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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Pumpkin Spice White Russian

    Published: October 12, 2019 | Last Modified: November 4, 2021 by Gail Ng | 20 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

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

    This drink is my favourite pumpkin spice cocktail to date. It’s simple, elegant, and full of so much flavour. It tastes like a fancier iced pumpkin spice latte.

    Close up of pumpkin spice white russian cocktails and large ice cubes

    I've waited all year for an appropriate time to make this drink. NOW IS 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 pumpkin spice lattes.

    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 takes away the edge from the vodka.

    What is a white russian cocktail?

    A white russian is a simple and easy-to-make cocktail made by mixing together vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. It’s served in an old fashioned glass on the rocks. The taste is fragrant with coffee and the texture is creamy and smooth.

    Pumpkin spice white russian cocktails and gold cocktail shaker on wood platter

    What you will need

    • Coffee liqueur - I use Kahlua but any coffee liqueur of your choice works.
    • Vodka - This doesn’t need to be anything fancy. It will not be a strong taste in this cocktail unless you want to make it stronger.
    • 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, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground cloves, and ½ tsp allspice. Use ½ teaspoon of this mixture for each cocktail.
    • Heavy cream - Regular milk also works but your cocktail will just be less creamy. I would highly recommend using heavy cream, whipping cream, or half and half.
    • 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.
    • Garnish - This is optional but I like to sprinkle the cocktails with some extra pumpkin spice and garnish with a cinnamon stick which doubles as a stir stick.
    Glasses, jigger, and cocktail shaker on grey background

    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.

    Pumpkin spice white russian cocktail in a glasses with cinnamon stick

    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.
    Pouring a pumpkin spice white russian cocktail from gold shaker into glasses

    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!).

    Pouring a pumpkin spice white russian cocktail from gold shaker into glass

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you make a white russian cocktail without a shaker?

    Yes, you absolutely don’t need to have a cocktail shaker to make most drinks. Shaking the cocktail helps infuse the cream with the pumpkin spices and ensures everything is mixed thoroughly but a dedicated cocktail shaker is not needed. You can shake everything up in a mason jar or anything jar with a tight-fitting lid. Or simply stir everything together very well.

    Can you use Baileys instead of Kahlua?

    Kahlua is a true coffee liqueur that is much stronger in flavour than Baileys. Baileys Irish Cream is already mixed with cream so the taste is more subtle. In a white russian cocktail, you’re already using cream so it can handle a strong coffee flavour. You could use Baileys if you wanted a sweeter and lighter drink without a true coffee flavour but Kahlua or something similar is highly recommended.

    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
    Close up of pumpkin spice white russian cocktails and large ice cubes

    Pumpkin Spice White Russian

    Author: Gail Ng
    This pumpkin spice white russian is a creamy and smooth Fall edition of a classic coffee cocktail to keep you warm this season.
    5 from 12 votes
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Total Time 2 mins
    Yield 1 cocktail
    Category Drinks
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 oz coffee liqueur, e.g. Kahlua
    • 1 oz vodka
    • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • 2 oz heavy cream
    • Ice cubes
    • Cinnamon sticks, optional for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Add coffee liqueur, vodka, pumpkin pie spice, heavy cream, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
    • Shake together for about 10 seconds.
    • Open the pouring spout of the shaker and pour cocktail into an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube.
    • Garnish with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick.

    Notes

    If you don't have pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, mix together 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground cloves, and ½ allspice. Use ½ teaspoon of this mixture per cocktail. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 836IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keywords fall cocktails, pumpkin spice cocktail, pumpkin spice white russian, thanksgiving cocktails, white russian cocktail
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment & rating to let us know how it was and tag your Instagram posts with @teakandthyme!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bernice Hill

      October 21, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      Brilliant! I've been enjoying a bit of a white Russian resurgence this year. It's such an old school classic cocktail and this is the perfect update for 2019!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 22, 2019 at 7:21 pm

        Same, Bernice! I'm drinking this one all this season! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    2. Sharon

      October 22, 2019 at 5:53 am

      5 stars
      This fall-inspired cocktail looks so creamy and delicious. I'm always ready for pumpkin spice and now I can have it in cocktail form too!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 22, 2019 at 7:22 pm

        Thanks so much Sharon! I go a little crazy with the pumpkin spice around this time in everything haha

        Reply
    3. Kushigalu

      October 23, 2019 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried something like this before. Looks so creamy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:35 am

        I hope you get to try it!!

        Reply
    4. Amanda

      October 23, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      Yum -- this is my kind of cocktail! Giving a white Russian a pumpkin twist is such a great idea for fall, and it's so tasty. I'll definitely have to serve this as a nice after-dinner Thanksgiving drink.

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:36 am

        Thanks Amanda! That's exactly the perfect time for one of these!

        Reply
    5. Veronika's Kitchen

      October 25, 2019 at 6:09 am

      5 stars
      Such beautiful photos! and the cocktail look so delicious! It's only morning here right now, but I would love to have this drink!)

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Haha you can have one of these any time of day, I would never judge! 😉

        Reply
    6. Jenni LeBaron

      October 26, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      White Russians are a big tradition for the holidays at our house. This Pumpkin Spice version sounds spectacular and I can't wait to try them. Gorgeous photos too!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:37 am

        Thanks Jenni! I hope you have a chance to try one over the holidays!

        Reply
    7. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

      October 27, 2019 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      What a festive and beautiful drink! This is perfect for the holiday season and something I know my family and friends would love!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Exactly!! Everyone who has tried these so far love them! Thanks Lori!

        Reply
    8. Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli

      October 27, 2019 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      This White Russian with a pumpkin spice twist looks amazing! Your photos are beautiful and make us want to pour ourselves a glass, sit back and enjoy!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Thank you!! Cheers!

        Reply
    9. Jess

      October 28, 2019 at 4:22 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! I LOVE White Russians and this recipe ups the ante! I can’t wait to try!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:39 am

        Yayy!! I hope you get to try it Jess!

        Reply
    10. Aline

      October 28, 2019 at 9:44 am

      5 stars
      Made these for a Halloween party this past weekend and it was a hit!! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Gail Ng

        October 30, 2019 at 8:40 am

        Ahhh I'm so happy to hear they were a hit! Thanks so much Aline!

        Reply

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