This Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe is a guaranteed hit of any holiday cocktail party. This made for Thanksgiving cocktail puts a whole new spin on what you should be drinking this fall. If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving cocktail party this is a must serve!
Pumpkin Martini
Indulge in the captivating flavors of your beloved pumpkin pie, elegantly captured within a chilled Pumpkin Martini. Creamy, sweet, and enriched with nuanced pumpkin spice accents, this fall-inspired cocktail offers a velvety-smooth experience that’s brimming with comforting notes. Even better, crafting this pumpkin martini is a breeze, requiring just a few fundamental ingredients including vanilla vodka and crème de cacao. Elevate your holiday celebrations or unwind during a quiet cocktail hour at home with this seasonal drink that perfectly embodies the cozy season.
If you are even thinking about serving cocktails for Thanksgiving, Halloween or Christmas this easy Pumpkin Pie Martini needs to be on your short list!. While Champagne is always a good celebratory drink, along with beer and wine, this holiday cocktail is next-level. If you’ve never enjoyed a pumpkin pie cocktail, this is your chance to experience something different.
Related: Pumpkin Spice Mule
The pumpkin spice martini is very desserty. I have served them during cocktail hour and during dessert. One batch will make four cocktails and these martinis are the quintessential party cocktails for the upcoming holiday season.
No one will forget these very special cocktails (or maybe they will depending on how many they have).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie Vibes: Immerses your senses in the flavors reminiscent of your favorite pumpkin pie, transformed into an inviting Pumpkin Martini.
- Creamy Indulgence: You’ll get to experience the creaminess this cocktail offers, delivering a velvety-smooth texture with every sip.
- Pumpkin Spice Nuances: The subtle pumpkin spice notes, add a layer of warmth and complexity to your glass.
- Autumnal Comfort: It’s easy to embrace fall as you sip on this cozy and inviting drink, perfect for capturing the ambiance of the season.
- Effortless Elegance: Elevates your mixology game with minimal effort. This recipe is a breeze to whip up, featuring basic ingredients like vanilla vodka and crème de cacao.
- Homemade Happiness: Lets you craft a bar-worthy cocktail right at home, treating yourself to a touch of sophistication without leaving your cozy abode.
Pumpkin Martini Ingredients
By combining these carefully chosen ingredients, you’ll create a pumpkin martini that’s not only visually appealing, but also a drink full of flavors and textures, reminiscent of your beloved pumpkin pie experience.
See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions, this list is just an overview.
- Cinnamon Sugar (for the rim): Adds an aromatic and slightly sweet contrast to each sip, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the cocktail.
- Vanilla Vodka: Infuses the cocktail with a smooth and comforting vanilla flavor, complementing the pumpkin flavors and gives a subtle alcoholic kick.
- Crème de Cacao: Introduces a layer of rich chocolate notes that intertwines with the pumpkin and spice elements.
- Heavy Cream (for the cocktail): Imparts a luxurious and velvety texture to the martini, contributing to the creamy mouthfeel and rounding out the flavors.
- Heavy Cream (for the frozen whipped cream on top): When whipped and frozen, this cream forms a chilly crown on the cocktail, giving it a welcomed contrast in temperature and texture.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for the whipped cream): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream, making it airy, while also enhancing the overall sweetness of the drink.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses the cocktail with a medley of warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and evoking the essence of a pumpkin pie.
Crème de Cacao
What Does Crème de Cacao Taste Like?
Crème de Cacao is a flavored, alcoholic liqueur. The best way to describe it would be chocolate bean with a hint of vanilla. However, Crème de Cacao is completely different from a chocolate liqueur, which would be more viscous, like syrup and much sweeter. There is a dark and white (clear) version of Crème de Cacao and you definitely want the white (clear) version for this pumpkin pie martini recipe.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Substitute For Crème de Cacao?
Try using 3 tablespoons of water and 3/4 teaspoons of chocolate extract for every 1/4 cup of Crème de Cacao called for in a recipe.
Pumpkin Cocktail Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences and the occasion, there are so many fun ways to create the best pumpkin cocktail. Here are a few of my ideas…
- Spiced Apple Twist: Replace the crème de cacao with apple schnapps for a fusion of pumpkin and apple flavors, reminiscent of a spiced apple pie.
