Homemade Pumpkin Spice Liqueur is creamy, lightly spiced and so easy to make at home. The result is fresher and more delicious than anything you can buy!
this pumpkin spice liqueur recipe is inspired by my homemade Irish Cream
I’ve been itching to try my hand at other homemade liqueurs and this pumpkin liqueur tuned out equally fantastic. The lightly spiced, creamy pumpkin is slightly sweet, but because I chose dark rum for the base, it has a good strong kick to it as well. Sip it alone, use it for mixed cocktails, or in an after dinner coffee.
A bottle of homemade pumpkin cream liqueur is the ideal way to thank whomever is hosting you this Thanksgiving, (even if it’s yourself!!)
homemade liqueurs are fun to make!
Do it once and you’ll be hooked. You’re basically infusing flavor into hard alcohol, and as you can imagine, the combinations are limitless. Some liqueurs need to be steeped for a period of time, then strained and bottled. Others, like this creamy pumpkin liqueur, don’t need aging, you can drink them immediately. How cool is that?
what you’ll need
- a clean bottle or bottles
- a mesh strainer
- and ideally a funnel for easy filling
You can usually find funnels right in your grocery store, where they keep the kitchen tools and supplies. You can find all sorts of glass bottles online or in home goods stores.
ingredients for pumpkin liqueur
- pumpkin puree ~ look for pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Any brand will be fine.
- half and half
- sugar
- ginger
- cinnamon
- nutmeg ~ whole nutmegs can be found right in the spice section of your supermarket. The flavor of fresh grated nutmeg is incredible and worth the effort to buy the whole spice.
- clove
- allspice
- vanilla
- rum ~ use what you like to drink. I used dark rum for a strong flavor.
pumpkin cream liqueur tips and faqs
Because this liqueur contains dairy, you will need to refrigerate it.
Properly stored in the refrigerator it will last at least a month, probably longer. If it smells off, is curdled, or has a spoiled flavor or appearance, discard it.
Yes, use about 2 teaspoons, or to taste.
No, you can use light or golden rum, spiced rum, whiskey, or vodka, to name a few others.
Yes, you’d have a perfect pumpkin spice creamer. Note that it won’t keep as long without the alcohol.
To strain or not to strain is your call. I actually like the thick quality when it’s left un-strained…it’s like a decadent adult milkshake! (In fact, consider blending it up with some ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.)
Serve it straight up, or over ice, it’s your call. You can use it in mixed cocktails, or in coffee (it’s pretty much the ultimate coffee creamer!)
more fall inspired libations
- Hot Buttered Apple Cider
- Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
- How to make Smoking Cocktails with Dry Ice (or not!)
- What to Drink Now: Fall Cocktails
- Pomegranate Mulled Cider ~ and giving up alcohol
Homemade Pumpkin Liqueur
Ingredients
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 ounces dark rum
Instructions
- Put the half and half, pumpkin, sugar, and spices in a saucepan, stirring to combine everything. Heat gently for a few minutes, but do not bring to a simmer.
- Let cool slightly and then add the vanilla and the rum.
- Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, stirring to encourage the liquid to flow through. Some of the puree will go through, but most will be left in the strainer. Discard the remaining solids.
- Pour the liqueur into a clean bottle or bottles.
- Keeps for a month in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Sounds yummy! I love this. Thanks for sharing!
Sue, this sounds like a yummy cocktail! I’m thinking the perfect after dinner drink for Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing!
This is on my list! My hubby makes liqueur’s, following in his dad’s footsteps. We were sharing them with some new guests last evening at the restaurant. This will really be a fun one for me to make and share.
I love this Sue! If its half as good as your wild turkey drink last year – I know I would love it. So creative – you really are the hardest working blogger I know! Pinning 🙂
Oh man I forgot about that Frozen Turkey — gotta make one of those!
Wow this looks fantastic! What’s your favorite way to have it? I love Irish Cream on teh rocks after dinner – I feel like this would be perfect that way!
I really liked it on its own, Carolyn, it is so rich and creamy, I just liked taking tiny sips of it as we were sitting around after dinner
Hi Sue, what a fabulous idea, this would make great hostess gifts.
I think so too, Cheri — especially for Thanksgiving.
You are the queen of homemade liqueur, I’ve got to try this!
What a delicious idea ! We ‘re not big on drinks but this could be fun to serve guests at
Parties ! So festive and perfect for the fall! Thanks for the recipe Sue!
I know your drinking pals will appreciate it 😉
VERY COOL!! I never heard of anything like this but my sisters are coming to visit next weekend and I’m going to make it for them. You’re something else Sue!
wow Sue, you did it again! I didn’t even know this existed at all. Wish I could have a small glass now.
Wish we could share one together, Angie 🙂