“this gourd is on fire” pumpkin smash

Sing it, Alicia Keys.

Our last spooky drink of 2022: “This Gourd is on Fire” Pumpkin Smash. I did the gold glitter thing and the eerie graveyard fog, so it was prime time to whip out the kitchen torch and burst some shit into flames. Boy oh boy, did J had a blast with that.

Get it? Blast? Heh. Heh. Okay.

This simple little drink is loads of fun for Halloween. Impress your guests with a little blue tendril of fire and even more so with the tasty simplicity of the cocktail. Homemade, warming cider pumpkin spice syrup, bourbon, and a splash of OJ is the perfect combination for cozying up on a cool, festive fall night. Obviously, do not handle flames or anything like that if you’re already inebriated or otherwise compromised.

I’ve been pretty inspired lately by the giant jug of apple cider in my fridge, and am trying to find as many ways as possible to use it up. I love a good pumpkin recipe and adding cider to some component or another really dials in all kinds of autumnal vibes. An extra layer of spice, it is.

Couple that with some bourbon and man, you’ve got a winner for the season. Spicy, easy, strong, everything you need in a good drink.

Looks Like a Pumpkin, but She’s a Flame

The drink itself is lovely without any fiery embellishment, so if you’re not keen on that part, not to fear. You’re not missing out on any extra flavor.

Take some time to heat up the cider pumpkin spice syrup. Mix apple cider, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and allspice in a saucepot and boil until thickened and combined.

Then, shake up some of the syrup, bourbon, orange bitters, and orange juice. Pour into a cocktail glass, and choose your poison from here: flames, or no flames.

If you don’t want the fire, add a couple ice cubes, a cinnamon stick and star anise to garnish, and serve as is. Or…

Omit ice and pour in some 151 proof rum. This overproofed style is key for creating the noticeable flames: the rum will burn blue, which is a neat effect on its own. I like to sprinkle some cinnamon into the fire to create the orange sparks. You don’t need a lot, just a gentle shake.

Blow out the flame, throw in an ice cube, and serve. If you don’t want the taste of the rum in the cocktail, simply mix up the pitcher version, pour out one or two portions to show off the fire, and use the rest as is.

If you’re up to Halloween shenanigans this weekend, or any kind of shenanigans, be safe, have fun, and wear some cool-ass costumes instead of cops and nurses and shit. I mean, if you do that, that’s your business, but I’ll always notice the can of Spam first personally.

Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!

More to make on Halloween:

Lil Monster Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Erebor (G)old Fashioned

Spooky Mummy Brownies

The Balrog of Morgoth Margarita

“this gourd is on fire” pumpkin smash

Fall intensifies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Course Drinks

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2-3 tbsp cider pumpkin spice syrup (recipe below)
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1-2 dashes orange bitters
• 151 proof rum and cinnamon, for flames and sparks (optional)

cider pumpkin spice syrup

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp allspice

Instructions

 

• To make the syrup: in a small saucepot, combine the cider, maple syrup, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes until thickened and the spices and maple syrup dissolve. Let cool. This recipe makes enough syrup for about 6-8 drinks.
• In a jar or cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, syrup, orange juice, and bitters. Shake or stir to combine and pour into a cocktail glass. You can stop here and add ice, a cinnamon stick, and a star anise, or…
• If you'd like flames, pour 1/2 oz 151 proof rum into the drink. Place the glass on a heatproof surface. Carefully use a kitchen torch or long-stem lighter to ignite the drink. If desired, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon powder to create sparks. Blow the flame out, add ice to chill, and drink!

Keyword apple cider, bourbon, cocktails, fall, halloween, pumpkin, smash