Ingredients
Method
Make the Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Combine the water, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly.
Steep and Strain the Syrup
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup steep for 10 minutes. Strain it through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Chill the Mixing Glass
- Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice to chill the drink quickly.
Mix the Cocktail
- Add the bourbon, the cooled pumpkin spice syrup, and the bitters to the ice. Stir well with a bar spoon for about 20 to 30 seconds, until the mixture is cold.
Serve and Garnish
- Place one large ice cube in each of two rocks glasses. Strain the cocktail evenly over the ice. Finish each glass with an orange peel twist and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, do not boil the pumpkin spice syrup too hard. Allow it to cool before mixing with ice. Use only 1 tablespoon of syrup per drink to maintain balance. Stir, do not shake, to keep the cocktail clear and smooth.
