Pumpkin Martinis and Other Thanksgiving Dessert Cocktails
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s also the perfect opportunity to indulge in decadent desserts. But why stop at pies and pastries when you can sip your dessert instead? Dessert-inspired cocktails bring a creative, festive touch to your Thanksgiving table, offering sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
Here are a few indulgent recipes, including the quintessential Pumpkin Martini, to make your Thanksgiving celebration even sweeter.
1. The Pumpkin Pie Martini
Nothing says Thanksgiving like pumpkin pie, and this martini is a liquid version of the classic dessert.
Ingredients:
2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz Irish cream liqueur
1 oz pumpkin puree
1/2 oz maple syrup
1/2 oz heavy cream
Crushed graham crackers and pumpkin spice for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with crushed graham crackers.
Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously.
Strain into the prepared glass and sprinkle with pumpkin spice.
Why It Works: Creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet, this drink is like pumpkin pie in a glass—perfect as a post-dinner treat.
2. Spiced Apple Pie Mule
This cocktail is a playful twist on the Moscow Mule, inspired by the warm flavors of apple pie.
Ingredients:
2 oz apple cider
1 oz vodka
1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
Ginger beer
Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Combine apple cider, vodka, and cinnamon syrup in a copper mug filled with ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Why It Works: The tangy apple cider and warm cinnamon flavors perfectly balance the bright kick of ginger beer.
3. Pecan Pie Old Fashioned
Capture the nutty richness of pecan pie in a spirit-forward cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz pecan syrup (made by simmering pecans with sugar and water)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel and candied pecan for garnish
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, pecan syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel and a candied pecan.
Why It Works: The buttery sweetness of pecans pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of bourbon.
4. Cranberry Cheesecake Martini
This luscious cocktail combines tart cranberries with the creamy decadence of cheesecake.
Ingredients:
2 oz cranberry vodka
1 oz white chocolate liqueur
1 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 oz cranberry simple syrup
Graham cracker crumbs and sugared cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with graham cracker crumbs.
Blend cream cheese with vodka, liqueur, and cranberry syrup until smooth. Shake with ice.
Strain into the glass and top with sugared cranberries.
Why It Works: This cocktail’s balance of tangy and creamy flavors makes it a standout treat for cheesecake lovers.
5. Hot Buttered Rum Float
For something warm and comforting, this cocktail blends the rich flavors of buttered rum with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
2 oz dark rum
1 tbsp buttered rum batter (made from butter, brown sugar, spices, and vanilla extract)
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Hot water
Grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
Place the buttered rum batter in a mug and add dark rum.
Top with hot water and stir until the batter dissolves.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with grated nutmeg.
Why It Works: The warm spices and rich ice cream create a cozy, indulgent experience perfect for chilly Thanksgiving nights.
Make Your Thanksgiving Sweeter with Art of the Cocktail
Why settle for ordinary drinks when you can transform your Thanksgiving celebration with festive dessert cocktails? For those looking to impress their guests, Art of the Cocktail mixologists are here to help. We bring professional expertise and creativity to your holiday gathering, crafting custom cocktails that perfectly complement your menu.
Book us today and make your Thanksgiving sweeter, one sip at a time.
