Nothing screams Fall in the US like pumpkin spice! Pumpkin season marks the beginning of cozy drinks, comfort food, chunky sweaters and all the flavors of Fall including cinnamon, allspice, star anise, cloves and ginger. These spices, in all their glory, combine with pumpkin to create the most heart-warming recipes. And this recipe for a Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail checks all the Fall boxes!
What is a White Russian cocktail?
The White Russian is a delicious vodka-based drink that should be a bar staple drink and has been loved by many – especially after its popularization in the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski. A basic measure drink with three equal parts of vodka, cream and coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua), it lends itself to a wide array of variations. White Russians are typically served over ice in a lowball glass, also referred to as a rocks glass or old fashioned glass.
Historically, it is disputed as to which came first, the White Russian or its close relative, the Black Russian. Some describe the fact that a Black Russian is just a White Russian without cream and others would say a White Russian is a Black Russian with cream. It is also disputed as to when and who invented it, but generally this drink was first conceived somewhere between the 1930’s and 1950’s.
When it comes to the White Russian, you can easily use a variety of flavors as well as different types of cream. For instance, pumpkin spice cream for an autumn feel or Irish Cream for a different flavor and even chocolate milk instead of cream. The ways to customize a White Russian are many, and quite fun to experiment with – especially since the baseline cocktail is so delicious.
There are variations for all preferences, so it is only fitting that we share a Fall-inspired version of this drink this time of the year!
Shaken or stirred?
This comes down to personal preference, but adding all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice will give the cream a bit of froth once poured into a glass. Alternatively, you can add the vodka and coffee liqueur to a glass with ice, then pour the creamer into the glass to layer the contents of the cocktail then stir and serve.
How do you make a Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
Fall is not complete without all the pumpkin recipes including some type of Pumpkin Spice drink, whether in the form of a latte or cocktail. You definitely want to add this to your list of Fall cocktails!
Making this pumpkin cocktail is very easy, and only requires a few ingredients: Steel Dust vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice creamer.
You can find pumpkin spice creamer in almost every store this time of year, so this should be simple to get your hands on. Alternatively, you can make your own pumpkin spice cream by simply combining a homemade pumpkin spice syrup (we like this recipe) with heavy cream.
If you are feeling a bit fancy, or entertaining, you can top your cocktail with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. And don't forget the garnishes! We like to garnish this cocktail with a cinnamon stick or whole star anise. But this is the perfect opportunity to get a bit creative. You could add a vanilla sugar or brown sugar rim, for example. Or add other spice blends to sugar if you prefer the sweeter side of life as well.
About Steel Dust Vodka
Steel Dust Vodka is distilled in San Antonio, Texas using locally grown corn. We are big fans of local Texas brands and we love supporting Texas companies! So partnering with Steel Dust Vodka to share this cocktail with our readers was a no-brainer. The name 'Steel Dust' is a tribute to a champion race horse, hence the picture of the horse on the label. You can read more about the legend HERE.
Steel Dust vodka is very smooth! This is due to the process of distilling multiple times in both column and small batch copper stills. Because it is so smooth, this vodka is perfect for martinis and cocktails alike. And it is absolutely amazing in this Pumpkin Spice White Russian cocktail.
Enjoy!
We hope you enjoy this recipe for Pumpkin Spice White Russian cocktails. This will quickly become your favorite Fall cocktail.
If you love pumpkin and Fall recipes as much as we do, check out some of these recipes as well:
- Pumpkin Passion Fruit Spice Cake
- Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum – A Holiday Treat
- Pumpkin and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Veal and Beef Shepherd’s Pie
- Pumpkin Spice Butter Cake
Also check out more pumpkin recipes including Pumpkin Ravioli with Parmesan Sage Cream Sauce and Pumpkin Mascarpone Cheesecake.
If you give this recipe a try, leave us a comment below. Or tag us on Instagram with your creations @cooking_with_wine.
Need more cocktail ideas? Check out some of our favorite cocktails below:
- Southern Sunset – Bourbon and Rye Whiskey Cocktail
- Salted Caramel Peppermint Patty Cocktail
- Pear, Sage, and Peppercorn Martini
- Peanut Butter Jelly Thyme Cocktail
- Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum – A Holiday Treat
- Frosted Cranberry Empress Gin Cocktail
📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
- 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer
- Garnish with whipped cream + pumpkin pie spice + cinnamon stick
- Instructions
Instructions
STIRRED
- Add vodka and coffee liqueur to a lowball glass with ice.
- Pour pumpkin spice creamer over top and stir (or keep layered if desired).
- Garnish with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick.
SHAKEN
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur and pumpkin spice creamer to a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 30s.
- Strain into a lowball glass with ice.
- Garnish with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick.
Nina says
I love that drink And this is a gorgeous post. Made that drink already twice .😊
Angela and Mark says
So happy to hear this!
Celene Miller says
One of my favorite drinks now made even better with a pumpkin twist. Can't wait to try it! The photos are beautiful!
Angela says
A seasonal favorite for pumpkin lovers like me!