Creamy Pumpkin Spice Martini (Easy Cocktail Recipe)

As an Amazon Influencer, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

There’s no better way to celebrate the fall season than with this pumpkin martini recipe! It’s creamy, smooth and full of fall flavors like pumpkin spice and cinnamon. 

During pumpkin season, this cocktail is front and center at our get-togethers. With all the flavors of pumpkin pie, it’s the perfect cocktail to add to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving menu.

Use this pumpkin spice martini recipe to kick off your Thanksgiving festivities or to wind them down after a big feast.

Dessert cocktails, anyone? 

What’s in this Pumpkin Martini

Here’s what you’ll need to shake up your fall festivities:

• RumChata liqueur. It’s kind of like Irish cream liqueur, only better. More on that below. 
• Vanilla-flavored vodka
• Real pumpkin puree
• Pumpkin pie spice

What is a pumpkin martini?

A pumpkin martini is a rich, creamy cocktail that’s typically made with Irish cream liqueur, vanilla vodka, pumpkin purée and spices. It’s kind of like everyone’s favorite pumpkin spice latte, with booze! 

Delicious as a dessert drink, it’s a festive way to celebrate fall, Thanksgiving and the holiday season. 

What is RumChata? 

RumChata is a cream liqueur that is used in all kinds of cocktails, from coffee and chocolate-based drinks to fruity summer concoctions. 

Its main components include Caribbean rum, heavy cream, and a blend of exotic spices, which give it a distinctive flavor profile.

If you’ve never had RumChata before, you’ll love it in this pumpkin cocktail and you’ll definitely find lots of other ways to enjoy it too. 

How to make a Pumpkin Martini

Set up the Martini Glass

​First, set up your martini glass. (A chilled martini glass adds a nice touch, so if you want to pop the glass in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving, please do.)

Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a shallow bowl or a small plate. Moisten the rim of the glass with water. (For extra sweetness you could use maple syrup or plain simple syrup to moisten the rim.)

Then, dip the rim of the glass in the cinnamon sugar mixture and set it aside.

Make the Martini

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Then, pour in the RumChata, vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Give it a good shake for no less than 15 seconds. 

Then, simply strain it into your martini glass. Super simple! 

How to Make a Martini without a Cocktail Shaker

No cocktail shaker? No problem. Use any container with a tight-fitting lid that you can shake vigorously. My go-to is a mason jar. 

Pour the cocktail through a mesh strainer into your prepared martini glass.

Options for Garnishing your Pumpkin Spice Martini

Although I love the simplicity of the cinnamon sugar rim, here are some fun additions to the garnish:

• Graham cracker crumbs. Rimming your martini glass in crushed graham cracker crumbs creates the liquid version of a piece of pumpkin pie! 
• Whipped cream. Take the dessert vibes over the top with a dollop of sweet whipped cream.
• Cinnamon stick. It adds an earthy aroma to every sip! 
• Slice of apple. Be sure to use a sweet apple variety like Red Delicious. 
• Freshly grated nutmeg. My favorite garnish! 

Substitutions

1. The Vodka: if your liquor store doesn’t carry vanilla vodka, either plain vodka or whipped cream vodka can be substituted. And if you can find pumpkin-flavored vodka, definitely try it! 

2. The RumChata: Bailey’s Irish Cream is the most common substitute for RumChata. Or, if you want to really amp up the pumpkin flavors, look for RumChata Pumpkin Liqueur at your liquor store. So good! 

3. Pumpkin Pie Spice: Make your own by combining 2 tsp. cinnamon, 3/4 tsp. each of ground ginger and nutmeg and 1/2 tsp. ground cloves. 

Variations

Here are some ideas to experiment with when mixing up this creamy vodka martini:

1. Caramel Pumpkin Martini: For an extra layer of sweetness, try drizzling some caramel sauce into the glass before pouring in the drink. The combination of caramel and pumpkin, enhanced by the creamy liqueur, creates a super indulgent fireside sipper.
2. Spiced Pumpkin Martini: Create the perfect fall cocktail by adding a splash of spiced rum to the mix. The warm, spicy notes of the spiced rum pair wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor and RumChata, making this the perfect drink for spice lovers.
3. Coffee-Infused Pumpkin Martini: For a touch of caffeine, add a shot of espresso or cold brew coffee to your pumpkin martini. The coffee’s bitterness complements the sweet, spiced flavors of the drink, while the RumChata provides the creaminess. This is a great option for those who appreciate a little pick-me-up with their cocktail.
4. Double Pumpkin Pie Martini: Double down on the pumpkin flavor by incorporating pumpkin vodka to the mix! Several vodka producers release seasonal flavors this time of year. If you can find pumpkin vodka, use it in a 1:1 ratio with the vanilla vodka. 

​When you make this pumpkin spice martini, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

​

For more holiday drink recipes, try these:

• Cranberry Ginger Cocktail (A Thanksgiving Gin Drink)
• Holiday Moscow Mule with Pomegranate & Sage
• Pumpkin Pie Bourbon Cocktail with Ginger & Orange
• Ultimate Thanksgiving Sangria
• Fig Old Fashioned Cocktail