- Maple Pecan Delight: Infuse the cocktail with the rich flavors of fall by using a maple-flavored vodka and adding a splash of pecan liqueur.
- Gingersnap Zest: Swap out the vanilla vodka for ginger-flavored vodka, and rim the glass with crushed gingersnap cookies for a spicy and crunchy twist.
- Coconut Pumpkin Fusion: Combine coconut-flavored rum with pumpkin puree for a tropical-meets-autumnal experience that’s both creamy and intriguing.
- Nutty Spice: Introduce hazelnut liqueur to the mix for a nutty undertone that pairs with the pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Espresso Martini: Infuse a shot of espresso into the mix for a different take on the pumpkin martini, perfect for coffee enthusiasts.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Temptation: Enhance the chocolate element by using chocolate vodka and a touch of chocolate liqueur, complementing the pumpkin flavors.
- Salted Caramel Elegance: Add depth by incorporating salted caramel vodka, elevating the overall sweetness with a hint of savory.
- Pumpkin Chai Infusion: Infuse the cocktail with chai tea flavors by using chai-infused vodka and adding a dash of chai spice blend.
- Cranberry Harvest: Introduce a touch of tartness by including a splash of cranberry juice, to contrast pumpkin pie spice.
- Pumpkin Pie Ala Mode: Float a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the cocktail, instead of whipped cream for a decadent dessert-like experience.
- Toasted Marshmallow Garnish: Change the presentation by toasting a marshmallow and placing it on a skewer as a garnish.
Helpful Tips for Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Martini
- Chill Everything: To ensure a refreshing and crisp cocktail, make sure all your ingredients, including the glasses, are properly chilled in advance.
- Prep the Rim: Dip the glass rim in water or crème de cacao before coating it with cinnamon sugar. This will help the sugar adhere better and create a neat, aromatic rim.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality vanilla vodka and crème de cacao to enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the martini.
- Whip it Up: When making the frozen whipped cream, ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping. Whipping in a chilled bowl can also help achieve fluffy peaks.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Consider adding a small cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top for an extra touch of visual and aromatic appeal.
- Serve Immediately: The frozen whipped cream can melt over time, so serve the martini promptly after adding the topping for the best presentation.
More Holiday Cocktail Recipes To Try
- Cranberry-Spiced Martini Cocktail
- Happy Elf Cocktail
- New Year’s Eve Countdown Cocktail
- Sparkling Tropical Mimosa Punch
- World’s Best Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Autumn in Liquid Form
When you sip into fall with this cozy cocktail, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @NOBLEPIG and #noblepig on INSTAGRAM. This is a cocktail worth toasting to.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
How To Make a Pumpkin Martini
Pumpkin Pie Martini Recipe
Ingredients
Frozen Whipped Cream: (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream*
- 2 tbsps confectioners' sugar
Pumpkin Martini:
- 2-3 tsps cinnamon-sugar, for the rim
- 1/4 cup vanilla vodka such as Absolut brand
- 1/4 cup Creme de Cacao liqueur (clear)**
- 1/2 cup heavy cream*
- 1-1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice, more for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Pumpkin Martini:
- Dip the edges of your martini glasses in water or Creme de Cacao. Shake off any extra liquid and dip the edges into cinnamon-sugar.2-3 tsps cinnamon-sugar, for the rim
- Chill prepared martini glasses in the freezer or the fridge at least thirty minutes before serving.
- If you are going to make the frozen whipped cream you'll want to do this before making the cocktail. The frozen whipped cream can be made up two days in advance and can hang out in the freezer until you're ready to use it. Add heavy cream and confectioners' sugar to a bowl. Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Place whipped cream into a pastry bag fitted with a large tip (any shape). Pipe whipped cream into round towers on a parchment lined tray (will make four). Place in the freezer immediately and at least 30 minutes.1/2 cup heavy cream*, 2 tbsps confectioners' sugar
- For the cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka, Creme de Cacao, heavy cream and pumpkin pie spice. Shake well (at least fifty time vigorously). Strain into chilled martini glasses. Place frozen whipped cream towers on top of the drinks and sprinkle lightly with additional pumpkin pie spice.1/4 cup vanilla vodka such as Absolut brand, 1/4 cup Creme de Cacao liqueur (clear)**, 1/2 cup heavy cream*, 1-1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice, more for sprinkling on top
Notes
Nutrition
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Lex the Mom says
Appetizing menu, for sure! Very creative. Those kitty litter cakes look so authentically gross.
