Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule: A Cozy Autumn Upgrade to a Crisp Classic

The Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule is where the fresh, zesty kick of a traditional mule meets the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Built on the classic foundation of vodka, ginger beer, and lime, this autumn twist brings in pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice syrup for a cocktail that’s refreshing yet seasonal—like sipping a pumpkin pie with a ginger snap crust.

It’s a drink that works equally well at a Halloween party, Thanksgiving happy hour, or just as a personal treat when you want something festive without fuss. Best of all, it’s still a quick, built-in-glass drink, meaning you get maximum flavor with minimum effort.

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Quick Facts: Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule

Method: built in glass
Flavor profile: crisp, spicy, and warmly sweet
How to serve it: over ice
Glassware: copper mug (traditional) or highball glass
Alcohol content: ~11–13% ABV, ~12–16 grams alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• ½ oz pumpkin spice syrup (see note)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 3–4 oz ginger beer (chilled)
• Garnish: cinnamon stick, lime wheel, or apple slice
• Ice (crushed or cubed)

Ingredient Notes:

Vodka:
A clean, smooth vodka lets the pumpkin and ginger shine. Try Tito’s, Ketel One, or Absolut Elyx for an extra touch of luxury.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup:

• Store-bought (Torani, Monin) is quick and reliable.
• Homemade: Simmer 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp pumpkin purée, and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice for 10 minutes, strain, and cool.

Pumpkin Purée:
Unsweetened is key—canned or homemade both work. This adds body and real pumpkin flavor.

Ginger Beer:
Choose a bold, spicy ginger beer like Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, or Q Mixers for balance.

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Equipment Needed

• Copper mug or highball glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Citrus juicer
• Ice (crushed or cubed)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add pumpkin and syrup.
In your mug or glass, combine pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice syrup. Stir to blend.

2. Add vodka and lime.
Pour in vodka and fresh lime juice. Stir again to integrate the flavors.

3. Add ice and ginger beer.
Fill the mug with ice. Top with chilled ginger beer. Stir gently to mix without losing carbonation.

4. Garnish.
Add a cinnamon stick, lime wheel, or thin apple slice for a festive touch.

5. Serve immediately.
Mules are best fresh—serve with a straw for sipping.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule hits all the right seasonal notes without being heavy:

• First sip: Crisp ginger and bright lime
• Mid-palate: Creamy pumpkin and warm cinnamon/nutmeg spice
• Finish: Lingering ginger heat and gentle sweetness

Mouthfeel: Light and effervescent with a touch of creamy texture from the pumpkin purée.

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Garnishing and Presentation

Glassware:
A copper mug keeps the drink colder longer and adds the traditional mule aesthetic. A highball glass works if you want to show off the drink’s orange-gold hue.

Garnish ideas:

• Cinnamon stick for stir-and-sip
• Lime wheel for a pop of green
• Thin apple slice for fall vibes
• Star anise for visual drama

Pro tip: If you want a silky texture, whisk or shake the pumpkin, syrup, vodka, and lime together before adding ginger beer.

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Pairing Suggestions

This mule pairs well with both savory fall fare and spiced sweets:

Savory:

• Roast turkey sliders
• Pumpkin-sage pasta
• Soft pretzels with mustard
• Cheddar and apple tart

Sweet:

• Ginger molasses cookies
• Pumpkin cheesecake
• Cinnamon sugar donuts
• Apple pie

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Moscow Mule was invented in the early 1940s in the U.S., born from a marketing push to popularize vodka (then a niche spirit) and ginger beer. Traditionally served in a copper mug, it’s one of the earliest vodka cocktails to gain national fame.

This pumpkin spice twist is a 21st-century seasonal adaptation, joining other autumn mule riffs like the Apple Cider Mule and Cranberry Mule. Adding pumpkin purée gives it a creamier mouthfeel and a true pumpkin-pie essence without making it overly sweet.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this cocktail:

• As a welcome drink for fall dinner parties
• At Halloween gatherings, with a cinnamon stick “wand” garnish
• For Friendsgiving brunch, alongside savory pumpkin dishes
• At tailgates, in pre-batched form (minus the ginger beer)

Batching tip (for 8 servings):

• 16 oz vodka
• 4 oz pumpkin spice syrup
• 8 tbsp pumpkin purée
• 4 oz lime juice
  Mix in a pitcher and chill. Pour 3 oz of the mix over ice in each glass, then top with ginger beer at serving time.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

At ~11–13% ABV, this is an easy-drinking cocktail with moderate strength.

To lower alcohol:

• Reduce vodka to 1½ oz
• Increase ginger beer for more fizz and less booze

Non-alcoholic version:

• Replace vodka with sparkling water or NA vodka
• Use pumpkin spice syrup, purée, lime, and ginger beer as above

Other variations:

• Bourbon Pumpkin Mule: Swap vodka for bourbon for a richer, deeper flavor
• Apple Pumpkin Mule: Add 1 oz apple cider
• Maple Pumpkin Mule: Replace pumpkin spice syrup with maple syrup + pumpkin pie spice

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the pumpkin purée make the drink gritty?
Not if stirred or shaken well—it creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I skip the syrup and just use spice?
Yes, but you’ll lose some sweetness and body. If so, add a little honey or simple syrup.

Do I need a copper mug?
No—it’s traditional, but a highball glass works fine.

How long does it keep?
Once ginger beer is added, it should be served immediately to keep carbonation.

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Conclusion

The Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule proves you can have a drink that’s both crisp and cozy. It keeps the refreshing kick of the classic mule but wraps it in warm pumpkin pie spices—making it the perfect cocktail for when you want autumn in a glass.