Pumpkin Sour
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Pumpkin Sour
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.47 / 5
The Pumpkin Sour is a seasonal twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy nights in. The cocktail has a rich, creamy texture from the addition of egg, which also adds a velvety foam on top. The main flavor comes from the combination of tangy lemon juice and warm, earthy bourbon, giving it a perfect balance of sweet and tart. But the real star of this drink is the spiced pumpkin syrup, which adds a subtle sweetness and a delicious hint of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This unique ingredient truly captures the essence of the season and makes the Pumpkin Sour a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.
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Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
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Bourbon
Calories
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145 calories
Garnish
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Cocktail cherry, nutmeg, bitters
Alcohol content
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16% | 2.4 units *

Tags

tag icon
Christmas cocktail
Bourbon ingredient icon
Bourbon cocktails
Spiced pumpkin syrup ingredient icon
Top ten Spiced pumpkin syrup cocktails

Lowball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Pumpkin Sour cocktail
Lemon Juice
Bourbon cocktail ingredient icon for the Pumpkin Sour cocktail
Bourbon
Egg cocktail ingredient icon for the Pumpkin Sour cocktail
Egg
Spiced pumpkin syrup cocktail ingredient icon for the Pumpkin Sour cocktail
Spiced pumpkin syrup
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Pumpkin Sour splendidly marries the hearty, caramel notes of bourbon with the zesty brightness of lemon juice, creating a lush backdrop for the star ingredient—spiced pumpkin syrup. This syrup, steeped in seasonal spices, infuses each sip with a comforting warmth that's beautifully offset by the frothy lightness of egg white, making this cocktail a delightful nod to autumn's charm.

Method
How to make a Pumpkin Sour

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
First you need to make the spiced pumpkin syrup
In a saucepan, add a cup of brown sugar, a cup of water, half a cup of pumpkin purée, and a teaspoon each of nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cinnamon
Over medium heat until slightly thickened
Remove from the heat and place a vanilla pod into the syrup and chill overnight
Strain through a cheesecloth and store in a covered container, in a fridge, for up to one week
Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, egg whites and pumpkin syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well then strain into a rocks-filled rocks glass
Garnish with ground nutmeg, a cherry and Angostura bitters

Power tips
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Perform a dry shake (without ice) after adding the egg white and before the final shake with ice. This will create a frothier, more stable foam for the cocktail.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, more natural citrus flavor that balances well with the spiced pumpkin syrup.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Strain  ·  Shake  ·  Garnish  ·  Bitters  · 

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FAQ's

Faq icon

What is the best season to enjoy a Pumpkin Sour?

The Pumpkin Sour cocktail is particularly popular during the fall season. Its ingredients, especially the spiced pumpkin syrup, evoke the flavors of autumn, making it a perfect choice for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or any fall gatherings.

Faq icon

Can I make the spiced pumpkin syrup at home for the Pumpkin Sour?

Yes, you can make spiced pumpkin syrup at home. It typically involves simmering water, sugar, canned or fresh pumpkin puree, and autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld. After cooling, strain the mixture for a smooth syrup.

Ingredient specifics icon

Is the Pumpkin Sour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

The traditional Pumpkin Sour recipe calls for egg white, which is not suitable for vegans. However, vegetarians who consume eggs can enjoy this cocktail. For a vegan version, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be used as an alternative to egg white to create the frothy texture.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content in the Pumpkin Sour compare to other cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 16%, the Pumpkin Sour is moderately strong. It's comparable to other classic sours and cocktail drinks, which typically range from 10% to 20% in alcohol content, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a balanced drink with noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.

Customization ideas icon

What makes the Pumpkin Sour unique compared to other sour cocktails?

What sets the Pumpkin Sour apart is its use of spiced pumpkin syrup, which brings a distinct autumnal flavor that’s uncommon in other sour cocktails. This ingredient, combined with the bourbon and lemon juice, creates a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and acidity, offering a unique twist on the classic sour cocktail profile.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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