Pumpkin Spice White Russian
If The Dude from The Big Lebowski ever had a favorite fall cocktail, this would be it. The Pumpkin Spice White Russian takes his beloved classic and gives it a seasonal upgrade — rich, spiked with coffee liqueur, and laced with real pumpkin and warm spice. It’s indulgent but balanced, like a pumpkin latte with a sense of humor.
Serve it after dinner, at a fall gathering, or anytime you want something equal parts nostalgic and festive. White Russian Fans will love this cocktail’s smooth texture and spiced aroma — it’s fall in a lowball glass.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Prep
⏱️
Total
⏳
Yield
🍹 1 cocktail
Level
✨ Easy
Ingredients
- 1½ oz vodka (vanilla vodka optional)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
- 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer or 2 oz heavy cream + 1 tbsp homemade pumpkin spice syrup
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Ice
Pumpkin Spice Rim
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Garnish
- Cinnamon stick
- Light sprinkle of pumpkin spice (optional)
Pumpkin Spice Syrup (Optional)
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
Instructions
- Make the rim: Dip rim in maple syrup, then into cinnamon-sugar-spice mix. Let set 1–2 minutes.
- Prepare the syrup (gourmet version): Combine water, sugar, pumpkin purée, and spices in a small saucepan. Simmer 4–6 minutes until slightly thickened. Strain if desired, then stir in vanilla and salt. Cool before using. Store up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
- Build the cocktail: Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Mix: Stir in pumpkin spice creamer or cream + 1 tbsp syrup and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy beige in color.
- Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick and sprinkle with pumpkin spice. Serve immediately.
Tip: For a lighter sip, use half-and-half instead of cream.
Leftover syrup? Swirl it into your morning coffee, drizzle over pancakes or oatmeal, or whisk a spoonful into whipped cream for an instant fall dessert topping. It keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
For an even deeper pumpkin flavor in this cocktail, add a splash of our Pumpkin Spice Syrup .
Leftover syrup? Swirl it into your morning coffee, drizzle over pancakes or oatmeal, or whisk a spoonful into whipped cream for an instant fall dessert topping. It keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
For an even deeper pumpkin flavor in this cocktail, add a splash of our Pumpkin Spice Syrup .
By PantryJoy •
October 14, 2025
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