DIY Pumpkin Infused Vodka for Fall Cocktails

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Pumpkin and pumpkin spice are two very different things. One highlights the taste of the pumpkin fruit. The other leans into the spices commonly used with pumpkin - cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This pumpkin infused vodka is about the fruit.

We're skipping the spices and letting pure pumpkin hanging out with vodka for a few days before straining it and using that pumpkin vodka in a couple very different pumpkin cocktails.

This is the perfect recipe for pumpkin lovers with a little extra puree left in the can from making other pumpkin goodies.

What You Need

Your favorite vodka
Pumpkin puree
Quart mason jar + lid
Cheesecloth
Fine Mesh Sieve
Coffee Filters (optional)

How to Make the Infusion

Combine the pumpkin puree and vodka in the mason jar.

Screw the lid on tightly and give the mixture a gentle shake.

Let it sit in a cool, dry place for 5 days.

To Strain the Infusion

Place a fine mesh sieve over a medium bowl. Line the sieve with 2 layers of cheesecloth.

Give the vodka mixture one final shake, then slowly pour it through the cheesecloth-lined strainer.

Pouring pumpkin vodka through cheesecloth

Strain the vodka mixture through the cheesecloth.

Dispose of the cheesecloth or rinse it out, hand wash it, and air dry the cheesecloth for reuse.

NOTE: At this point there will be a little bit of pumpkin puree left in your vodka. It's fine to leave it there and store your vodka in the refrigerator. If you want zero puree sediment in your pumpkin vodka, continue with the directions below to remove it.

Replace the cheesecloth in the strainer with a coffee filter and pour ½ of the vodka through the filter.

Pumpkin vodka getting strained through coffee filters

Replace the filter and pour the remaining ½ through the second filter.

(Be patient! It’s going to take a few minutes for all of the liquid to strain through.)

Store the vodka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Recipes for Pumpkin Vodka Cocktails

What kinds of pumpkin cocktails can you make with pumpkin infused vodka? Try one of these two martinis!

Happy Hour Snack Pairing

Tips on Pumpkin Infused Vodka

Do I have to wait 5 days for the infusion?

Yes. Letting the vodka infuse for at least 5 days will ensure a good pumpkin flavor. You can let it infuse for up to 10 days if you’d like.

Why doesn’t this vodka taste sweet?

Unlike most of the flavored vodkas you buy in stores, DIY liquor infusions like this pumpkin vodka don’t contain any sugar or other sweeteners. You’ll add the sweetness when making the cocktail itself, instead of using pre-sweetened vodka.

Why do you strain through cheesecloth and coffee filters?

The cheesecloth will get out most of the pumpkin puree, but not all of it, so it’s strained twice to remove as much pumpkin puree as possible. You can skip straining the vodka a second time through the coffee filters if you don’t mind a little pumpkin puree in your vodka. If you decide to leave some puree in your vodka, be sure to store the vodka in the refrigerator.

Don't Miss These DIY Liquor Infusions

Apple slices being dropped in a mason jar. — Apple Cinnamon Infused Gin

Grapefruit infused tequila in a jar. — Grapefruit Infused Tequila

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DIY Pumpkin Infused Vodka

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This pumpkin infused vodka is about the fruit. No spices, just canned pumpkin hanging out with vodka for a few days before getting strained and used in delicious fall cocktails.