This festive autumn Pumpkin Spice White Russian is an easy fall cocktail made with just a few ingredients. A splash of good bourbon, creamy half-and-half (or your favorite dairy-free alternative), leftover strong-brewed coffee, and a simple homemade brown sugar pumpkin spice syrup combine to create a smooth, cozy drink that captures all the warming flavors of the season.

This recipe can be adapted to taste and dietary preference—use dairy or non-dairy cream alternatives, and adjust the pumpkin syrup sweetness as you like.

To emphasize rich autumn flavors, this version swaps vodka for bourbon. Bourbon brings vanilla and warm spice notes that pair wonderfully with pumpkin spice and coffee. It’s a perfect base for seasonal cocktails that celebrate crisp evenings and cozy gatherings.

Instead of using coffee liqueur, this recipe relies on leftover strong coffee for depth and a touch of half-and-half for silkiness. The result is a coffee-forward creamy cocktail with subtle pumpkin spice sweetness from a homemade syrup.

Make a simple brown sugar pumpkin spice syrup to infuse drinks with true autumn character. This syrup is less sweet than many store-bought options and feels more natural; use it in cocktails, coffee, or dessert drinks.

The syrup also works wonderfully in other fall favorites, including pumpkin-old-fashioneds, pumpkin iced coffee, or any recipe that benefits from a rounded pumpkin-spice sweetness.

Ingredients To Make A Quick Brown Sugar Pumpkin Spice Syrup For Fall Cocktails:

5 Simple Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 pouch chai spice tea (or equivalent loose spices)
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup plain pumpkin purée

• This easy pumpkin spice syrup, made with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice, adds warm, seasonal flavor to cocktails and coffee.
• Once prepared, the syrup keeps well refrigerated and is perfect for making autumn drinks quickly.
• Use the syrup in cocktails, lattes, iced coffee, or any recipe where you want a touch of pumpkin spice.
• The ingredients are simple and wholesome, and you can control the sweetness to suit your taste.

Ingredients To Make a Pumpkin Spice White Russian

• Bourbon – choose a good-quality Kentucky straight bourbon
• Strong brewed leftover coffee – cooled
• Brown sugar homemade pumpkin spice syrup
• Half & half cream – or a creamy alternative such as whole milk, soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk

Make A Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail with Bourbon

• Rim and chill the glass: Lightly dip a rocks glass into a small amount of pumpkin spice syrup, then dip into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Place the glass in the freezer while you prepare the drink so it becomes nicely chilled.
• Combine the base: In a cocktail shaker, add bourbon, the homemade pumpkin spice syrup, and the cooled strong coffee.
• Shake: Fill the shaker about three-quarters full with ice. Cover and shake vigorously until a light froth forms on top, which helps lift the aroma and texture of the cocktail.
• Strain and finish: Strain the mixture into the chilled rocks glass filled with a large fresh ice cube or ice cubes.
• Add cream and stir: Gently pour the half-and-half (or chosen creamy alternative) over the drink and stir lightly with a cinnamon stick to combine.
• Garnish and serve: Finish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately and enjoy cold.

Perfect For Those Who Love Festive Pumpkin Spice Cocktails

This easy pumpkin cocktail is ideal for autumn gatherings, Halloween, or as a festive pick-me-up while carving pumpkins. Its coffee backbone and pumpkin spice sweetness make it a delightful dessert cocktail after dinner and a welcoming option for Thanksgiving or holiday entertaining.

Pair this cocktail with pumpkin pie, apple desserts, or any fall-inspired sweets for a cohesive seasonal experience. The coffee element complements baked desserts, while the bourbon adds warmth and depth.

If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half with your preferred non-dairy milk—oat, almond, soy, or coconut all create a lovely texture and flavor. Add the cream alternative gently to preserve the layered look and stir with a cinnamon stick for aroma.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian with Bourbon and Coffee

A quick autumn cocktail with bourbon, strong coffee, creamy half-and-half, and a homemade brown sugar pumpkin spice syrup for warm seasonal flavors.

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks, Fall Cocktails

Cuisine Fall Drinks, Fall Recipes

Servings 1

Calories 356 kcal

Equipment

• Jigger
• Rocks glass
• Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

• 2 oz Kentucky straight bourbon
• 2 oz strong leftover coffee, cooled
• 2 oz homemade brown sugar pumpkin spice syrup
• 3/4 oz half-and-half (or your favorite dairy/non-dairy creamy milk)

Instructions

1. Lightly dip a rocks glass into pumpkin spice syrup, then into a cinnamon-sugar mix. Place the glass in the freezer to chill.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add bourbon, pumpkin spice syrup, and the cooled strong coffee.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters with ice. Cover and shake vigorously until a light froth forms on top.
4. Strain the mixture into the chilled rocks glass filled with a large ice cube or fresh ice.
5. Top with half-and-half or your chosen creamy milk and stir gently with a cinnamon stick.
6. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or pumpkin pie spice. Serve immediately and enjoy cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 356 kcal

Carbohydrates: 42 g

Protein: 1 g

Fat: 8 g

Sugar: 42 g

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