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This pumpkin margarita is made with real pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warm spices — the perfect fall cocktail for pumpkin spice season!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItI’m a margarita girl through and through (I even have an entire post on the best margarita recipes), and this pumpkin margarita is one of my favorite fall cocktails. Creamy pumpkin puree, a pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of maple syrup.
For an extra burst of aroma, I finish it with fresh orange zest — my little secret for making cocktails pop (just like in my cranberry mule). It’s festive, cozy, and perfect for pumpkin carving parties, Halloween cocktails, or Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Spice Margarita Ingredients
Reposado Tequila: The smoky notes of reposado make it the perfect drink for fall. (Blanco tequila works too if you prefer a lighter flavor.)
Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) from the baking aisle for that cozy pumpkin flavor.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup sweetens the cocktail and adds a deep fall flavor. Brown sugar simple syrup also works for extra richness.
Fresh Lime Juice: About 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed!) balances the sweetness with tartness. Keep lime wedges handy for rimming the glass.
Cinnamon Spice: A teaspoon ground cinnamon warms up the flavor. Swap for pumpkin pie spice (with cloves and nutmeg) for the full pumpkin spice flavor.
Orange Zest (Optional): Zest a little orange over the top to elevate the flavor and add a fragrant citrus note. Optional, but I LOVE it!
Salt Mixture for the Rim: Dip the rim of the glass in lime juice, then a small plate of cinnamon sugar or spiced salt for a fun fall cocktail presentation.
Garnishes: A cinnamon stick, dehydrated orange slice, or orange peel twist.
How to Make a Pumpkin Margarita
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the ingredients (save the orange zest for later).
2. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until chilled and well combined.
3. Strain into a margarita glass filled with ice.
4. Zest fresh orange over the top and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dehydrated lime wheel for a festive touch.
Eden’s Recipe Tips
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference in the flavor of your margarita.
Shake Well: Shake for at least 20-30 seconds to ensure the drink is perfectly chilled and mixed.
Customize Your Spice: Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a unique twist.
Rim the Glass: Rim your glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Make a Pitcher of Pumpkin Margaritas
You can easily scale this pumpkin margarita recipe into a batch cocktail. Here’s how:
- Mix in Batches: Make 2-3 margaritas at a time in a shaker, then strain into a pitcher.
- No Ice in the Pitcher: Skip adding ice to the pitcher to avoid diluting the drink. Instead, fill individual glasses with ice.
- Store & Serve: Keep the pitcher in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Give it a stir before pouring into glasses.
Pumpkin Margarita FAQ’s
The classic margarita ratio is 2:1:1 — two parts tequila, one part orange liqueur, and one part fresh lime juice. From there, you can sweeten to taste with agave, maple, or simple syrup. I use this same ratio in my classic margarita, and it’s the base I build on for fun twists like my cucumber margarita, and raspberry margarita.
Classic margaritas usually use triple sec (or another orange liqueur) for that citrusy sweetness, but it’s not required. This recipe skips it and uses real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and maple syrup for sweetness instead. If you want that hint of orange flavor, you can always add a splash of cointreau or fresh orange juice or zest — it blends beautifully with the pumpkin.
Yes! If your margarita feels too strong, thick, or sweet, you can absolutely dilute it. The easiest way is to shake it again with extra ice, which naturally lightens it up. You can also add a splash of water, soda water, or more lime juice to balance it out.
More Margarita Recipes
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Pumpkin Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 3/4 ounce maple syrup
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon , with more sprinkled over the top.
- orange zest , optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and all of the ingredients (leaving out the orange zest)
- Shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a margarita glass filled with ice.
- Zest the orange over the top and add a dash of cinnamon.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lime wheel.
Notes
- Libby’s Canned Pumpkin
- Trader Joe’s Canned Pumpkin
- Farmer’s Market Foods Canned Organic Pumpkin
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
