This Pumpkin Spice White Russian cocktail is a luscious, rich drink that brings fall flavor to cocktail hour. And it's easy to make too! Just three simple ingredients is all it takes, vodka, coffee liqueur and pumpkin spice coffee creamer, to whip up a warming cocktail for the cool days of autumn. Keep that beautiful swirl and serve with a cinnamon stick to stir after serving.
White Russians have long been a favorite of mine. The warm notes of coffee liqueur and the richness of the creamer make this the perfect cocktail when the cooler weather arrives. Of course, knowing my penchant for coffee drinks, like Irish Coffee or S'mores Coffee, it could just be the Kahlua! lol
What is a White Russian
For those that haven't had this luscious cocktail on their radar, a White Russian is a mixture of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream, swirled together in an old fashioned glass. It originated in Belgium in 1949 and inherited it's name from the vodka ingredient. It first appeared in the US in 1965 but became more popular when the movie The Big Lebowski debuted in 1998. Now there are multiple variations depending on where you live. Check it out!
- A White Canadian uses goat's milk in place of cream
- While the White Mexican uses horchata instead of cream
- And in Russian, a Dirty Russian uses chocolate milk in lieu of cream
- Change out the liquor as in this White Cuban that uses rum in place of vodka
- Or opt for changing the liqueur as in this White Belgian that uses chocolate liqueur in place of coffee liqueur
Now I've got to try them all!
I usually sip this Autumn White Russian made with half and half, or ice cream if I'm feeling truly indulgent, but autumn seems to bring out the pumpkin spice lover in me, hence this cocktail! The creamer was just rich enough to satisfy and the light pumpkin spice flavor blended well with the coffee flavor. And I loved the effect the creamer made when drizzled into the glass after the alcohol. Just look at that gorgeous presentation!
Variations
- Add a scoop of ice cream to the top for a thicker, richer cocktail.
- Rim the glass with a mixture of 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 3 Tablespoons crushed graham crackers. Wet the lip of the glass with simple syrup, agave or water then dip into spice-graham mixture. You can also opt for a fall sprinkles rim.
- Make your own pumpkin spice creamer by combining 1-½ cups half and half, heavy cream or whole milk, 3 Tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1-½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 3 Tablespoons maple syrup and 1-2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix together and refrigerate. Remember to shake well before using each time.
Ingredients
Vodka - I like to use Titos as it is gluten-free but feel free to use your favorite. You can also opt for a whipped cream vodka for a richer taste or a pumpkin spice vodka for a stronger pumpkin flavor.
Kahlua - is the main ingredient for making a White Russian cocktail. Make sure your choice of a coffee liqueur is a premium one for the truest flavor. You can use other coffee flavored liqueurs such as Tia Maria or opt for using cold brew or espresso for a lighter on the alcohol cocktail.
Pumpkin Spice Creamer - any creamer flavored with pumpkin spice will work with this cocktail. However, you could also use a cream liqueur like Baileys Pumpkin Spice that is already flavored. This will add a little more punch to your cocktail.
How to make an Autumn White Russian
Just 3 ingredients and 3 easy steps needed for this easy autumn cocktail - vodka, Kahlua and pumpkin spice creamer (any brand).
- Fill a lowball or double rocks glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka or ¼ cup.
- Add 1 ounce or 2 Tablespoons of Kahlua or any coffee flavored liqueur to glass.
- This is where it gets pretty! Slowly pour in 3 ounces or 5 Tablespoons of pumpkin spice coffee creamer into glass so it creates a swirl effect. I like to serve it like this and just add a cinnamon stick for stirring.
This Pumpkin Spice White Russian cocktail can be served cold or warm and, when a few drinks are nestled on a tray with cinnamon sticks, anise stars and fall leaves, they'll make for one fall happy hour showstopper. Enjoy!
More seasonal cocktails
Apple Cider Margarita brings fall to your favorite margarita by adding apple cider.
Mocha Latte Cocktail combines hot coffee with coffee tequila, white chocolate liqueur and cream for a rich drink that’s perfect for fall and winter.
Kahlua Hot Chocolate is definitely for adults! Add a shot of kahlua along with cinnamon and vanilla to hot chocolate and top with mini marshmallows, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. What could be better?
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Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua or other coffee flavored liqueur
- 3 oz pumpkin spice coffee creamer
Instructions
- Fill a double rocks or lowball glass with ice.
- Pour in vodka and Kahlua.
- Slowly drizzle in creamer for a beautiful swirled effect.
- Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish that can be used for stirring.
Notes
Variations
- Add a scoop of ice cream to the top for a thicker, richer cocktail.
- Rim the glass with a mixture of 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and 3 Tablespoons crushed graham crackers. Wet the lip of the glass with simple syrup, agave or water then dip into spice-graham mixture. You can also opt for a fall sprinkles rim.
- Make your own pumpkin spice creamer by combining 1-½ cups half and half, heavy cream or whole milk, 3 Tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1-½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 3 Tablespoons maple syrup and 1-2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix together and refrigerate. Remember to shake well before using each time.
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