Pumpkin Espresso White Russian: Your New Fall Fix

A classic White Russian is already dangerously smooth… but give it a pumpkin spice makeover AND a shot of espresso? Now we’re entering elite fall cocktail territory.

Meet the Pumpkin Espresso White Russian — creamy like dessert, bold like your coffee habit, and spiced like every blanket-loving, sweater-wearing fantasy you’ve ever had. It’s basically pumpkin pie with a caffeine kick, served over ice.

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What You’ll Need To Make A Pumpkin Espresso White Russian

• 1.5 oz vodka (vanilla or caramel vodka works beautifully too)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar)
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (or strong cold brew concentrate)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée
• 1 oz half & half
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice
• Ice

For the Rim (optional but SO worth it)

• Maple syrup or caramel sauce
• Crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, or cinnamon sugar

How to Make A Pumpkin Espresso White Russian

• Rim the Glass Like a Pro: Dip a rocks glass in maple syrup or caramel, then in your crunchy topping of choice. (If none makes it to the glass because you ate it — respect.)
• Fill the glass with ice
• Shake It Like It’s 2001 and You’re in a Boy Band: Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, pumpkin purée, cream, spice, and ice to a COCKTAIL SHAKER. Shake hard to get that signature foamy top.
• Pour & Admire: Strain into your glass and top with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, or cocoa powder.

Why You’ll Love It

• Tastes like pumpkin pie in cocktail form
• Gives you energy AND relaxation at the same time (science can’t stop us)
• Perfect for after-dinner sipping, fall movie nights, or Thanksgiving pre-dessert

Optional Garnish Ideas for Extra Drama

• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade — no judgement)
• Tiny cinnamon stick stirrer
• Mini graham cracker crust wedge like a baby pie slice

When to Serve This Cocktail

• Before Thanksgiving dinner (to power you through family small talk)
• Fall brunch (because caffeine + booze = efficiency)
• Pumpkin carving nights
• Every evening until snow hits

Ready to make one? Trust me — once you try it, regular White Russians will feel tragically plain. So grab your shaker, crank up some sweater-weather tunes, and prepare to be obsessed.

More Fall Favorites!

Here are some of my FAVORITE fall cocktails that I’m sipping on this season:

• Apple Cider Cooler
• Spiked Hot Cocoa with Peanut Butter Whiskey
• Orange Rosemary Gin Fizz
• Pumpkin Espresso Martini
• Caramel Apple Cider Martini