Drunk Pumpkin Drink Recipe: The Easiest Fall Cocktail You’ll Love

Hey there, I’m Marina, and I’m thrilled to invite you into my kitchen to share one of my favorite easy‑peasy cocktail concoctions—Drunk Pumpkin.

When the air turns crisp and fall comes to life, I always want something that captures cosy pumpkin-spice vibes but still feels fresh and lively.

This “juice” drink delivers exactly that, without needing fancy gadgets or hours spent stirring. It’s a little sweet, a little fizzy, with just enough pumpkin spice and a playful kick of vodka.

Perfect for a chill autumn evening, a Halloween get‑together, or just when you want something fun and refreshing.

This is a drink you can pull together in less than five minutes, with no special equipment, and still wow your guests—or yourself—whether it’s Halloween, a cozy night in, or a sunny afternoon that needs a little something extra. The flavors are like pumpkin‑spice colliding with fresh bubbles.

Because you’re making it in a glass, it feels more like a juice or mocktail vibe, but with a gentle adult twist. That balance is what makes Drunk Pumpkin stand out.

What is Drunk Pumpkin?

Drunk Pumpkin is a simple fall-inspired cocktail made with vodka, pumpkin spice syrup, tonic water, and a touch of orange food coloring to give it that bold, festive glow.

It’s got that cozy pumpkin flavor with a refreshing kick—perfect for Halloween parties, bonfire nights, or when you just want a fun fall drink without turning on the stove.

Why you’ll love this Drunk Pumpkin recipe?

You’ll feel right at home making this whether you’re a busy parent, a recipe blogger, or someone trying to keep snacks simple. Why it works so well:

• It takes under five minutes and uses ingredients you can find in your pantry or make ahead.
• You get the sweet warmth of pumpkin spice, met with the crisp zest of tonic water—it brightens the flavor instantly.
• It’s fully customizable. Want it stronger? Add more vodka. Want it kid‑friendly? Skip the vodka and double the syrup.
• Perfect for seasonal entertaining or those moments when you just want a cozy‑spooky sip.

How to Prepare Drunk Pumpkin Cocktail Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Here’s the quick snapshot you’ll love when scanning a recipe:

A bright, fizzy, pumpkin‑spice cocktail juice with a twist of vodka—that’s Drunk Pumpkin in one line.

Quick Facts

Detail	Info
Prep Time	4 minutes
Mix Time	1 minute
Total Time	5 minutes
Cuisine	American
Course	Drink/ Cocktail
Difficulty Level	Easy
Yield	1 serving
Calories (approx)	160
Serving Size	1 glass (about 5 oz)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for one serving:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce pumpkin spice syrup
• 2 ounces tonic water
• 2 drops orange food coloring
• Ice cubes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break this down a little so your glass turns out just right:

1. Vodka:

Go with a clean, smooth vodka—something you’d enjoy sipping on its own. No need for the top shelf, but don’t grab the super cheap stuff either. I like Tito’s or Smirnoff for this, but use what you have on hand.

2. Pumpkin Spice Syrup:

You’ve got two options—homemade or store-bought. I’ve done both, and either works like a charm. If you’re going store-bought, Torani or Monin pumpkin spice syrups are solid picks. If you’re feeling crafty, make a quick syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Takes about 10 minutes and keeps in the fridge.

3. Tonic Water:

This adds the sparkle and brightness that balances the sweetness. You can go with classic tonic or experiment with citrus-infused or light tonic water for less sugar. Avoid tonic with too many herbal notes, though—they’ll fight with the spice.

4. Orange Food Coloring:

Totally optional but highly recommended for Halloween parties. Just two drops make the drink pop with that perfect pumpkin hue. It’s a simple trick that adds major festive points.

Tip: You can easily double or triple this for a pitcher version, especially if you’re hosting. Just keep the ratios the same and give it a good stir before serving.

How To Make a Drunk Pumpkin?

Let’s whip it up in no time!

1. Fill your glass with ice. You want it nice and cold!

2. Add 2 ounces of vodka. Measure it right into the glass.

3. Pour in 1 ounce of pumpkin spice syrup. It adds sweetness and that signature fall flavor.

4. Drop in 2 drops of orange food coloring. Stir well to combine.

5. Top it off with 2 ounces of tonic water. Gently stir again.

6. Garnish, sip, and enjoy! A cinnamon stick or orange twist makes it extra cute.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

This is a rough estimate per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	160
Carbohydrates	14g
Sugar	12g
Alcohol Content	~13% ABV
Fat	0g
Protein	0g

Keep in mind, homemade syrup might change the sugar slightly. You can cut the calories by using a low-sugar tonic or cutting back on the syrup a bit if needed.

Tips and Variations

This is where you can really make the Drunk Pumpkin your own. I’ve tested this a bunch of ways, and it’s surprisingly flexible.

My Favorite Tips:

✔ Chill everything ahead: Keep your vodka and tonic in the fridge. A cold mix makes the fizz last longer and saves you from watered-down drinks.

✔ Homemade syrup = flavor boost: If you have 10 minutes to make a batch, you’ll get deeper pumpkin spice flavor and can adjust the sweetness to your liking.

✔ Stir, don’t shake: Shaking kills the bubbles from the tonic water. Stir softly—like you’re mixing honey into tea.

Variations You’ll Love:

1. Swap vodka for rum or bourbon: If you want more richness or warmth, try dark rum or bourbon. It gives more fall vibes, especially with a cinnamon stick garnish.

2. Make it virgin: Skip the vodka and add a splash more tonic or soda water. Still flavorful, still fun—great for kids or sober sippers.

3. Sparkling water instead of tonic: Want less sweetness? Use unflavored sparkling water and add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the syrup.

4. Add a whipped topping: A dollop of whipped cream with cinnamon sprinkled on top takes this into dessert territory.

5. Batch version: Multiply the ingredients by 4–6, stir in a pitcher, and let guests serve themselves.

Storage Tips

Mix the pumpkin syrup and vodka in advance and keep it in the fridge. Add tonic and ice right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Drunk Pumpkin Drink Recipe is perfect with:

• Halloween snacks like caramel popcorn or pretzel bones
• Mini pumpkin pies or spice cookies
• A cozy sweater and spooky movie night 🎃

Serve it in a clear glass so that gorgeous orange color really shines!

Recipe Note

This Drunken Pumpkin Latte style drink is strictly cold and sparkling—not a hot latte, but you can try warming the syrup with milk and adding a shot of vodka if you’re in the mood for something toasty. I prefer the refreshing fizz of tonic for a fun twist!

FAQ: Drunk Pumpkin Cocktail Recipe

Let’s Wrap This Up

So, are you ready to sip on some Drunk Pumpkin magic? I’d love to know how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below, share your own twist, or tag me on social if you try it.

Fall is short—let’s make the most of it with drinks that make us smile. Cheers to spooky sips and simple recipes! 🧡