PUMPKIN SPICED OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL
American holiday food has its own particular set of special olfactory triggers. The wafting aromas of the herbs and spices of special meals coming out of the kitchen from early fall to the New Year are a huge part of my own personal holiday memories. None more so than the aromas of a pumpkin pie baking in the oven.
In my house, the pumpkin pies started being baked the same time we started carving pumpkins for Halloween. Mom would pick up a pumpkin for each of us to carve plus a few extra for homemade pumpkin pies. These late October activities were the official start of our family holiday season and Schilling Pumpkin Pie Spice was, and still is, my personal holiday aroma harbinger. When those spices hit my nose I'm ready for scary Halloween costumes, the invasion of pilgrim Thanksgiving decorations and the impending arrival of Santa Claus and Christmas presents.
There is no pumpkin in this cocktail recipe, pumpkin has very little flavor itself and it's not necessary for triggering my holiday mode. All I need is a little pumpkin pie spice. And some bourbon.
ThePUMPKIN SPICEDOLD FASHIONED
INGREDIENTS1 Oz. Jim Beam Maple Bourbon1 Oz. Blended Whiskey1 Oz. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup(Recipe Below)2 Dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
Garnish: Dried Orange Slice, Homemade Bourbon Cherry
Glass: Old Fashioned
DIRECTIONSPrepare the Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup a few hours ahead so it will be cooled for happy hour.Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice. Pour in the ingredients. Stir until chilled then garnish and serve.
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:
PUMPKIN SPICED SIMPLE SYRUP1-1/2 C. Water1-1/2 C. Dark Brown Sugar2 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice1 Tbsp. Vodka
Bring ingredients to boil, immediately reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. This should keep in your refrigerator for several weeks or more thanks to the addition of the vodka.
You can also use this pumpkin spiced simple syrup in your holiday coffee or cocoa or pour it over ice cream or pound cake with some toasted pecans for a quick holiday dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Day is October 1st.
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