Pumpkin Spice Margarita

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This pumpkin spice margarita is a refreshing fall cocktail that’s made with a homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup. Citrusy, sweet & pumpkin-spiced, this is the best cocktail for the transition into the colder weather!

Pumpkin flavored cocktails are perfect for fall. This pumpkin margarita is made with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup. You can also use this pumpkin syrup to make a pumpkin spice espresso martini or a pumpkin RumChata martini.

For other fall-inspired cocktail recipes, try this bourbon margarita, this fall apple bourbon cocktail or this rosemary bourbon cocktail.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Step By Step Instructions
• How to Make the Pumpkin Pie Spice Rim
• Storing Leftover Pumpkin Syrup
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This pumpkin margarita is not overwhelmingly sweet. It has a subtle pumpkin spice flavor with a hint of citrus. Plus, the sweetness level can easily be adjusted by how much pumpkin syrup you add.
• This margarita is made with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup which is infused with real pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices. This means there are no artificial flavors.
• It is an easy cocktail to make for just a couple of people or for a large group if you are hosting a party.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract and water are all simmered together to make the pumpkin syrup. This syrup gives the margarita all of its pumpkin flavor.
• Tequila: Use blanco or reposado tequila. You can use any brand that you like. Choose a tequila that is 100% agave for the best taste.
• Cointreau: You can use any type of orange liqueur as a substitute for Cointreau, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier.
• Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best quality cocktail. While you can substitute this with bottled lime juice, it doesn’t give the same, fresh flavor.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie syrup, cinnamon, water, and brown sugar to a saucepan. Heat the ingredients, bringing them to a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the syrup from the stove and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Let the syrup cool for a few minutes, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Gently squeeze or press the cheesecloth to drain out all the syrup. You should be left with a liquid, smooth syrup with no pumpkin chunks.

Step 3: Add the pumpkin spice syrup, tequila, Cointreau and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Strain and pour into a chilled margarita glass.

How to Make the Pumpkin Pie Spice Rim

This pumpkin spice margarita works well with a sweeter rim, but you can use a classic salted one as well. 

For a pumpkin pie spice rim, mix together 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. 

Dip the edge of each glass in a small amount of pumpkin syrup, agave, water or lime juice. Then, roll the edge of the glass in the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice mixture. 

Place the glasses upside down on a paper towel to keep them dry. If possible, chill the glasses in the fridge while they dry. The rims will hold best when the glasses are cold as this thickens the syrup and prevents it from dripping down.

Storing Leftover Pumpkin Syrup

This recipe will make extra pumpkin pie syrup. Making the pumpkin syrup is the step that takes the most time. If you are planning to serve these margaritas at a party, it is easiest to make a large batch of pumpkin syrup in advance. 

Before storing, allow the pumpkin syrup to fully cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to a week. 

You can also freeze the syrup and store it for up to 2 to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Expert Tips

• Chill the cocktail glasses. Chill the cocktail glasses in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours before serving or in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish the rims prior to chilling the glasses.
• Make it a frozen margarita. To make a frozen pumpkin margarita, blend the ingredients together with a handful of ice. You may need to add an extra dash of pumpkin syrup or Cointreau as blending the margarita can water it down slightly.
• Adjust the sweetness. This margarita is not overly sweet. The pumpkin flavor is present without being overwhelming. Some people may prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink. Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie syrup you add accordingly.

Recipe FAQs

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📖 Recipe