Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This pumpkin spice white russian is a Fall spin on a classic cocktail. It’s creamy and smooth with fragrant coffee and warming pumpkin spice – it’s basically a hug in a glass.

This post was sponsored by my favourite place for entertaining and homeware essentials, Crate & Barrel, to help give you inspiration for your own Thanksgiving menu.

I’ve waited all year for an appropriate time to make this drink. NOW’S THE TIME. I mean, I’m already putting pumpkin spice in every dessert so naturally, it was time for a cocktail as well.

This drink will be going on my Thanksgiving dinner table and I’m positive it will be a hit even with people who don’t like PSLs (although I’m not sure why I would still be friends with them… KIDDING!).

White russian cocktails have quickly become one of my favourites because of their simplicity and elegance. That beautiful coffee aroma smells SO good and the creaminess of the cream takes away the edge from the vodka.

What you will need

• A coffee liqueur of your choice
• Vodka
• Pumpkin pie spice. If you don’t have a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice seasoning, just mix together 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp allspice. Use 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture for each cocktail.
• Heavy cream. Regular milk also works but your cocktail will just be less creamy.
• Ice. You’ll need regular ice cubes in your cocktail shaker and also ice in your cocktail glass if you’d like. I made extra large ice cubes with my Peak ice cube tray to put in my glasses because it looks extra fancy and displaces the perfect amount of liquid for this recipe to fill a 12 oz old fashioned glass.

Barware & Glassware

To measure out single and double shots of liquid quickly, I used a stainless steel jigger which gives me the perfect 1 oz and 2 oz pours that I can dump straight into my cocktail shaker. The pretty antiqued gold shaker I used here is a special collaboration between Crate & Barrel and Frye – stunning!

I served my pumpkin spice white russians in these 12oz old fashioned rocks glasses with a studded design. The detail of the glasses make them shimmer and they’re also the perfect size for this cocktail. I served everything on a round wooden platter to play off the warmth of the drink.

How to make a pumpkin spice white russian

1. Into the cocktail shaker: Add coffee liqueur, vodka, pumpkin spice, and cream into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake: You want to mix the spices thoroughly for maximum pumpkin spice flavour and to avoid graininess.
3. Pour over ice: One extra large ice cube looks elegant but regular ice cubes also work.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle each drink with extra pumpkin spice and add a cinnamon stick that can also be used as a stirring stick.

How to serve your pumpkin spice white russian cocktail

White russians are typically served in an old fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or low ball glass. These are short glasses that hold about 8-12oz of fluid and you’re probably most familiar with them holding a neat pour of whisky on ice.

Another way to serve this pumpkin spice white russian is to shake all the ingredients together except for the cream and pour it into the glass first. Gently pour the cream on top of the dark liqueur for a colour block effect. Have your guests give their drink a quick stir to mix the layers together before sipping (a perfect use for that cinnamon stick garnish!).

Other Thanksgiving drinks and desserts

• Cranberry Apple Mojito
• Chai Spice Cupcakes
• Spiced Apple Cake with Salted Maple Caramel
• Pumpkin Swiss Roll
• Pumpkin Crepe Cake
• Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce

If you made this recipe, I would love to see it! Be sure to post a photo of it and @teakandthyme and @crateandbarrelcanada!

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