll love this pumpkin bourbon cocktail

The bourbon pumpkin cocktail is the best of both worlds: it's rich and warming, thanks to the bourbon and pumpkin pie syrup, but it’s also light and refreshing with the addition of club soda or seltzer.

The subtle flavor of pumpkin is the perfect foil for the bourbon. Even if pumpkin isn't your favorite, you'll love this combo. My husband isn't a fan and he loves this drink!

The combination of bitters and a touch of citrus or apple cider adds depth and balance, making it the perfect cocktail for any occasion.

Plus, the garnish of star anise and a cinnamon stick gives it a beautiful presentation, making it just as pretty to look at as it is to drink!

Ingredients for a simple bourbon pumpkin drink

Bourbon: The base spirit of this smash cocktail, adding warmth and richness to the drink. Choose your favorite bourbon! My choice is always Woodford Reserve.

Pumpkin Pie Syrup: Adds sweet, spiced pumpkin flavor to the drink. You can use a store-bought syrup like Torani or make your own pumpkin simple syrup.

Orange Juice or Apple Cider: A splash of citrus or cider helps balance out the sweetness of the syrup.

Bitters: Adds depth to the drink. You can use regular bitters or orange bitters for an extra hint of citrus.

Club Soda, Soda Water, or Seltzer: A little fizz adds a refreshingly light touch to the cocktail without diluting the flavors.

Garnishes: A star anise and a cinnamon stick make for a beautiful, aromatic garnish that adds a touch of warmth.

How to make the perfect pumpkin bourbon smash

This cocktail is simple to make and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to mix it up:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add bourbon, pumpkin syrup, orange juice, and bitters.
2. Shake to chill and pour into an old fashioned glass filled with ice.

3. Top with club soda.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise for a delicious cocktail full of the best flavors of fall!

Recipe variations: Make it your own

This Pumpkin Bourbon Smash is perfect as it is, but here are a few ways you can mix things up to suit your taste:

Try Different Spirits: If bourbon isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it out for whiskey or rum. Spiced rum pairs especially well with the pumpkin and fall flavors.

Use Maple Syrup: Want a more natural sweetness? The maple pumpkin bourbon smash replaces the pumpkin pie syrup with a tablespoon of pure maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin pie spice directly into the shaker for even more autumn spice.

Make It a Mocktail: Skip the bourbon and use extra apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version that’s perfect for any guest who prefers a mocktail.

More bourbon and fall cocktail recipes

• Apple Cider Margarita
• Blackberry Bourbon Smash
• Bourbon Mule
• Coffee Old Fashioned
• Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
• Pumpkin Spice Martini
• Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Find lots of easy recipes for cocktails right here on 2CM!

LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.