The Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte cocktail brings cozy warmth and festive fun together with a boozy twist. Imagine crisp leaves, sweaters, and the aroma of cinnamon drifting through the air. This modern classic upgrades everyone’s favorite coffeehouse treat, adding whiskey or spiced rum for a little extra glow. Served hot or iced, each sip will wrap you in fall nostalgia and comfort.
✨ What Makes the Cocktail Unique?
A Spiked PSL stands out for its creamy texture, distinctive pumpkin spice flavor, and an adult kick. Pumpkin puree blends with velvety milk, aromatic espresso, autumn spices, and hints of vanilla. The spirit you choose—bourbon, rye, or spiced rum—elevates the drink, creating a seasonal treat that’s both spirited and smooth. It’s the ultimate cozy cocktail for cold weather and holiday gatherings.
📖 Recipe
Servings: 1
Time: Under 5 minutes
Difficulty: Comfortably Simple
🍹 Ingredients
- 1 oz whiskey or spiced rum
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 oz espresso or strong coffee
- 1.5 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, cinnamon stick for garnish
🥂 Preparation Steps
- Heat milk gently in a saucepan (do not boil). Whisk in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour hot espresso into a large mug. Add the spiked milk mixture and whiskey or rum.
- Stir well, top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
- For iced: shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice, garnish as above.
🍁 Variations & Tips
- Try rye whiskey for extra spice, or use dark rum for tropical warmth.
- Use sweetened condensed milk for richer texture and flavor.
- Swap maple syrup for honey, or experiment with homemade spice blends for your own signature twist.
- For a decaf version, use chicory coffee or hot chocolate as your base.
🍂 Perfect Setting
Sip this cocktail by the fire, during autumn movie nights, or at festive brunches with friends. It’s unbeatable for holiday gatherings, chilly evenings wrapped in blankets, or anytime you crave a taste of fall. Raise your mug and toast to sweater weather. Cheers!
📜 Fall’s Favorite Obsession with a Spirited Past
Pumpkin spice lattes began their journey at coffeehouses like Starbucks in the early 2000s, rocketing to cult status and inspiring an entire generation’s love for cozy seasonal drinks. The spice blend itself, however, traces back centuries to American pumpkin pie recipes—a tradition of harnessing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to bring warmth and comfort as days grow short.
Spiked versions for home entertaining have flourished as creative bartenders and home mixologists turned comfort into celebration. Adding whiskey, rum, or even brandy has transformed the PSL from a quick café treat into a luxurious cocktail for gatherings both intimate and lively. These festive concoctions connect past and present: ritual, creativity, and a little autumn magic in every glass. Whether enjoyed at a Halloween party or a quiet moment on a blustery afternoon, this drink is the ultimate toast to the joys of harvest season.