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If your favorite fall candle could pour a drink, this would be it.
The Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned is the coziest riff on a cocktail classic, layered with warm spice, rich bourbon, and just enough sweetness to feel like a seasonal indulgence without losing that Old Fashioned edge.
It’s familiar, but with a slow-burning twist that makes it feel right at home next to a flickering candle and a cashmere throw.
Bourbon still leads the way here, with all its signature notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel. It’s the backbone that holds everything together, giving the drink its warmth and depth.
But where a traditional Old Fashioned keeps things minimal, this one leans into autumn with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup that shifts the entire mood.
The syrup brings in cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves…everything you associate with crisp mornings and pumpkin pie cooling on the counter. It’s aromatic and smooth, adding just enough sweetness to round out the bourbon without stealing the spotlight. It’s seasonal without being syrupy.
Angostura bitters do their usual magic, sharpening the mix and adding structure. In this version, they also help dial up the spice, deepening the profile and pulling the pumpkin flavors into focus.
No need to shake! This cocktail wants to be stirred, slowly, like you’re savoring the moment before the first sip. Serve it over a large ice cube in a rocks glass to keep it chilled and strong without quick dilution.
And the garnish? A cinnamon stick and an orange peel twisted together like a cozy little scroll.
Bonus points for a floating star anise. It’s that extra autumn detail that turns a great drink into a visual moment, and I love a good cocktail visual moment.
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass topped with ice. Stir until chilled.
Step 2: Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish.
The Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about giving a classic a seasonal shift that feels familiar, elevated, and just indulgent enough to make any fall evening feel like a celebration.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
