Pumpkin Espresso Martini

PUMPKIN ESPRESSO MARTINI

It’s September y’all. I am more than ready to begin spooky season. All things are Fall Y’ALL.

I’m not a giant fan of pumpkin pie, but I do love all drinks and treats flavored pumpkin. And when I tell you that Heinen's has canned organic pumpkin purèe for $1.99, you better believe it. I buy them by the dozen. We also add some to our dog’s food bowls as a seasonal treat and fiber additive - but that’s for a different blog post.

You can rim it with what you like, but I wanted a nice chunky cane sugar.

You will need to make the pumpkin spice simple syrup before you dive into these drinks. It’s a real treat I can assure you. It will need to steep for about 30 minutes off the burner, so that the mixture can really absorb the cinnamon stick flavor and the denseness from the pumpkin puree. You will also need to strain this syrup in multiple batches. It makes a lot, and it’s very thick. I think I strained the syrup in about 4 sifter pulls. And by that I mean you pour what can fit in the sifter over a large cup, and let it sit, hitting the sides to let it pass more through. Washing it in between portions will help clear the sifter.

PUMPKIN ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE

Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ingredients

• 1 cup white cane sugar

• 1 cup water

• 2 oz Heinen’s organic pumpkin purèe

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice seasoning

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• 2 cinnamon sticks

Martini Ingredients

• shaker with ice

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1.5 oz espresso

• 1 oz baileys irish cream liquor

• 1 oz pumpkin spice syrup

• white cane sugar for the rim with a lemon wedge to wet rim

• cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions

For the syrup, bring water to a boil, and add in the sugar. After fully dissolved, only should take about a minute, add in the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes, then turn off burner. Cover with lid, and let it steep for 30. You will need to strain this a little at a time to get a smooth syrup without any puree bits. Set aside to make drinks with a small measuring glass. I use a little oz measurement pyrex.

For the drink, add vodka, espresso, cream liqueur, pumpkin spice syrup, and ice to a shaker.

Shake for 10-20 seconds.

Strain into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with sugar and cinnamon stick.