This Pumpkin Spice Daiquiri is a cozy twist on a classic cocktail.
It’s got all the warm fall flavors you love—pumpkin, cinnamon, clove—mixed into a smooth, lightly spiced drink that’s perfect for sipping on cool nights or serving at holiday parties.
It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and has just the right amount of kick.
I first made this on a whim during a fall gathering, and now it’s a staple every year. Everyone asks for the recipe!
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Ice
- Optional: cinnamon stick and dash of nutmeg for garnish
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s just something about fall flavors and rum that makes you feel warm inside. This drink hits all the right notes. It’s creamy but not too rich, and the spices make it feel fancy without any fuss.
- It tastes like pumpkin pie met a tropical vacation
- Easy to make in just a few minutes
- Great for fall gatherings, but still refreshing
- Feels seasonal without being too sweet
Servings and Time
Servings: 1 drink
Time: 5 minutes
Macros Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Alcohol: ~15% ABV
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Pumpkin purée adds creaminess and body, while the acid from the lime juice balances the sweetness of the syrup. The pumpkin pie spice blends beautifully with the caramel notes of dark rum, enhancing its warmth. Shaking with ice helps chill and slightly dilute the drink for perfect sipping texture.
Common Mistakes
- Using sweetened pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin purée—this makes the drink too sweet and throws off the balance
- Not shaking enough—you need a solid 15 seconds to fully mix and chill
- Using too much spice—a little goes a long way. More than 1/4 tsp can overpower the drink
- Using spiced rum—stick with dark rum for the right balance. Spiced rum competes with the pumpkin spice
What to Serve With
- Pumpkin scones or shortbread
- Sharp cheddar and crackers
- Roasted nuts
- Apple slices with caramel dip
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Just skip the rum and replace it with cold brewed black tea for a zero-proof version.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by however many servings you want and mix in a pitcher.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled works—just reduce the amount slightly since it’s more acidic.
Can I make this hot?
This recipe is best cold, but you can turn it into a warm pumpkin rum toddy by heating the ingredients gently and skipping the lime juice.
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving
- Use clear ice for a fancier presentation
- Make your own simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved
- Give the cocktail a dry shake (no ice) first for extra froth
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick to boost aroma as you sip
Tools Required
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Strainer
- Small bowl for ingredients
- Spoon or small whisk
- Serving glass
Substitutions and Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a deeper fall flavor
- Try bourbon instead of dark rum for a smokier finish
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth
- Make it dairy-free creamy with a tablespoon of coconut milk
Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix everything except the ice and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just shake with ice before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Add Pumpkin Purée to Shaker
Scoop 1 oz of smooth, unsweetened pumpkin purée into a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Add Dark Rum
Pour 2 oz of dark rum into the shaker over the pumpkin purée.
Step 3: Add Lime Juice
Pour in 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Step 4: Add Simple Syrup
Add 1 oz of clear, homemade simple syrup.
Step 5: Add Pumpkin Pie Spice
Add 1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice on top.
Step 6: Add Ice
Add a handful of ice cubes into the shaker.
Step 7: Shake Well
Close the shaker and shake hard for 15 seconds until chilled.
Step 8: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into a chilled serving glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a pinch of nutmeg.
Leftovers and Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. But you can mix the base (everything except the ice) and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake with ice just before serving. Don’t store with ice—it’ll water it down.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Daiquiri is everything you love about fall in one smooth, chilled sip. It’s a cozy cocktail that’s just fancy enough to impress but easy enough to make any night of the week. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you made your own twist—I’d love to hear!
