If you’re a fan of the timeless Old Fashioned, get ready to fall in love with this seasonal variation. The Pumpkin Old Fashioned takes everything you love about the classic cocktail—smooth bourbon, aromatic bitters, and subtle sweetness—and adds a touch of autumn with fresh pumpkin simple syrup.
This is the perfect cocktail for cooler evenings, Thanksgiving gatherings, or anytime you want to enjoy the flavors of fall in a glass.
It’s elegant enough for cocktail enthusiasts but approachable enough for anyone who enjoys a good bourbon drink, and doesn’t like an overly sweet sip.
This is NOT a Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned. This is made with fresh pumpkin juice simple syrup.
Cocktail Tips
On the syrup: Start with 0.5 oz of pumpkin syrup if you prefer a drier, more spirit-forward drink. Go up to 1 oz if you like a sweeter, more pronounced pumpkin flavor.
Bourbon selection: Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking neat. A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon works beautifully here. The pumpkin syrup complements rather than masks the bourbon’s character.
On the bitters: Classic aromatic bitters (like Angostura) work perfectly, but you can also experiment with orange bitters or even chocolate bitters for added depth.
Mocktail Version: Pumpkin Harvest Sipper
For a non-alcoholic version, combine 0.75 oz pumpkin simple syrup, 2 dashes of aromatic bitters (most bitters contain minimal alcohol), 2 oz of strong brewed black tea (cooled), and 1 oz of fresh orange juice.
Stir with ice and serve in a rocks glass with a dried orange slice.
The tea provides tannins and depth that mimic the bourbon’s complexity… sort of.
Variations to Try
Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Use the spiced pumpkin syrup variation (with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) for a more traditional “pumpkin spice” flavor profile.
Maple-Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Split the sweetener between 0.5 oz pumpkin syrup and 0.25 oz pure maple syrup for an extra layer of autumn richness.
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5-1 oz fresh pumpkin simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Ice
- Dried orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, pumpkin simple syrup, and bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and pour over fresh, clear ice in a rocks or highball glass.
- Garnish with a dried orange slice.
To get clear ice, use this ice mold
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 0.5-1 oz Fresh pumpkin simple syrup (Adjust to taste)
- 2 Dashes Aromatic bitters
- Ice
- Dried orange slice (Garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, pumpkin simple syrup, and bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and pour over fresh, clear ice in a rocks or highball glass.
- Garnish with a dried orange slice.
