The Great Pumpkin-tini

When Ben and I got married last year (almost exactly a year ago, in fact!) I was determined to have a specialty cocktail – a pumpkin martini, to be exact. Those who know me know that I am obsessed with all things pumpkin, and I love martinis, so it was only fitting. The only problem? I had never actually made one, and neither had our reception venue. So I set out to learn how – via Google. Google told me that one could make a pumpkin martini with a pumpkin spice liqueur; it even told me the name of the brand. So my then-fiance and I made a point of stopping by a liquor store, so we could try some out before having our venue place an order. The only problem? After visiting about 5 different stores, we were told that this particular alcohol was no longer being distributed. I was heart broken. For a little while, until I found another recipe that involved pumpkin puree. I passed this along to our reception coordinator, and all our guests got merry on pumpkin martinis. We are still being reminded of how delicious they were!

So imagine my surprise when, a few weeks ago, the husband was out getting a few things needed to stock our bar, and he came home with a present for me – you guessed it, pumpkin liquor! It was a different brand than the one we searched high and low for last year, but there was no mistaking the spicy, orange, syrupy alcohol. I knew my fall season was complete!

This rendition of the pumpkin-tini got a little extra somethin’ from some Frangelica; the hazelnut flavor went perfectly with the autumn spice. A graham cracker rim on the glass topped it off for a delicious pie-like treat! The only thing to make this even better was enjoying it in my hot tub after a week of tough workouts 🙂

Nutty Pumpkin Pie Martini
2 parts pumpkin spice liqueur
1 part vanilla vodka
1 part Frangelica hazelnut liqueur
1-2 parts milk or cream
graham cracker crumbs for rimming

Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Pour some extra pumpkin spice liquor onto a small plate. Dip the glasses first in the liqueur, then in the crumbs. Strain cocktail into glasses. Serves two.

I am submitting this seasonal cocktail to Joelen’s Martini Mixer Adventure. Head on over and join the party!

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15 Responses to “The Great Pumpkin-tini”

  1. 1

    Erin — October 5, 2008 @ 3:19 am Reply

    This looks like such a great drink! I’ll have to try it if I can find the ingredients around here.

  2. 2

    Joelen — October 5, 2008 @ 5:40 am Reply

    I LOVE this and if anyone can incorporate pumpkin into a cocktail, it would be you! Thanks so much for participating in the Martini Night blogging event… its a perfect addition!! 🙂

  3. 3

    That Girl — October 5, 2008 @ 7:19 am Reply

    I’m going to be drinking this for a looooong time.

  4. 4

    Cate — October 6, 2008 @ 1:44 am Reply

    I am making this VERY soon! I love it!

  5. 5

    Elaina — October 6, 2008 @ 1:59 am Reply

    This looks wonderful, can’t wait to try it!

  6. 6

    Elly — October 6, 2008 @ 2:45 pm Reply

    This looks SO delicious. I wonder if they have the pumpkin liqueur at our beverage warehouse place. Hmmm…

  7. 7

    Patsyk — October 6, 2008 @ 6:52 pm Reply

    I love cocktails that taste like dessert! Yum!

  8. 8

    L and J — October 7, 2008 @ 12:00 am Reply

    I was wondering when you were going to post this. Looks so yummy and perfectly Cara.

  9. 9

    Rosebear — October 12, 2008 @ 7:18 pm Reply

    Oooh! This sounds so very yummy! I’m on a hunt now! Let’s see…where did I find that banana liqueur? Thanks for sharing!

  10. 10

    Danielle — October 17, 2008 @ 1:38 am Reply

    Cara–this sounds AMAZING!!!! I can’t wait to try it!!!! And congrats on your anniversary!! 😀

  11. 11

    Stina — October 19, 2008 @ 8:27 pm Reply

    Awesome, if this is not the most Cara drink I don’t know what would be… great job hon.

  12. 12

    JP — November 11, 2009 @ 3:10 am Reply

    Harvest Grand Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur. http://www.pumpkintini.com

  13. 13

    Patsyk — April 5, 2011 @ 1:14 am Reply

    I love cocktails that taste like dessert! Yum!

  14. 14

    Elaina — April 5, 2011 @ 1:14 am Reply

    This looks wonderful, can't wait to try it!

  15. 15

    Joelen — April 5, 2011 @ 1:14 am Reply

    I LOVE this and if anyone can incorporate pumpkin into a cocktail, it would be you! Thanks so much for participating in the Martini Night blogging event… its a perfect addition!! 🙂

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