Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri: Autumn’s Tropical Escape in a Glass
The Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri is where beach vacation vibes meet cozy fall flavors. At first, the pairing might sound unlikely—rum and pumpkin? But the result is stunning: a cocktail that’s creamy, spiced, frosty, and refreshing, with all the warming comfort of pumpkin pie layered into the tropical elegance of a daiquiri.
It’s perfect for those early fall days when the weather can’t decide if it’s still summer or already sweater season, and it makes a playful choice for Halloween parties, Friendsgiving gatherings, or seasonal cocktail nights. Imagine sipping pumpkin spice with a hint of Caribbean sunshine—that’s the Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri.
Quick Facts: Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri
Method: blended
Flavor profile: creamy, spiced, tropical-meets-cozy
How to serve it: blended, frosty, and thick
Glassware: coupe, hurricane, or stemmed goblet
Alcohol content: ~15–18% ABV, ~17–20 grams alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged rum (or dark rum for depth)
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1½ oz pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- ¾ oz pumpkin spice syrup (see note)
- ½ oz maple syrup (optional for richer sweetness)
- ½ oz triple sec or Cointreau (optional, for citrus lift)
- 1½ cups crushed ice
- Garnish: grated nutmeg, cinnamon stick, or lime wheel
Ingredient Notes
Rum:
Aged or dark rum works best, offering vanilla, caramel, and spice notes to complement pumpkin. Try:
- Plantation Original Dark
- Appleton Estate
- Mount Gay Eclipse
Pumpkin Purée:
Go for smooth, unsweetened purée (canned or homemade). Avoid pie filling—it’s already spiced and sweetened.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup:
Store-bought (Torani, Monin) works fine, but homemade makes it shine. Simmer equal parts sugar and water with 2 tbsp pumpkin purée + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, strain, and cool.
Citrus:
Fresh lime juice is essential—it balances the richness with acidity.
Equipment Needed
- Blender (high-powered works best for smooth texture)
- Jigger
- Measuring spoons
- Glassware (coupe, hurricane, or goblet)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Add to blender.
Combine rum, lime juice, pumpkin purée, pumpkin spice syrup, maple syrup (if using), triple sec (if using), and crushed ice in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
Pulse until the mixture is creamy, thick, and frosty. Adjust ice for texture—add more for slushier consistency.
3. Taste and adjust.
Add more syrup if you want it sweeter, or more lime juice for brightness.
4. Serve and garnish.
Pour into a chilled coupe or hurricane glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a lime wheel.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri is playful yet layered:
- First sip: Bright lime acidity balanced by pumpkin creaminess
- Mid-palate: Rum warmth with cinnamon and nutmeg spice
- Finish: Smooth maple-pumpkin sweetness with tropical undertones
Mouthfeel: Thick, velvety, and icy—almost like a spiced pumpkin milkshake with a daiquiri backbone.
Garnishing and Presentation
Glassware:
- Coupe for sleek presentation
- Hurricane glass for a tropical feel
- Stemmed goblet for festive parties
Garnish ideas:
- Grated nutmeg or cinnamon dusting
- Cinnamon stick straw
- Lime wheel perched on the rim
- Mini pumpkin candy for a playful holiday touch
Pro tip: Chill your glass before pouring for maximum frosty effect.
Pairing Suggestions
The Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri balances richness with acidity, making it versatile:
Savory pairings:
- Spicy jerk chicken skewers (tropical contrast)
- Roasted squash crostini
- Sharp cheddar or manchego
- Pumpkin-sage ravioli
Sweet pairings:
- Pumpkin cheesecake
- Cinnamon churros
- Pecan pie bites
- Chocolate-dipped ginger cookies
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Daiquiri is a Cuban classic, traditionally made with rum, lime, and sugar, shaken or blended with ice. The frozen variation gained popularity in mid-20th century America, turning into a tropical staple.
The Pumpkin Daiquiri is a modern seasonal riff, reflecting how bartenders experiment with beloved classics using fall’s most iconic ingredient. By blending pumpkin with lime and rum, this cocktail highlights how unexpected flavor pairings can feel both fresh and nostalgic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri:
- At Halloween parties, with festive garnishes
- As a pre-dinner aperitif at autumn gatherings
- On warm fall afternoons, when a hot toddy feels too heavy
- For dessert cocktails, paired with pies and sweets
Batching tip (for 6 servings):
- 12 oz rum
- 6 oz lime juice
- 9 oz pumpkin purée
- 4½ oz pumpkin spice syrup
- 3 oz triple sec (optional)
- 9 cups crushed ice
Blend in batches and serve immediately.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
At ~15–18% ABV, this is festive but approachable.
To reduce strength:
- Use 1½ oz rum and add ½ oz apple cider
- Increase ice for dilution
Non-alcoholic version:
- Replace rum with NA rum or apple cider
- Keep pumpkin purée, lime, syrup, and ice the same
- Blend and garnish as above
Variations:
- Maple Pumpkin Daiquiri: Swap pumpkin spice syrup for maple syrup
- Coconut Pumpkin Daiquiri: Add 1 oz coconut cream for a tropical pumpkin piña colada vibe
- Smoky Pumpkin Daiquiri: Split base with rum and mezcal for an autumn bonfire twist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the pumpkin make it too thick?
Not if balanced with lime juice and enough ice. Blend well for a creamy texture.
Can I make it ahead?
Not ideal, as frozen drinks separate when sitting. You can prep ingredients and blend to order.
Do I need triple sec?
Optional—it adds citrus brightness but isn’t essential.
Can I make it without a blender?
Not for the frozen style. For a shaken version, muddle pumpkin with syrup and lime, shake with rum, and strain over ice.
Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz aged rum
1 oz lime juice
1½ oz pumpkin purée
¾ oz pumpkin spice syrup
½ oz maple syrup (optional)
½ oz triple sec (optional)
1½ cups crushed ice
Garnish: grated nutmeg, cinnamon stick, lime wheel
Directions
- Blend rum, lime juice, pumpkin purée, syrup(s), triple sec, and ice until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.
- Pour into chilled glass, garnish, and serve immediately.
Conclusion
The Frozen Pumpkin Daiquiri is proof that fall cocktails don’t all have to be heavy and hot. With pumpkin spice richness balanced by lime’s brightness and rum’s tropical warmth, it’s a cocktail that feels equal parts vacation and harvest season. Perfect for when you want something festive, unexpected, and crowd-pleasing.
