Fall is in the air, which means the return of everything pumpkin spice!  

During the colder season, my love for pumpkin drives me to try everything that is baked, espresso’ed, grilled and cooked with the delicious taste of this squash plant. I’ve noticed over the years that some places have winter hits while others miss the mark. This year, I’ll be your pumpkin chef until the return of warmer weather.

To kick off this year’s pumpkin season, I’ve decided to create a pumpkin spice martini that rivals all other cocktails you’ll find at a restaurant bar. I’ve tested several concoctions to get the right ratio, then tested four different spirits (brandy, spiced rum, bourbon, barrel-aged gin) – your liver can thank me. 

Taste-tested by the dynamic duo in the #seaganisland kitchen, there was a clear winner. Here are the results:

Honorable Mention

Brandy: Made with Floodwall Apple Brandy from Copper & Kings

Even though Jeff and I love brandy, this marriage just wasn’t a win. We had hoped that the apple tones would blend well with the pumpkin spice. Although good, it wasn’t our favorite.  

Third Place

Spiced Rum: Made with Jonah’s Curse Black Spiced Rum from K.D. Distilling Company

While the spices in the rum enhanced the pumpkin spice, this cocktail was a little too high on the burn factor. We wanted a smoother drink and this recipe just didn’t deliver. 

Second Place

Barrel Aged Gin: Made with Waterloo Antique Gin from Treaty Oak 

This barrel-aged gin cocktail was delicious and very competitive with the others. This recipe had a very smooth drinkability level and the taste was amazing, but there can only be one clear winner.

Winner! 

Bourbon: Made with 1876 Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Dripping Springs 

This was by far the smoothest and best tasting pumpkin martini we’ve tested. This cocktail is beautiful by itself or as a dessert to your next meal. Congratulations bourbon. 

Now that you have our expert opinion on what spirit makes the best pumpkin spice martini, try experimenting for yourself. Don’t forget, the next time you’re having a refreshing pumpkin cocktail at your favorite restaurant, ask the bartender to make it with bourbon. If there’s another spirit you’ve tried in a pumpkin spice drink, let us know. We’d love to hear from you.   

Until next time, cheers!

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