That pumpkin martini not only looks lovely, but sounds absolutely delectable!
canarygirl says
Oh my GAWD! I love you. I really really do. This is the bestest, awesomest drink EVER! I have to make this. Like, today. Well, maybe tomorrow. Or, both. LOL Your Halloween menu sounds spectacular! Do you happen to have pics or recipes? I’m in the midst of planning my goulish bash, and some of those things sound like they need to be on the menu! đŸ˜€
AndreAnna says
Ho. Lee. Crow.
I am making those as soon as I am done with this Biggest Loser Challenge.
I love creamy drinks. Too bad they don’t love my ass.
Barbie with a T says
Finally got my internet back after hurricane Ike! Good to see you again. Those pumpkin martinis sound like just the thing we need this evening. Also the menu for the Halloween party is the most gross thing I have ever seen! But great to put you in the mood for a spooky Halloween party. I spent all day reading your previous blogs, (all the ones I have missed for the past three weeks). Congratulations on the clearing of the property…no doubt the excitement is overwhelming. Following you through this adventure is going to be great, and your recipes will be a great stress reliever for us folks out here cleaning up after the hurricane!
Christie@fig&cherry says
WOW. Adult Halloween, I like it!
Mental P Mama says
That is quite the menu. And you had me at martini.
Marcy says
oh yummy….
TSannie/annbb says
Love that virtual cocktail! (Bet I’d love what’s in the glasses as well.)
When I was around your hooligans ages, a neighborhood lady always had story time at Halloween. We kids would sit in a circle holding a piece of a sheet in one hand and with the other hand underneath the sheet. As she would tell a spooky creepy story, she’d pass around things for “body parts.” The only ones I remember – and there were at least 8 of them, were a mass of overcooked noodles for brains, a dried apricot for a ear, and there was something for a finger….can’t remember what that was.
I LIVED for Halloween story time for years! She also had a Halloween menu (which made me think of story time), but I know not as good as yours.
Thanks for stirring up the memory.
Oh, and thanks for wading through all that Damn Spam this morning over at the old TSC blog. How irritating!
melissa says
I can feel myself getting drunk now….
I want the recipes to that dinner menu do you have them! It’s sounds so cool!
dawn says
Ball sack reduction? LOLOLOL!
Cath it is almost 9am here and I am sitting “patiently” in my home waiting for my new fridge to arrive. You know the week I’ve had; I can’t tell you how much I would love to have a few of these martini’s with you to chat, gossip and bitch. I’m so ready…..
Marlene says
That sounds REALLY yummy? Now, those martini’s on the other hand…thanks for posting that and with photos. I jyst love pumpkin anything.
Becky says
Your wine glasses are beautiful. Love the menu and the painted rocks!
Bellini Valli says
The menu sounds……..YUMM-O. I am sure it was all delicious Cathy. I would start with several of these pumpkin cocktails thank you:D
We Are Never Full says
you totally crack me up! “your virtual cocktail napkin – you know you wanted it” – ha ha ha! how did you know how badly I wanted it!?
as for this delicious and decadent tini, well it looks like starbucks will sell the non-alcoholic version soon. yum.
noobcook says
Oh Cathy I love this! And the one with the whipped cream around the rim looks extra pretty … You have the most amazing halloween props too, love the stones
Jennifer says
I have got to make that martini for my mother-in-law. She would love it! She had one recently that tasted like apple pie. She said it was unreal how much it tasted like apple pie. She will love this one…
Love that Halloween menu! I would love to make it but it’s just going to be the hubby and I on Halloween. The kid is going to a party this year.
tigerfish says
I love the serving glasses!
