Pumpkin Spiced Rum: A Halloween Treat
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with a cocktail that tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie in a glass
As Halloween approaches and the air turns crisp, one flavor reigns supreme: pumpkin spice. Love it, or merely tolerate it, there’s no denying that pumpkin spice has become the unofficial taste of fall. So, why not throw that quintessential autumn flavor into something a bit spicier than a latte? And what’s spicier than a $10 latte? Well, Rum, of course. Introducing the Pumpkin Spiced Rum cocktail, a blend that combines everything cozy about the season with the warming growl of a Caribbean pirate’s arrrgh.
The Recipe
What’s in a Pumpkin Pie Spiced Rum?
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Spiced Rum: Provides warmth and depth; you can use regular rum if preferred.
- 0.75 oz Liquid Pumpkin: You’ll need a can of pumpkin purée. See notes below for steps.
- 0.25 oz Maple Syrup (or Simple Syrup): Adds sweetness and enhances the autumnal taste.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A dash to infuse those classic fall spices.
- Garnish: Whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin spice. Add a cinnamon stick for an extra gold star.
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine rum, pumpkin, maple syrup, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, and add a cinnamon stick if you want a gold star.
Notes
- Purchase a 28oz can of pureed pumpkin, the sort you use to make a pie.
- Pour the puree into a sieve over a bowl.
- Allow it to sit for an hour or two.
- Juice will slowly separate and collect in the bowl.
- This process yielded us about 5 oz.
What The Heck Is Spiced Rum?
If you’re on this side of the web, then Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum probably needs no introduction. Blasting shots at a frat house is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Spiced Rum. But what actually is it? Well, spiced rum is exactly as it sounds.
Basically, spiced rum is a type of rum that has been flavored with a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes fruit extracts. The base spirit is typically made from distilled sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice, just like traditional rum. After distillation, the rum is infused with a variety of spices to enhance its flavor profile, giving it a richer and more complex taste compared to regular rum.
What’s the Tradition Behind Spiced Rum?
As per usual, almost everything revolving around rum involves sailors and pirates, and spiced rum is no different. Spiced rum’s tradition is deeply rooted in maritime and naval heritage. In the 17th and 18th centuries, rum became a staple on naval ships, especially within the British Royal Navy, where sailors received daily rations known as “tot” to boost morale and provide calories. Why this practice no longer continues is lost on us. After a few weeks at sea, a few tots would certainly give us a boost.
Being that it was the age of shot and sail, the rum was often harsh and unaged. So sailors, being the resourceful alcoholics that they are, began adding spices and citrus peels to improve its flavor and preserve it during long voyages. Pirates and privateers in the Caribbean also adopted the practice, enhancing their grog by mixing rum with whatever spices and ingredients they had available. Hence the association of Captain Morgan’s with pirates.
Truth be told, the Caribbean’s abundant supply of spices and botanicals played a significant role in the evolution of spiced rum. Turns out, the islands are rich in ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and citrus fruits, which indigenous peoples and settlers extensively used in their culinary practices. This abundance made it natural to infuse rum with these flavors, blending maritime traditions with the rich resources of the Caribbean to create the spiced rum we know today.
Looking for more seasonal sips or drink ideas? Check out our recipes for:
Make Your Own Spiced Rum
For us, Captain Morgan works just fine. But if you’re feeling spicy, here’s the quick and dirty for making your own spiced rum:
- Choose a Rum: A good-quality gold or dark rum serves as a suitable base.
- Select Spices: Common choices include cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, cloves, nutmeg, and citrus peels.
- Infusion: Place the spices in a clean jar with the rum and let it steep for several days to weeks, tasting periodically.
- Strain and Store: Once the desired flavor is achieved, strain out the spices and store the spiced rum in a sealed bottle.
Why Are Pumpkins and Pumpkin Spice Associated with Fall, Thanksgiving and Halloween?
Before we get mixing, let’s stir up a bit of history. Pumpkins have long been a symbol of harvest time and are native to North America. Native Americans used pumpkins for both food and materials, and they introduced them to European settlers. The tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns originated from an Irish myth about a man named Stingy Jack. Originally, the Irish used turnips or potatoes, but upon arriving in America, they found that pumpkins were larger and easier to carve, cementing the pumpkin’s place in Halloween lore.
Early colonists adopted pumpkins into their diets, learning from Native Americans how to prepare them. The abundance of pumpkins during the autumn harvest made them a natural choice for seasonal dishes. Early versions of pumpkin pie involved hollowing out pumpkins and filling them with milk, honey, and spices before baking. Ew. By the late 1700s, pumpkin pie had become a staple at New England Thanksgiving tables, symbolizing the harvest’s bounty and gratitude.
The pie’s prominence grew through literary references in the 19th century, embedding it in the national consciousness as a symbol of home and tradition. The introduction of canned pumpkin purée in the early 20th century made it easier to prepare, increasing its popularity. Over time, pumpkin pie, along with Thanksgiving, came to represent American values of family, togetherness, and the celebration of the fall season.
As for pumpkin spice, it all started with the spices used in pumpkin pie—a classic dessert for Thanksgiving and fall. The blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice (Recipe below). The spices evoke warmth and comfort, perfectly complementing the cooler weather. The commercialization of pumpkin spice began in the early 2000s, with coffee shops (ahem, Starbucks) introducing pumpkin spice lattes, and since then, it’s become a cultural phenomenon associated with fall.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe (In Case You Need It)
We bought pumpkin spice, but it’s not necessary. If you don’t have it on hand, you can make your own with common spices from your pantry. We found this recipe and used it to success.
DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix:
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix these spices together and store them in an airtight container. Now you’re ready to pumpkin spice everything from cocktails to coffee!
Tips and Variations
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the shaker.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier cocktail, add a splash of half-and-half or almond milk to the mix.
- Rum Alternatives: Experiment with dark rum or even bourbon for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts: A Great Fall Favorite
Let’s be real, a few of us here are not fans of the pumpkin spice, but others are rushing to Starbucks as soon as it’s available. Either way, no one can debate that Pumpkin pie spices are an iconic flavor repping the fall. So adding the flavors to your cocktail game is a natural progression. Plus, the warm, spiced rum will give you a good buzz. Added bonus, if you love pumpkin pie, you’ve now found a boozy version for your next Halloween party, or maybe Thanksgiving. Who knows? Go nuts!
Have you tried the Pumpkin Pie Spiced Rum ? Hit us up in the comments or tag us on social media with #BarWarriors and #PumpkinPieSpicedRum.
Cheers!
