Pumpkin Spice Margarita

Why We Love This Recipe

• Fall flavors: Pumpkin spice simple syrup is absolutely delicious with a splash of orange juice and Cointreau (orange liqueur) for a delicious fall twist on a classic margarita.
• Quick and easy: If you're making the simple syrup from scratch, you'll need a bit of extra prep time. But, you can also use store-bought, or you can make the syrup well ahead of time (and use it in coffee, oats, waffles, etc) to make this recipe super quick and easy.
• Cinnamon sugar rim: I'll take any excuse to make a fun cocktail rim, and this cinnamon sugar one is no exception! It's a delicious complement to this pumpkin spice margarita, but you can also stick with a regular salt rim for something more traditional.
• Perfect for entertaining: Measure out the quantities up to several days ahead of a holiday or entertaining occasion for super quick assembly the day of the event. If you're not using store-bought pumpkin spice simple syrup, you can make our homemade recipe up to several weeks ahead of time!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make these pumpkin spice margaritas:

Ingredient Notes

• Tequila: We used reposado tequila in this recipe. Reposado is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a slightly oaky/vanilla/honey-like flavor. This makes it the perfect pairing for fall flavors. You can also use silver/blanco tequila if preferred.
• Cointreau: You can use Cointreau or another any another orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or triple sec in this recipe.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice goes a long way in this recipe towards adding freshness and acidity that helps to balance the sweetness of the simple syrup.
• Cinnamon sugar rim: the rim is optional, but encouraged! It's delicious and adds a fun extra flair. You can also just use a regular salt rim, or no rim at all.
• Pumpkin spice simple syrup: This homemade syrup is perfect in cocktails or in your morning coffee, and it's critical to getting this cocktail to taste just right. Check out how to make it here. You can also sub with store-bought if preferred. From late summer-winter, you should be able to easily find this in most grocery stores. It's may be located near the baking aisle, the coffee aisle, the alcoholic beverages section, or the condiment section.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always our first choice, but store-bought is perfectly fine in these pumpkin spice margaritas!

Instructions

(1) Combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt on a small, flat plate. Pour a small amount of maple syrup on another small plate. Dip the rim of the glass in a bit of maple syrup.

(2) Next, dip the glasses into the sugar and salt mixture and fill the glass halfway with ice.

(3) Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

(4) Shake well for at least 10 seconds. Strain the pumpkin spice margarita mixture into the glass and enjoy!

Homemade Pumpkin Simple Syrup

If you're not using store-bought pumpkin spice simple syrup, here's how to make it from scratch:

(1) Add 1 cup maple syrup, 1 cup water, and ½ cup pumpkin pureé to a small saucepan and whisk together over medium-high heat.

(2) Using a small paring knife, carefully cut a slit in a 5-inch vanilla bean from the top to the bottom. Using the edge of the knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pod. You may need to scrape more than once to make sure you get everything. (Alternatively, use 2 teaspoon regular vanilla extract.)

(3) Add 4 whole cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon fresh, minced ginger, vanilla bean seeds (as well as the leftover pod) and 1 teaspoon of whole cloves to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

(4) Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks with tongs, then strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve. You'll have to use a spatula to push the liquid through, since the pumpkin residue makes it thick.

Get as much liquid out as you possibly can, then transfer to a mason jar or other sealed container for storage.

Get more tips on how to make and use this syrup in this post.

Expert Tips and FAQs

• Make ahead: if you're serving these pumpkin spice margaritas for a crowd, feel free to multiply the ingredients and mix everything up ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Be sure to shake or stir well again before serving so everyone gets a well balanced drink! You can make up to 24 hours ahead of time.
• Serving suggestions: This cocktail has a sweet, slightly spiced flavor profile with a bit of acid, so it pairs very well with fall salads, pumpkin desserts, and most Thanksgiving main dishes. It's also great served with fall appetizers like pumpkin hummus and persimmon crostini.
• Garnish: With the cinnamon sugar rim, you don't need anything super special to garnish these pumpkin spice margaritas, but you can never go wrong with a cinnamon stick.
• Uses for leftover pumpkin spice simple syrup: If you're making our syrup from scratch, here are a few ways to use up the rest!
  • Topping for waffles, pancakes, french toast, etc
  • Stir into oatmeal, chia pudding, yogurt, overnights oats, etc
  • Add to your morning coffee (hello, homemade pumpkin spice latte!)
  • Add to other fall cocktails, like a white russian, cranberry orange mimosa, or pumpkin spice espresso martini

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