RecipeGirl says
I have this recipe clipped from RR. I too was wondering when exactly I could serve it. Maybe a decadent happy hour? Maybe a late night drinkie treat? They look awesome đŸ™‚
Fun House Jennifer says
Thank you for coming up with what drinks to serve at Thanksgiving!! Would it be better to serve these before or after the meal?
Your Halloween dinner menu is to die for! And those rocks are very cool!
Louise says
I think the glass with the curly-Q stem shows how you’ll feel if you partake in more than one of these beauties!
Fran says
The martini’s sound delish! I miss all the excitement of Halloween that we had when our children were still young. I still decorate, but not quite as much and it’s just not the same. I hope you all have a great time!
Our temp’s are in the 60’s today. I love it!
Fran
ELRA says
Cathy,
Just got up this morning, open your blog and all I say say is that I am having a hard time to enjoy my coffee because of your creepy menu, ha…ha..ha…
I know Cathy, I am bad! Anyway let me just starring at your pumpkin martini instead. Hmmm…. I need my coffee now!
ELRA says
Oh I forgot,
That napkin, where did you get it? I really want it!
Marjie says
Of course, your photo would feature many different glasses. Now I want some. If only my cupboards and china cabinets weren’t stuffed….
It’s going to warm up to 65 today. It was 55 yesterday and 49 the day before, so no one here will be griping about being warm!
Sandie says
Pumpkin martinis sound surprisingly appealing to me, and it’s only 9:43 AM…on a THURSDAY!
Getting back to my coffee…your Halloween menu sounds positively putrid. I LOVE IT!! You are definitely the Halloween Queen!
Come on everyone, party at Cathy’s house! đŸ˜‰
tipper says
Love the rocks-bet they’d be easy to make too!
Rachel (S[d]OC) says
I am loving those drinks – and I don’t even like pumpkin pie I could put away a couple I’m sure. So much for my trying to cut back alcohol consumption!
I’m hoping your buffet is figurative right? đŸ˜‰
I’m envying you the warm weather. Granted it’s in the low 70s in NY today, so I have nothing to complain about, but I miss summer.
Blond Duck says
I’ve got a friend those martinis would be perfect for!
It won’t get cold here until December. Blah.
Teri says
Oooh cute rocks…. Gosh, you’re going to keep giving us new things to look at every day till Halloween??? Still amazed! Pretty twirly tini glass too! You’re pictures are more fun than window shopping now!
Cathy-wheresmydamnanswer says
Now that is my kind of “tini” looks so wonderful.
Lisa says
I was really warming up to that Pumpkin Pie Martini, before you grossed me out at the end. đŸ™‚
Though I have a slight aversion to Pumpkin Pie (maybe it’s the pumpkin texture) these drinks are so pretty and so appropriate I’ve got to try them. They could end up being the antidote to my Thanksgiving dessert issues. And I really love the side view of the glasses.
clumbsycookie says
Can I come over?
Cheryl says
Do you think if I consume enough of the festive martinis it will prevent osteoporosis? Heavy cream is calcium rich, isn’t it? Yummy yum yum…and why is it that while ALL of your recipes look scrumptious, the only ones I think I can accomplish are the beverages.
Uh oh. đŸ˜‰
Leslie says
I feel tipsy just looking at these!
Oh and I love Kitty litter cake…so fun!
Katie says
Ok my favorite fall flavor and I can get drunk from it. Sounds like a winner to me!
chanelireli says
Oh my those drinks look so yummy! I am going to have to run out and buy me some vodka!
Choosy Beggar Tina says
Ooh, if there’s one thing thatI LOVE it’s cocktails!! How do you make the virtual cocktail napkins? THey’re the bees knees.
Tammy says
Kitty litter cake….I’m afraid to even ask…
Great menu ideas though…thanks for starting my day with a chuckle!
sharon says
Oooh, delicious. It may only be 10am but I want one of those so badly! I happen to have all the ingredients too…hmm.
Coffee Bean says
Oh Good Lord Almighty. I LOVE LOVE LOVE all things PUMPKIN!!! Of all the crap I’ve been through and am going through and have managed NOT to start drinking… Girl, this little recipe may have pushed me over the edge. I’m gonna make me two and drink em both tonight! Weight Watchers or NOT. Thanks for that.
Kraysian says
mmmm pumpkin martinis sound delicious..
