Pumpkin Spice Amaro Recipe – Perfect Fall Cocktail

Posted on November 4, 2025

The moment I take a sip of this Pumpkin Spice Amaro, I’m transported to crisp autumn evenings where the golden hues of fall leaves scatter across the ground. This cocktail is cozy, indulgent, and a true celebration of the season. Imagine the warming spices of pumpkin pie mixed with the smooth complexity of amaro—it’s like sweater weather in a glass. If you’re looking for the ultimate fall cocktail to impress friends or simply treat yourself after a long day, this Pumpkin Spice Amaro recipe has got you covered.

I first discovered the magic of pairing pumpkin spice with amaro at a small, tucked-away bar during a trip to Vermont. The bartender combined earthy, spiced flavors with a hint of bitter amaro, and it was love at first sip. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I experimented at home until I perfected my own version. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just curling up with a book, this cocktail will instantly elevate the mood.

This recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients, but the flavors are anything but basic. The pumpkin spice syrup brings sweetness and warmth, while the amaro adds depth and sophistication. Trust me—this is the fall drink you didn’t know you needed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Fall Flavors: The combination of pumpkin spice and amaro creates a luxurious, cozy flavor profile that screams autumn.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Thanksgiving gathering, a Halloween party, or a quiet evening at home, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt down fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—everything can be found at your local store.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, bitterness, or spice level to suit your taste.
Impressive Presentation: With a frothy topping and sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, this cocktail looks as good as it tastes.

What makes this recipe truly special is the balance between the warming spices and the herbal, bitter notes of amaro. It’s not just another pumpkin spice drink—it’s a sophisticated twist for those who love unique and unforgettable cocktails. Plus, the recipe is beginner-friendly, so you can whip it up in minutes and feel like a mixology pro. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it your signature fall drink!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Pumpkin Spice Amaro recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create a drink that’s bursting with seasonal flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Amaro: Choose your favorite brand of amaro. I recommend Averna or Montenegro for their balanced sweetness and herbal complexity.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup: Homemade or store-bought pumpkin spice syrup works great. (If you’re making your own, combine water, sugar, canned pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, then simmer until thickened.)
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty note to balance the sweetness.
Egg White: Optional, but it creates that gorgeous frothy top layer. (For a vegan option, use aquafaba instead.)
Ice: You’ll need ice for shaking and chilling the cocktail.
Nutmeg or Cinnamon: For garnish—freshly grated nutmeg or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds the perfect finishing touch.

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a cocktail that’s both comforting and elegant. Feel free to experiment with substitutions if needed—for example, swapping the pumpkin spice syrup with maple syrup for a different fall vibe.

Equipment Needed

Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling the drink. If you don’t have one, use a mason jar with a tight lid.
Helps strain out ice while pouring the cocktail. A simple mesh strainer works, too.
Bar Spoon: For stirring the syrup and amaro together initially.
Jigger: Precisely measure your ingredients for consistent results. If you don’t have one, use a tablespoon as a substitute.
Fine Grater: Use this to freshly grate nutmeg for garnish—it makes all the difference!
Glassware: A coupe glass or rocks glass works beautifully for this cocktail.

If you’re just starting to build your home bar, don’t worry—most of these tools are inexpensive and easy to find. And trust me, once you make this cocktail, you’ll want to use your shaker all the time!

Preparation Method

Begin by preparing your cocktail shaker. Add ice to fill about halfway.
Measure and pour 2 oz (60 ml) of amaro into the shaker.
Add 1 oz (30 ml) of pumpkin spice syrup. If you’re using homemade syrup, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature.
Squeeze ½ oz (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice and add it to the shaker.
Optional: Separate an egg white and add it to the shaker for frothiness. (Use aquafaba for a vegan alternative.)
Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
Strain the mixture into your chosen glass using a Hawthorne strainer. If you’ve added egg white, you should see a frothy top layer.
Grate fresh nutmeg or sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your luxurious Pumpkin Spice Amaro cocktail!

Pro tip: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a dash of bitters or increase the amount of amaro slightly. It’s all about finding your perfect balance!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

When shaking with egg white, make sure to shake thoroughly to create a velvety foam. You can even dry-shake (without ice) first, then add ice and shake again.
Use fresh lemon juice whenever possible. Bottled juice lacks the brightness needed to complement the pumpkin spice and amaro.
If your homemade pumpkin spice syrup is too thick, thin it out with a splash of water before adding it to the cocktail.
Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail—it keeps the drink colder for longer and enhances the experience.
Don’t skip the garnish! Freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon really ties the drink together and adds an inviting aroma.

These little techniques make a big difference in ensuring the cocktail turns out perfectly every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust based on your preferences!

Variations & Adaptations

Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free pumpkin spice syrup or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Alcohol-Free Version: Swap the amaro with a non-alcoholic bitters substitute for a booze-free treat.
Maple Twist: Replace pumpkin spice syrup with maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
Spiced Apple Amaro: Add 1 oz (30 ml) of apple cider to the mix for a fruity autumn spin.
Hot Cocktail: Warm the pumpkin spice syrup and amaro, then skip the ice and serve in a heatproof mug.

One of my personal favorites is adding a splash of vanilla extract to the mix—it adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Pumpkin Spice Amaro cocktail is best served chilled, in a coupe or rocks glass. For an elegant presentation, garnish it with freshly grated nutmeg or a small cinnamon stick. Pair it with roasted nuts, spiced cookies, or fall-inspired appetizers to make it a complete experience.

If you have leftover pumpkin spice syrup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For pre-mixed cocktails, you can refrigerate the batch in a sealed bottle for up to 24 hours—just give it a quick shake before serving.

Reheating isn’t necessary for this cocktail, but if you decide to try the warm variation, make sure to gently heat the mixture on the stovetop to preserve its flavor.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this cocktail is meant to be a treat, it does have some redeeming qualities!

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving (depending on syrup used).
Herbal Benefits: Amaro contains digestive-friendly herbs that can help settle your stomach.
Low-Carb Option: Opt for a sugar-free syrup to reduce carbs.
Seasonal Ingredients: Pumpkin spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Always check the labels of store-bought syrups and amaro for allergens or added sugars.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Amaro recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the cozy magic of fall. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and easy to customize for any occasion. I love how it brings together the warmth of pumpkin spices with the complexity of amaro—every sip feels like a hug in a glass.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Feel free to share your own variations, and don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can make it again and again. Cheers to a season filled with delicious cocktails and unforgettable moments!

FAQs

Can I make this cocktail without amaro?

Yes! You can substitute amaro with a non-alcoholic bitters or herbal soda for a booze-free option.

What’s the best way to make pumpkin spice syrup?

Combine equal parts water and sugar, add canned pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and simmer until thickened. Strain before using.

Can I use aquafaba instead of egg white?

Absolutely! Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) works perfectly as a vegan alternative for frothy cocktails.

What glass should I use for serving?

A coupe glass or rocks glass is ideal for this cocktail, but any sturdy glass will work.

How long does homemade pumpkin spice syrup last?

Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Pin This Recipe!