This Pumpkin Mule is fall in a glass.
It’s cozy, refreshing, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself—without being hard to make.
You’ll get that zingy ginger kick with smooth pumpkin spice vibes, and it’s perfect for sipping by the fire or bringing out at your next get-together.
I made this for a friends’ night recently and it was the first drink gone. It’s just that good.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s just something magical about combining pumpkin spice with that gingery fizz. I started making this a few falls ago when I wanted a festive drink without going full-on pumpkin latte. It’s cool, spicy, a little sweet, and super easy to whip up.
- It’s a 5-minute recipe start to finish
- You don’t need a shaker or bar tools
- It’s perfect for fall parties, brunch, or a cozy night in
- Tastes fancy but is super simple
Makes 1 Serving
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Macros (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 140
- Carbs: 17g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Note: Based on regular ginger beer and pumpkin puree
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The acidity of lime juice brightens up the smooth richness of pumpkin puree. The ginger beer adds fizz and heat that balances the sweetness, while vodka gives the classic mule backbone. Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice add warmth and depth, making this drink feel like autumn in a glass.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much pumpkin puree – A little goes a long way. More than 1 tablespoon makes it heavy.
- Skipping the cinnamon or spice – That’s what brings out the pumpkin flavor.
- Using flat ginger beer – Always use freshly opened ginger beer for best fizz.
- Stirring instead of shaking – You need a good shake to mix the pumpkin in.
What to Serve With
- Spiced nuts or a fall cheese board
- Sweet potato fries
- Pumpkin bread or muffins
- Roasted butternut squash dip
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 tbsp canned pumpkin puree
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ oz maple syrup
- ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 oz ginger beer (cold)
- Crushed ice
- Cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Tools Required
- Copper mule mug or short glass
- Cocktail shaker with lid
- Jigger or shot glass
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap vodka with bourbon for a warmer, deeper flavor
- Use honey syrup instead of maple for a different kind of sweetness
- Try apple cider in place of ginger beer for a twist
- Make it a mocktail by skipping vodka and adding more ginger beer
Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix the vodka, pumpkin, lime juice, maple syrup, and spices in a jar. Shake before using and store in the fridge up to 24 hours. Just top with ginger beer and ice when ready to serve.
Instructions
Step 1: Add pumpkin puree to shaker
Add 1 tbsp canned pumpkin puree to your cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Add lime juice, maple syrup, and spices
Add 1 oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz maple syrup, ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice, and ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon to the shaker.
Step 3: Add vodka
Pour in 2 oz vodka to the shaker.
Step 4: Shake it up
Seal the shaker and shake hard for 15 seconds until well mixed.
Step 5: Pour over crushed ice
Fill your copper mug with crushed ice and strain the mixture over it.
Step 6: Top with ginger beer
Top the drink with 4 oz cold ginger beer.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Add a lime wedge, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the top for garnish.
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best fresh. If you’ve pre-mixed the base (without ginger beer), it can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Don’t store with ginger beer already added—it’ll go flat.
FAQ
Can I make this in a big batch?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and mix everything but the ginger beer in a pitcher. Add ginger beer and ice when ready to serve.
Do I need a shaker?
It helps blend the pumpkin, but you can also stir really well with a whisk or fork if you don’t have one.
Is it sweet?
It’s lightly sweet from the maple and pumpkin, but balanced by the lime and ginger beer.
Let’s Wrap It Up
This Pumpkin Mule is one of those drinks that just feels like the season. It’s quick, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give it a try—then come back and let me know how it went! Did you mix in any fun twists? Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions!