I have to make them immediately đŸ™‚
Katie says
Oh man, these were delicious!! Like THE BEST!
Dr. John says
I’ll pass on the drink but I loved the Halloween menu.
Lo says
How did you know that I needed a martini already at this early hour?? We decided to make them them and just wow. Going on all the holiday menus.
Mrs. L says
You so have to make all those dishes and post them on your blog…so I can steal it all for when I have a Halloween party! We’re still running the air conditioner around here so it’s hard to think of Turkeys and the holidays just yet.
grace says
what an interesting drink! i don’t booze much, but i’ve gotta admit, this’d be hard to push away. maybe i’m just not being introduced to the right kinds of booze… đŸ™‚
medstudentwife says
would you post the menus for this buffet,please đŸ™‚
Especially the necrotic salad- that sounds soo kwel
Harmony says
These look great!! I am definitely trying this one…and the Rocks..LOVE them…I am going to have to find some.
Bunny says
I’m bookmarking this for the holidays, these sound and look sooooo good!
maris says
I would have NEVER thought of a pumpkin pie martini but what a fun idea!
I love Halloween, fun decorating, fun recipes, great time of year!
Rayrena says
Why are you trying to make me fat. Happy. But fat too!
Amber says
What a fun dinner menu. Your friends and neighbors must love how fun you are, not to mention your husband.
The drinks are great and the virtual napkin, no idea how you did that.
And another thing I forgot…the comment yesterday from someone about the lone tree being on your label, I vote yes yes yes, if you are taking a vote.
How is Willie?
Debbie Green says
Pumpkin Pie Martini!!!! So clever and it was as good as it sounds.
Leah Q says
Absolutely love the menu! I should dig up my own Halloween menus and concoct something up for my own site… thanks for the reminder….! And those drinks look delicious, I am pretending my coffee is one of them! yummers! :-O
alexandra's kitchen says
i want one of these right now. it’s 10:13 am.
Patricia Scarpin says
Oh, do I need one of those right now or what, Cathy? Work is killing me here.
Lore says
This was so amazing. Everyone loved them.
kimberleyblue says
Oh my god, these were fantastic. I’m not a big fan of flavoured vodkas, but for this drink it was amazing!
Karen Deborah says
ok you had me swooning with the drink and then nearly got me with the pukin taters, lawdy it is hard to gross out a nurse but that menu is a mess!
Not two drinks, but one and that sounds so delicous, decadent, and FATTENING! I want one for Christmas, make it for me. What’s the fastest express mail?
Egghead says
Oh this is hilarious. Some of those dishes must have been really appetizing. It reminds me of this one cake I saw at a 40th birthday party. It was a pile of human excrement with corn and hair. The grossest thing I ever saw and was so realistic that I couldn’t eat a bite.
Argentum Vulgaris says
I have stolen two of your pics from this post and put on my blog Fizz, not my main blog, but appropriate. The photos will link to your post for the recipe. Have a check, I hope this meets with your approval.
Therese (getpartychic.com) says
This looks amazing!! Pinning!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
The next party I throw just got a whole lot better! Yum!
Cathy says
YAY.
Lauren Kelly says
We had some friends over last weekend and these were a huge hit! These are the perfect festive cocktail!
Cathy says
So glad you loved them!
lisa says
love a good fall beverage recipe!
Cathy says
Thank you.
Laura says
These are so festive! Looks delicious!
Cathy says
Thanks.
Toni says
My husband really loved it! Such a nice fall drink!
Cathy says
So glad!
Kendra says
We just did a practice run with these. So good! Definitely serving for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Cathy says
So glad!
Mary says
Can’t imagine the fall season without these they are so good.
Cathy says
Excellent way to enjoy the season for sure.
Mable says
The best!
Cathy says
Thanks.
Krista says
Bring on fall, we love this recipe.
Cathy says
We’re close!
Ryan says
Has anyone tried this with half and half instead of heavy cream? How did it turn out?
Cathy says
You’re really going to miss the mouthfeel the full cream brings to the table.
Felicia says
Something weird about me…I serve these year round because I love them so much.
Sammy says
This was so good! I am a huge pumpkin pie fan and this was perfection.