When you want to combine the cozy flavors of fall with the classic indulgence of a creamy cocktail, these Pumpkin Spice White Russians are pure liquid dessert in a glass. Imagine the smooth sophistication of vodka and coffee liqueur swirled with cream, then elevated with real pumpkin puree and warming spices that make every sip taste like autumn wrapped in a hug. This seasonal twist on the iconic White Russian transforms a simple cocktail into something special that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or any time you want a dessert-like drink that’s dangerously easy to sip. The combination of coffee liqueur’s richness with pumpkin’s natural sweetness and those warming spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. These cocktails look gorgeous when layered properly, photograph beautifully for social media, and taste like you’re drinking liquid pumpkin pie with a boozy kick that makes everything better.
Serving Quantity: 4 servings
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (all prep, no cooking required)
Nutritional Information per serving:
1. Calories: 325
2. Protein: 2g
3. Carbohydrates: 24g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 1g
6. Sugar: 20g
7. Sodium: 35mg
Ingredients You Need:
For the Pumpkin Spice Cream:
1. 1 cup heavy cream
2. 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
3. 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
4. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
7. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8. Pinch of ground cloves
For the Cocktails:
9. 6 ounces vodka (1.5 ounces per drink)
10. 4 ounces coffee liqueur like Kahlúa (1 ounce per drink)
11. Ice cubes
For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
12. 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
13. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14. Maple syrup or corn syrup for rimming
For Garnish:
15. Cinnamon sticks
16. Star anise
17. Whipped cream (optional)
18. Ground cinnamon for dusting
19. Caramel sauce drizzle (optional)
Make the Pumpkin Spice Cream
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, combine the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform with no lumps of pumpkin remaining. The cream should be thick and pourable with a beautiful pale orange color. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed. This pumpkin spice cream can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated in an airtight container.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Rim
On a small shallow plate, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them together thoroughly with a fork until the cinnamon is evenly distributed and the sugar has a uniform tan color. This spiced rim adds sweetness and visual appeal to each drink. Pour a small amount of maple syrup or corn syrup onto another small plate. The syrup creates a sticky surface for the sugar to adhere to.
Rim the Glasses
Take your rocks glasses or old-fashioned glasses and dip the rim into the maple syrup, rotating to coat the entire rim evenly. Then immediately dip the syrup-coated rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture, rotating gently to coat completely. A nice thick coating looks impressive and adds wonderful flavor to every sip. Set the rimmed glasses aside or place them in the freezer to chill while you prepare the drinks.
Fill Glasses with Ice
Fill each prepared glass with ice cubes, adding enough to come nearly to the top. The ice keeps everything cold and provides the right dilution as you sip. Large ice cubes or spheres work best because they melt slower and won’t water down your cocktail as quickly. Make sure the ice doesn’t disturb your beautiful cinnamon sugar rim.
Add Vodka and Coffee Liqueur
Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka into each glass over the ice. Follow with 1 ounce of coffee liqueur. The coffee liqueur provides rich, sweet coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spices. Use a bar spoon to gently stir these two ingredients together in each glass. The mixture should look dark and inviting.
Add Pumpkin Spice Cream
Give your pumpkin spice cream mixture a good stir to redistribute any spices or pumpkin that may have settled. Pour about a quarter cup of the pumpkin spice cream slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the vodka mixture in each glass. This technique helps the cream float on top, creating those beautiful layers that make these drinks so Instagram-worthy. Alternatively, you can pour it directly down the side of the glass for a similar effect.
Create Layered Effect
If you want the classic layered look of a White Russian, don’t stir after adding the cream. The cream will slowly cascade down through the darker liquor, creating beautiful swirls and layers. If you prefer everything mixed together, give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon or straw. Both presentations are delicious, it’s just a matter of aesthetic preference.
Garnish Beautifully
Add a cinnamon stick to each glass as both garnish and stirrer. The cinnamon stick looks elegant and allows guests to stir their drink and customize how mixed they want it. Tuck a whole star anise into the rim for dramatic visual appeal. If desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream and dust with a pinch of ground cinnamon. For extra decadence, drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
Serve Immediately
Hand each guest their pumpkin spice White Russian while it’s cold and freshly made. These cocktails are meant to be sipped slowly and savored, not gulped down. The first sip should deliver sweet pumpkin cream followed by coffee richness and the vodka warmth. Encourage guests to stir as they drink to keep experiencing those lovely layered flavors.
Make in Batches
For parties, you can make a large batch by multiplying the recipe. Mix the vodka and coffee liqueur in a pitcher with ice, then pour into glasses and top each with the pumpkin spice cream individually. This makes serving a crowd much easier while maintaining that beautiful presentation.
Adjust to Taste
Everyone’s sweetness and spice preferences differ. If the drinks taste too sweet, reduce the maple syrup in the cream mixture. If not spicy enough, increase the cinnamon and ginger. If you want stronger coffee flavor, add more coffee liqueur. The beauty of making cocktails at home is you can customize them exactly to your liking.
Helpful Tips for Success:
1. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.
2. Whisk the pumpkin cream mixture thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure smoothness.
3. Quality vodka makes a difference in taste, use at least a mid-range brand.
4. The pumpkin spice cream can be made several days ahead and stored refrigerated.
5. Shake the cream mixture in a cocktail shaker with ice for a frothier texture.
6. For extra decadence, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for lighter drinks.
7. Make these non-alcoholic by omitting spirits and using coffee and cream with pumpkin spice.
8. Fresh nutmeg grated over the top adds incredible aroma and flavor.
9. The drinks can be blended with ice for a frozen pumpkin spice White Russian.
10. Cold brew coffee can replace some of the coffee liqueur for less sweetness and more coffee flavor.
11. Store leftover pumpkin spice cream for up to 5 days and use in coffee or other cocktails.
12. Chill the glasses in the freezer before making drinks for the coldest cocktails.
13. Use pumpkin spice syrup instead of making your own cream mixture for a shortcut.
14. Add a shot of espresso for a pumpkin spice espresso martini variation.
15. These pair wonderfully with desserts like pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or chocolate cake.
