Probably the last thing you think of in a cocktail is pumpkin; but done right, pumpkin makes a tasty change-up to a traditional Old Fashioned. I love using a nice smokey bourbon, like Knob Creek, to make it an even more rich and interesting drink.
Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense, plant food that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and low in calories. Pumpkin has many health benefits and is an excellent source of beta-carotene; a super antioxidant contained in the skin and flesh of the pumpkin, and the source of its bright orange color. Once ingested, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamins A and C — which makes it helpful in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. Pumpkin is also a great source of fiber, something lacking in the Standard American diet.
I like to use fresh squeezed orange juice to add even more health benefits. Oranges have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits, they are also a well-known source of vitamin C. One orange contains 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, which has been linked to a reduction many types of cancer. Oranges are also a super antioxidant, and help to lower inflammation in the body and improve cardiovascular health. I use maple syrup instead of simple syrup. A little maple syrup goes a long way, and it is a good source of zinc and manganese. Zinc keeps our immune cells strong, and manganese helps protect our cells mitochondria from damage. The Pumpkin Old Fashioned is practically a tasty health tonic!

Pumpkin Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp organic pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp organic maple syrup
- 3 oz bourbon whiskey or mezcal tequila
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- Orange twist or slice charred orange
- Bourbon marinated cherry optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
- Garnish with a charred orange twist or caramelized orange slice and a marinated cherry
For other recipes to pumpkin spice your life, try my pumpkin spice powerballs.