Several autumns ago, during a trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, I ventured out for happy hour at The Tasting Room one afternoon. I’ve heard a lot about Pumpkin Spice Martinis, and when I saw they offered this sip on their menu, I ordered it. Two glasses later, I begged the sweet bartender for the recipe, and she happily obliged.
It’s not too sweet, silky, and yummy, with just the right blend of flavors that let you know it’s pumpkin spiced. You can go easy on the vodka if you don’t like your drinks too strong. When I got home, I practiced making it. While it doesn’t taste exactly like the one I had in Broken Bow, it’s pretty close. I added a rim of crushed graham crackers as a fun garnish.
Love the monogrammed cocktail napkins from Basically Brittany.
Pumpkin Spice Martini
In a cocktail shaker about half-filled with ice:
Pour in 1.5 oz (or 1 oz. if you want it mild) Vanilla Vodka
2 TBL pumpkin puree (I just used from the can what I am using to bake a pie. But don’t use pie filling – only use pumpkin puree)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla
1/4 pumpkin pie spice
1/2 oz pure maple syrup (don’t use Log Cabin, use real maple syrup)
1 oz whipping cream or 1/2 and 1/2 (it’s richer with whipping cream)
Crushed graham crackers for the rim of the glass and to sprinkle on top (optional)
Crush the graham crackers and put them in a small dish or bowl, rub a little syrup along the rim of your glass, and dip into the crushed graham crackers to make a rim of crumbs. Add everything (but the crushed grahams) into your cocktail shaker and shake until icy cold. Strain into your glass and sprinkle with a smidge of pumpkin spice and graham crackers. Enjoy the compliments!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
