Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash cocktail with pumpkin and pumpkin butter

Whiskey, Whiskey

Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash (Easy 3-Ingredient Cocktail)

Nothing goes down better than the Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash when the weather turns. This 3-ingredient pumpkin whiskey cocktail has the perfect creamy consistency that’ll make you feel cozy in an instant.

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Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash (Easy 3-Ingredient Cocktail)

Pumpkin season is in full swing! We’ve been enjoying pumpkin drinks like my Pumpkin Pie Whiskey Sour, Pumpkin Mocktail Sour and Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini, but I think this pumpkin whiskey cocktail is my favorite yet.

I was lucky enough to snag some Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter, and we’ve been using it with everything – coffee, pancakes, yogurt, and toast. When I got to the bottom of the jar, and there wasn’t quite enough to use, I knew I needed to make a cocktail right in the jar to use every last drop.

The Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash includes typical fall flavors like rich pumpkin butter and spice, paired with bourbon for a little complexity. I love that it still manages to be refreshing despite the warming ingredients it’s made with.

This recipe is incredibly delicious and so easy to make.

Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash cocktail on tray

Pumpkin Butter Versus Pumpkin Puree: What’s the Difference?

While both ingredients feature pumpkin, they are not the same.

Pumpkin puree is simply cooked pumpkin that’s been pureed until smooth. It contains zero flavors or sweeteners.

Pumpkin butter, like Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter recipe, has more of a spreadable, silky texture. It’s usually sweetened and flavored with classic fall spices like cinnamon and clove.

Recipe Ingredients

Pumpkin butter: An “almost empty” jar of pumpkin butter is the ideal amount – about 1 tablespoon. Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter is rich and has the perfect consistency.
Bourbon or whiskey: Bulleit bourbon is my go-to for this recipe.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal.
Star anise: Whole star anise makes the perfect festive garnish.
Pumpkin pie spice: Use your favorite brand or substitute with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tools & Equipment List

Check out my favorite glasses here!

Hand holding Pumpkin Butter Whiskey Smash cocktail with pumpkin and pumpkin butter

How to Make It

First, pour the whiskey, lemon juice, and ice into the almost empty pumpkin butter jar. Shake until the ingredients have combined and are chilled.
Strain the ingredients into a cocktail glass over ice.
Top with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and garnish with star anise.

Watch How to Make this Recipe

Sipping Tips & FAQs

What if my pumpkin butter jar still has loads of pumpkin butter inside?

If your pumpkin butter jar isn’t almost empty, you can make this pumpkin butter cocktail in a cocktail shaker. In this instance, add all the ingredients, plus a tablespoon of pumpkin butter into a cocktail shaker.

Can I leave the lemon juice out of the recipe?

Technically, yes, but the recipe will lack balance without the lemon juice. Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the sweet pumpkin butter. Swap lemon juice with orange or apple juice if you prefer.

Can I batch make this recipe?

Yup, the recipe can be scaled up simply by multiplying it by the number you’d like to make.

Can I add other spices to this pumpkin whiskey cocktail?

Yes, a couple of other spices to try include cinnamon sticks, some freshly grated nutmeg, or ginger. Take it easy not to overdo it, though.

More Fall Whiskey Recipes to Try

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