Name: Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup pecans; 4 cinnamon sticks; 1 bar spoon pumpkin butter; ½ ounce spiced pecan syrup; 2 ounces bourbon; 2 dashes chocolate bitters; Shaved chocolate, for garnish; 3 pecans, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 70 reviews

If you are craving a cocktail that perfectly captures the warmth and richness of autumn, look no further than this Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe. It beautifully marries the cozy sweetness of pumpkin butter with a deeply flavorful spiced pecan syrup, complemented by smooth bourbon and just a hint of chocolate bitters. Every sip feels like a celebration of fall’s best flavors, making it an instant favorite for cool evenings and festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a dark brown liquid that covers a layer of glossy pecans and two cinnamon sticks resting on top. The pecans are medium brown with smooth, wrinkled skin and the cinnamon sticks have a rough texture with a deep reddish-brown color. In the background, there are two small orange pumpkins slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface. The image is close up, showing reflections and droplets on the inside of the glass bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this cocktail. Each component, from the spiced pecan syrup to the pumpkin butter, plays a unique role in balancing texture, aroma, and flavor — simple essentials that come together to create a deliciously complex drink.

Water: The base for making the spiced pecan syrup, helping dissolve sugar and infuse flavors.
Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness that enriches the syrup’s character.
Pecans: Toasted to release their nutty aroma, these provide that signature pecan flavor in the syrup.
Cinnamon sticks: Classic fall spice that infuses warmth and a fragrant hint to the syrup.
Pumpkin butter: Brings creamy, spiced pumpkin notes and natural sweetness to the cocktail.
Spiced pecan syrup: A luscious, homemade syrup that ties the nutty and spiced elements perfectly.
Bourbon: The soul of this Old Fashioned, delivering smooth, rich depth and a subtle smoky edge.
Chocolate bitters: Adding a unique twist with slight cocoa bitterness, enhancing the overall complexity.
Ice: Essential for chilling and mellowing the cocktail to a perfect sipping temperature.
Shaved chocolate and whole pecans (for garnish): Finishing touches that make this drink as beautiful as it is tasty.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Pecan Syrup

Start by combining 1 cup of water, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of pecans, and 4 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar fully and extract all the warm, nutty spices.

Once simmered, remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup steep for another 10 minutes. This resting step intensifies the cinnamon and pecan flavors. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and allow it to cool completely. Store it in the refrigerator—this syrup can last up to two weeks and is a versatile ingredient for other fall-inspired cocktails and desserts.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill your drink properly. Add a bar spoon of pumpkin butter, ½ ounce of your freshly made spiced pecan syrup, 2 ounces of smooth bourbon, and 2 dashes of chocolate bitters. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly for about 20 to 30 seconds. Stirring, instead of shaking, preserves the silky texture and clarity of the cocktail while blending the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle shaved chocolate on top and finish with three whole pecans elegantly placed on the surface. This final flourish adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor that complements the ingredients perfectly.

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe

A short clear glass filled with an amber liquid and two large square ice cubes inside sits on a white marbled surface. The top of the drink is covered with a fine layer of grated chocolate. Around the glass, there are small bright orange pumpkins, a few pecans, and small pieces of dark chocolate scattered on the surface. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the drink and the autumn-themed items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is not just about looks — it enhances your drinking experience. The shaved chocolate introduces a slight bitterness that counterbalances the sweet and spicy notes. Whole pecans add texture and a nutty aroma that engages your senses before each sip. Feel free to experiment with a cinnamon stick stirrer for an aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with fall-inspired appetizers such as roasted butternut squash bites, soft cheeses like brie or camembert, or even a spiced nut mix. The richness of the bourbon and sweetness of the pumpkin and pecan syrup balance savory and creamy flavors perfectly, making your snack selection just as cozy as the drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some extra charm to your presentation by serving the cocktail in a vintage rocks glass or a mug rimmed with cinnamon sugar. For gatherings, consider making a batch of the Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe in a punch bowl complete with floating cinnamon sticks and pecan halves. This not only looks stunning but welcomes your guests with festive allure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover cocktail or spiced pecan syrup, keep them refrigerated. The syrup’s flavor actually deepens over a few days, but the cocktail itself is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the pumpkin butter’s texture and the lively bourbon flavors.

Freezing

This cocktail is not suitable for freezing because the pumpkin butter and syrup texture would separate and lose their vibrant flavors upon thawing. The syrup, however, can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months if you want to preserve it longer.

Reheating

Since this drink is designed to be served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm version, consider using the spiced pecan syrup to sweeten hot toddies or spiced coffee, which will carry those same cozy autumn vibes beautifully.

FAQs

What makes this Old Fashioned different from the classic one?

The addition of pumpkin butter and spiced pecan syrup introduces distinct autumn flavors that add sweetness and spice, transforming the traditional Old Fashioned into a seasonal sensation. The chocolate bitters also add a unique twist that plays wonderfully with these warm ingredients.

Can I make the spiced pecan syrup in advance?

Absolutely! The spiced pecan syrup is great to prepare ahead and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Having it ready means you can whip up the Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe anytime the mood strikes.

What type of bourbon works best?

Choose a bourbon with a smooth, slightly sweet profile, like a small-batch or a classic Kentucky bourbon. Avoid overly smoky or high-proof varieties to keep the cocktail balanced and let the pumpkin and pecan flavors shine.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes! Replace bourbon with a robust black tea or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative and keep the pumpkin butter and spiced pecan syrup. This mix offers a warming, flavorful drink without the alcohol but with all the comforting fall notes.

How do I make pumpkin butter at home?

Pumpkin butter is a thick, spiced pumpkin spread made by simmering pureed pumpkin with sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until thickened. It’s widely available in stores, but homemade versions give you control over sweetness and spice levels and are perfect for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe is a heartfelt invitation to embrace all the best parts of fall in a glass. With its luscious interplay of rich bourbon, sweet pumpkin butter, and spiced pecan syrup, it’s a cocktail that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy seasonal treat!

Spiced Pumpkin and Pecan Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need