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The Labor Day holiday may signal the end of summer, sigh, but on the upside, the season change ushers in the beginning of the pumpkin craze. Yay! From lattes to spicy ciders, the world just can’t seem to get enough of the signature Fall ingredient.
But why spend another season enduring long lines just to end up with the same old thing? There are better uses for pumpkins than pricey Starbucks drinks, so this year we’re skipping the basics and kicking things up a notch.
From frothy milkshakes to spiked coladas, we found a few yummy recipes that are sure to take your pumpkin obsession to a whole new level and get you ready for fall. Enjoy!
01
Pumpkin Spice Latté Milkshake
INGREDIENTS:
2 c. coffee ice cream
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. pumpkin purée
1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Caramel, for serving
Whipped cream, for serving
Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine ice cream, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Drizzle the inside of a pint glass (or another tall glass) with caramel. Pour milkshake into the glass, then top with whipped cream and more caramel. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
via Delish
02
Pumpkintini
INGREDIENTS:
2 shots Vanilla or Whipped Cream vodka
1 shot Kahlua (or other coffee flavored liquor)
2-3 Tablespoons pumpkin puree
1/2 cup of milk
honey
crushed graham crackers
ice
pinch pumpkin pie spice
cinnamon stick (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
Start by prepping your martini glass. Rim the glass with honey and dip into crushed graham crackers for a pumpkin “pie” effect. Combine pumpkin puree and milk in a cocktail shaker and shake until “frothy” (like a latte!). Next, pour in vodka, Kahlua and add ice. Shake well, then strain into a prepared martini glass. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
03
Malibu Pumpkin Colada
INGREDIENTS:
50 mL Malibu
50 mL coconut cream
10 mL lime juice
10 mL pumpkin puree or juice
75 mL pineapple juice
ice cubes
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a shaker with ice cubes and then add ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled glass (or pumpkin cup) filled with ice cubes. Serve.
via Cosmopolitan
04
Pumpkin Mojito
INGREDIENTS:
11 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/4 ounces aged rum
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
Juice of 1/2 a lime
2 ounces club soda
DIRECTIONS
Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
Add rum, pumpkin, and lime juice. Add ice, and shake until thoroughly mixed and chilled. Strain into a collins glass, top with club soda, and garnish with extra mint leaves.
via Hostess with the Mostess
