This pumpkin pie martini with RumChata combines real pumpkin puree, vanilla vodka, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice. A caramel and graham-cracker rim gives this creamy fall cocktail a pumpkin pie finish. Serve it after Thanksgiving dinner or at an autumn cocktail party.
For a full party menu, browse my Thanksgiving appetizers, then serve this dessert cocktail alongside pumpkin pie tartlets.
If you prefer bourbon, try my fall bourbon cocktail for another pumpkin-flavored option.
I like this as an after-dinner drink: the pumpkin puree adds body, while RumChata gives it a creamy cinnamon flavor.
For more pumpkin desserts, try my pumpkin fluff dip or pumpkin pie crust cookies.
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Why I LOVE This Martini
This pumpkin martini is the ultimate fancy dessert cocktail!
I'm obsessed at how creamy, smooth and well balanced it is.
I prefer to sip it after dinner by a cozy fire. The combination of pumpkin spices, maple syrup and Rumchata deliver all those classic pumpkin pie flavors that we all crave.
Vanilla or whipped cream vodka complements the pumpkin pie flavors. The base recipe uses RumChata for creaminess; extra cream is an optional addition.
Love throwing cocktail parties? Check out my top 10 tips for throwing the best cocktail party at home!
Ingredients
Martini:
- Pumpkin puree: Use plain canned pumpkin with pumpkin as the ingredient. Sweetened, spiced pumpkin pie filling will change the flavor and sweetness.
- Vanilla or whipped cream vodka: Both are delicious and reminiscent of pumpkin pie. Use what you have on hand!
- RumChata cream liqueur: This supplies the creamy cinnamon flavor. Follow the bottle's storage instructions for the liqueur itself.
- Pumpkin pie spice- You can purchase pre-made pumpkin pie spice in your spice aisle or make your own at home!
- Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and maple flavor. Simple syrup would sweeten the drink but would not add that maple flavor.
Rim:
- Caramel Sauce- Check the ice cream aisle for a bottle of Smuckers caramel syrup (or any brand). It is delicious AND thick enough to not allow the graham cracker crumbs to drip down the martini glass.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs- Use a food processor and puree a few graham crackers for a tasty addition.
Garnish:
- Whipped cream: Optional for topping. Use freshly whipped cream or my bourbon whipped cream.
- Cinnamon stick- Garnish with whole cinnamon sticks if you wish.
? If you love fall cocktails, check out my boozy warm apple cider drink!
How to Make a Pumpkin Pie Martini
- Start with a chilled glass. If chilling it in the freezer, allow an extra 10–20 minutes and use freezer-safe glassware.
- Put caramel sauce and graham cracker crumbs on separate small plates. Dip the empty glass rim in caramel, then in the crumbs.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vodka, RumChata, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10–20 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass. Add an optional dollop of whipped cream or a cinnamon stick and serve.
The five-minute prep time assumes your glass is already chilled.
Flavor Variations
Vanilla and whipped cream vodka are the recipe's first choices. Plain vodka gives a less vanilla-forward drink; caramel vodka adds a different dessert flavor. These substitutions will change the finished drink.
For a richer version, add ½ fluid ounce of cream per martini. Extra cream is optional and is not included in the base ingredient list or nutrition estimate.
Looking for more drinks? Check out this list of the top 15 most popular cocktails!
Party Prep: Scaling to Eight Martinis
This is an arithmetic scaling guide for the original recipe, rather than a separately tested pitcher recipe.
| Ingredient | For eight martinis |
|---|---|
| Plain pumpkin puree | 1 cup |
| Vanilla or whipped cream vodka | 6 fluid ounces |
| RumChata | 8 fluid ounces |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 2 teaspoons |
| Maple syrup | 4 fluid ounces |
Mix the drink ingredients without ice in a covered food-safe container and refrigerate until serving. Stir well because the pumpkin can settle. Shake each portion with ice, then strain into a freshly rimmed glass. Add whipped cream at serving time. The Food Safety Tip below applies to the prepared mixture.
Equipment Needed
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Cocktail Shaker- This martini needs to be shaken vigorously so a shaker is a must!
Lemon Twist Tool- To make fun spiral garnishes.
Coupe Glass- This glass is perfect for serving cocktails like my The Perfect Gin Aperol Sour.
FAQ's
You can blend the drink ingredients without ice, then shake individual portions with ice before straining. Blending with ice will change the texture and dilute the drink.
No. RumChata provides creaminess in the base recipe. The optional ½ fluid ounce of cream makes a richer variation.
Use plain pumpkin puree for the recipe as written. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, so it changes the balance.
Other Martinis You Will Love:
Passion Fruit Vodka Martini Cocktail
Pumpkin Pie Martini with RumChata
Ingredients
Method
- Start with a chilled glass, or allow an extra 10–20 minutes to chill freezer-safe glassware. Put caramel sauce and graham cracker crumbs on separate plates. Dip the empty glass rim in caramel, then in the crumbs.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vodka, RumChata, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10–20 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass and serve.
- Optional garnish: a dollop of whipped cream, a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice.
Danielle
This is amazing and I even skipped the rim ingredients and maple syrup! Cant wait to serve it t my guests this weekend.
AGT
Thank you!