Introduction

This Pumpkin Margarita puts a festive twist on the classic cocktail, combining warm pumpkin spices with the bright zest of fresh lime. It’s a perfect seasonal drink to cozy up with during fall or any time you crave a unique margarita experience.

Two short clear glasses filled with a bright orange liquid and ice cubes. Each glass is rimmed with a brown spice mix, giving a rough texture around the edge. A fresh lime slice with green skin and pale green flesh is placed on the rim of each glass. A cinnamon stick stands upright inside each drink next to the lime slice. The glasses sit on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks lying in front. The drinks have small water droplets on the glass, showing coldness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
5 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)
3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 lime wheel, plus more for serving
2 oz reposado tequila
3/4 oz store-bought or homemade pumpkin spice syrup or simple syrup
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
Ice
1 lime wedge (optional)
1 cinnamon stick (3 inches, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: To make the pumpkin spice syrup (optional), combine sugar, cinnamon sticks, pumpkin puree, grated ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and 2 cups water in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and thickens, about 6 more minutes. Then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof container and refrigerate until ready to use. The syrup can be made up to 3 weeks in advance and kept refrigerated.
Step 3: Prepare the glass by mixing kosher salt and pumpkin pie spice on a plate. Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wheel, then roll the rim in the spice mixture to coat it well.
Step 4: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, pumpkin spice syrup (or simple syrup), Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and pumpkin puree. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds.
Step 5: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the margarita into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and, if desired, a cinnamon stick and lime wedge.

Tips & Variations

For an easier shortcut, use store-bought pumpkin spice syrup or simple syrup mixed with pumpkin pie spice instead of making your own.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of syrup to your taste.
Try using silver tequila for a lighter flavor or añejo for a richer, aged profile.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a star anise pod for an extra festive touch.

Storage

Keep any leftover pumpkin spice syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three weeks. Prepared margaritas are best enjoyed immediately but can be kept chilled for a few hours. Avoid storing mixed drinks for long periods to maintain freshness and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows two clear glasses filled with an orange-yellow drink, each glass having a thick rim coated with a brown spice powder. Inside the glasses are several ice cubes floating in the drink, giving a cold and refreshing look. Each glass is garnished with a green lime slice on the rim, and a cinnamon stick is placed inside, standing upright. The glasses are resting on a white marble surface with a subtle pattern, and a small part of a golden handle is visible near the glasses. The scene is bright, highlighting the texture of the spice on the rims and the condensation on the glasses. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well and saves time—just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices.

What can I substitute for Cointreau?

If you don’t have Cointreau, you can use another orange-flavored liqueur like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, or even a splash of fresh orange juice for a non-alcoholic option.

Pumpkin Margarita Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

This Pumpkin Margarita is a cozy and festive cocktail blending warm autumn spices with the smoky depth of reposado tequila. Featuring a homemade pumpkin spice syrup infused with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin puree, this drink delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, ideal for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
5 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups water

Margarita

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 lime wheel, plus more for serving
2 oz reposado tequila
3/4 oz store-bought or homemade pumpkin spice syrup (see above) or simple syrup
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
Ice
1 lime wedge (optional, for garnish)
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Make Pumpkin Spice Syrup (Optional): In a medium pot over medium heat, combine sugar, cinnamon sticks, pumpkin puree, grated ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and 2 cups of water. Stir frequently until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Then continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and thickens slightly, about 6 more minutes.
Strain Syrup: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small heatproof container to remove solids. Refrigerate the syrup until ready to use. It can be made up to 3 weeks ahead and kept refrigerated.
Prepare Glass Rim: On a plate, mix kosher salt and pumpkin pie spice. Rub a lime wheel around the rim of a rocks glass, then roll the rim in the spice and salt mixture to coat evenly.
Mix Margarita: In a cocktail shaker, combine reposado tequila, pumpkin spice syrup (or simple syrup), Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and pumpkin puree. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, about 20 seconds.
Serve: Fill the prepared glass with ice. Strain the margarita mixture into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and a cinnamon stick if desired. Optionally add a lime wedge for extra garnish.

Notes

The pumpkin spice syrup is optional but adds a rich, authentic autumn flavor to the margarita.
The syrup can be made ahead up to 3 weeks and stored refrigerated for convenience.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of pumpkin spice syrup or substituting simple syrup if preferred.
Reposado tequila is recommended for its smooth, aged flavor that complements the spices.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the tequila and Cointreau and replace with sparkling water and additional pumpkin spice syrup to taste.

Keywords: pumpkin margarita, fall cocktail, autumn drink, pumpkin spice cocktail, tequila cocktail, homemade pumpkin syrup