A Creamy Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

Whether you love or hate the annual pumpkin spice season craze, you can’t deny that pumpkin pie spice accentuates whiskey’s complex notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, creating a warm, cozy drink—even if it’s served over ice.

Take things a step further and use real pumpkin puree in your drink, along with Rumchata and horchata, and you have a boozy liquid pumpkin pie. Smashing Pumpkins, created by Drew Gallegos, food and beverage director at NOUN Hotel in Norman, Oklahoma, is velvety smooth. “The sweeter side of the bourbon is important to balance the spiciness of the pumpkin. The rumchata brings a creaminess into play, rounding the drink into pumpkin pie with whipped cream in a glass,” he says.

The toasted marshmallow garnish adds a playful, almost nostalgic vibe as well as a caramelized aroma to heighten your senses before taking a sip, but you can simply sprinkle cinnamon on top if you don't have (or don't like) marshmallows.

Smashing Pumpkins

• 1 oz. Makers 46 (or other wheated bourbon)
• 1 oz. Rumchata
• 1 oz. horchata
• 2 Tbsp. pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp. pumpkin spice
• Freshly grated cinnamon and marshmallow for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Hard shake for 30 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Skewer marshmallow, sprinkle with cinnamon, and toast with a butane torch. Garnish drink with marshmallow.