Finding the perfect fall cocktail that captures the cozy essence of autumn without being too sweet or basic can be tricky. You want something that feels seasonal and festive, but also has the sophistication of a classic drink that won’t make you feel like you’re sipping on liquid pumpkin pie.

This pumpkin spice old fashioned hits that sweet spot perfectly: it brings warm, familiar spices to the timeless whiskey cocktail we all know and love, while keeping things balanced and grown-up enough for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

Quick 5-minute cocktail – This drink comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for impromptu entertaining or when you want a fancy cocktail without the fuss.
Perfect fall flavors – The pumpkin spice syrup adds warm, cozy notes that pair beautifully with the bourbon, giving you all those autumn vibes in a glass.
Classic cocktail with a twist – If you love old fashioneds, this seasonal variation keeps all the smooth, balanced qualities you expect while adding a fun seasonal spin.
Simple ingredients – You only need a few basic bar ingredients and pumpkin spice syrup to create this impressive cocktail that tastes like it came from a craft cocktail bar.

What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use?

For a pumpkin spice old fashioned, you’ll want to choose a bourbon that can hold its own against the warm spices without being overpowered. A mid-range bourbon with some vanilla and caramel notes works perfectly here – think something like Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, or Wild Turkey 101. If you prefer rye whiskey instead, that’s totally fine too and will add a nice spicy kick that pairs well with the pumpkin spice flavors. Just avoid anything too expensive or too cheap – you want something smooth enough to sip but with enough character to complement the seasonal syrup and bitters.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy cocktail is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps – here’s what you can change up:

Pumpkin spice syrup: No pumpkin spice syrup? Make your own by combining 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch each of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Simmer until dissolved. You can also use maple syrup with a dash of cinnamon for a similar fall flavor.
Orange bitters: If you don’t have orange bitters, just use an extra dash of angostura bitters instead. The drink will still taste great, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Bourbon: Rye whiskey works perfectly here and actually gives the drink a bit more spice. You can also use Canadian whisky if that’s what you have on hand.
Orange peel: A lemon peel works as a substitute, though it’ll give you a brighter, more citrusy note instead of the warm orange flavor. In a pinch, you can skip the peel garnish entirely.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making a pumpkin spice old fashioned is going overboard with the pumpkin spice syrup – start with just 1/4 ounce and taste before adding more, since too much will overpower the bourbon and make your drink taste like liquid pie filling.

Another common error is skipping the proper stirring technique; you want to stir with ice for about 30 seconds to achieve the right dilution and temperature without making it watery.

When expressing the orange peel, make sure to twist it over the glass to release the oils, then rub it around the rim before dropping it in – this step adds crucial citrus aromatics that balance the sweet spice flavors.

Finally, use a quality bourbon or rye whiskey since it’s the star of the show, and avoid using flavored whiskeys which can clash with the pumpkin spice syrup.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned?

This cozy fall cocktail pairs beautifully with seasonal appetizers like spiced nuts, cheese and charcuterie boards, or even some warm bacon-wrapped dates. The pumpkin spice and bourbon flavors work really well alongside rich, savory bites like aged cheddar, prosciutto, or anything with a touch of sweetness. For something more substantial, try serving it with roasted butternut squash soup or a hearty autumn salad with candied pecans and goat cheese. If you’re hosting a party, this drink is perfect alongside pumpkin bread, apple cider donuts, or any dessert with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Storage Instructions

Pre-Mix: You can actually batch this cocktail ahead of time for parties! Mix the pumpkin spice syrup, bitters, and bourbon in a bottle or jar and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just leave out the ice and orange peel until you’re ready to serve.

Syrup Storage: If you made homemade pumpkin spice syrup, keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Store-bought syrups usually last much longer, so just check the bottle for expiration dates.

Serve Fresh: This cocktail is definitely best enjoyed right after mixing since the ice will dilute it over time. If you pre-batched the ingredients, just pour over fresh ice, stir gently, and add a fresh orange peel for the perfect finish.