Pumpkin Spice became a season in 2003 when coffee powerhouse Starbucks introduced the pumpkin spice latte (PSL). It seems like every year pumpkin spice season gets earlier and earlier and more and more companies are riding the wave of popularity. While pumpkin spice season seems to be growing (500 million PSL have been sold to date) the division between loves and haters also grows.
For the lovers there are endless options from beer and cream liqueur to coffee creamer and cookies. For something a little different may I suggest trying a Pumpkin Old Fashioned.
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
1/2 ounce brandy-based orange liqueur
1 ounce maple syrup
2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 dash aromatic bitters
Orange peel, or rosemary sprig, for garnish
Combine the bourbon, orange liqueur, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well and double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with an orange peel or rosemary sprig. Serve and enjoy.
TIPS
Give this drink a really good shake for at least 30 seconds to thoroughly mix the ingredients. The maple syrup and pumpkin puree are not as easily mixed as typical cocktail ingredients, so putting a little more effort into it will help.
To ensure a clean drink, it is wise to fine strain this drink. Simply use your normal cocktail strainer and pour through a fine-mesh strainer that's placed over the glass. This should catch any extra pumpkin chunks.
Now for the haters, there is really no way to avoid pumpkin spice season, unless you hide in a blanket fort until peppermint mocha season. Here are some things you can do to embrace autumn without pumpkin spice. Try a winter warmer beer, a mulled wine or a hot apple cider. The Campfire Sling also screams autumn.
Campfire Sling
Ingredients
2 oz rye whiskey
1/4 oz pure maple syrup (grade A Amber is recommended. For a richer version try grade B)
3 dashes chocolate or black walnut bitters
Orange twist with scorched orange oil
Instructions
Add all ingredients to an old fashioned glass with a large piece of ice. Stir thoroughly. Release the oils from the orange zest through a flaming wood pick over the surface of the drink and serve.