Make this homemade Pumpkin Pie Liqueur and you can make Fall Cocktails all season long! You can also add it to your coffee or sip it on its own by the fire for a winter warmer.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
- water
- sugar
- brown sugar
- pumpkin puree
- cinnamon sticks
- ground cloves
- whole vanilla bean
- rum
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Liqueur
- Place the water, sugar, and brown sugar in a saucepan over med-high heat and bring to a boil while whisking.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except the rum, and turn down the heat. Simmer, whisking occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat, stir in the rum, and allow the mixture to cool for about an hour.
- Pour the liqueur into a sealable bottle or jar. Store the Pumpkin Pie liqueur in a cool location for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to all blend.
What Rum to Use for This Pumpkin Pie Liqueur?
I used Ron Rio Gold rum to make this liqueur. It's made from molasses and sugar cane and is fairly inexpensive. I would suggest using dark and/or spiced rum for this recipe. Since you are adding spices and sugar, you don't need to use a high-priced rum because you won't really taste the difference. Save the good stuff for cocktails and nightcaps!
To Strain or Not To Strain?
I decided not to strain my liqueur because there were beautiful and delicious vanilla beans and residual pieces from the ingredients. I wanted those in my liqueur and in my drinks so I did not strain them out. If you want a clearer liquid or fewer floaties, strain through a fine-mesh strainer and/or a cheesecloth before bottling.
What to use this Syrup for
- Fall Cocktails, of course! Like a Pumpkin Spice Martini
- Add it to your coffee for a creamy, dreamy caffeine hit
- Pour it over ice cream or a fall fruit crumble
- Make a boozy pumpkin pie milkshake
- Sip it over ice by the fire on those cold winter nights
You Can Make a Non-Alcoholic Version too!
Sometimes you want the Pumpkin Pie Flavor without the alcohol. You can make this liqueur as a syrup without the booze and enjoy the same fall flavor without the spirits. Do everything the same except use 2 cups of water at the beginning of the recipe.
TIP: I reused my vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks and made a second batch of pumpkin pie syrup (without the alcohol). In doing this, I had the non-alcoholic syrup for the morning and the liqueur for the evening. AND, I had less waste and used up that delicious vanilla bean (which wasn't cheap).
More Cocktail Recipes to Try!
- Gingerbread Martini
- Lemon Curd Cocktail Recipe
- Gin Elderflower Cocktail Recipe
- The Modern Negroni Cocktail Recipe
- Grapefruit Tequila Cocktail
Pumpkin Pie Liqueur
Equipment
- fine mesh strainer (optional)
- sealable glass bottle or jar
Ingredients
- 1 cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 vanilla bean, cut lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1½ cups dark rum
Instructions
- Whisk together the water, sugar, and brown sugar in a saucepan over med-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the rum, and turn down the heat. Simmer, whisking occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the rum, stir and allow the mixture to cool for about an hour.
- Pour the liqueur into a sealable bottle or jar. Store the liqueur in a cool location for 2-3 days to allow all of the flavors to blend with the alcohol. Enjoy this liqueur in your favorite cocktail or with your favorite Fall dessert!
Notes
- Some people decide to strain the liqueur before placing it in the bottle. I decided not to do this because there were beautiful and delicious vanilla beans and residual pieces from the ingredients. I wanted those in my liqueur and in my drinks so I did not strain. If you want a clearer liquid, strain through a fine-mesh strainer and/or a cheesecloth before bottling.
- You can substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste for the vanilla bean
- recipe inspired by Chowhound
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Show Me Your Pumpkin Pie Liqueur!
If you get a chance to make some Pumpkin Pie Liqueur, I'd love to see and hear about it! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me your stuff and tell me what you did with it. If you love fun, delicious, and easy recipes, sign up for my mailing list and follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a new recipe.
Shelly says
Hi sounds amazing just wondering what kind of rum was used? I’m guessing spiced but wanted to double check will be making this for ladies night cocktails! 😋 thank you
Emily says
Hi Shelly, I used Ron Rio Gold Rum. It is an inexpensive Caribbean rum that is made from molasses. A Spiced rum would be marvelous in this liqueur. I hope you and your friends have a great time!
Ed says
Will this eventually spoil?
How long will this keep and should it be kept in the refrigerator?
Emily says
This liqueur should last in the fridge for up to 6 months. Make sure it is in a sealed container in the fridge when you aren't using it. Enjoy!
Ed says
To make the non-boozy syrup, was a little confused on “use 2 cups of water at the beginning of the the recipe.” Do I still use the alcohol and the extra water dilutes the syrup, or do I add a total of 3 cups of water and omit the alcohol? Thank you
Emily says
Hi Ed, sorry about the confusion. To make a non-alcoholic version of this pumpkin pie syrup, just use 2 cups of water and no alcohol. The non-alcoholic version will last 2-3 weeks sealed in the fridge.
Debra says
yum! So delicious and it was a fun drink too.
Emily says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Connie says
LOVE this while getting a little boozy by the fireplace and nestled under an oversized blanket and just relaxing. It's the best!
Emily says
Thanks Connie, that exactly how I enjoy it as well!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks incredibly delicious. Tasty!
FOODHEAL says
What, a pumpkin liqueur! what a genius idea! thank you for this recipe
Emily says
You're welcome!!! It's so delicious.
Chef Dennis says
I am so excited to make my own Pumpkin Pie Liqueur ! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Emily says
You are welcome, I know you are going to love it!
Amy says
Oh this is delicious! Great for a Halloween cocktail!
Emily says
Yes, perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving!
Audrey says
I love pumpkin spice!
Alexandra says
Absoutely love this - and what a wonderful gift for the festive season!
Emily says
That’s such a good idea! Now I just have to keep myself from drinking it before I give it away...lol!
Leslie says
Genius recipe!!!