It’s National Squash Day, but here in the desert the response is like a tree falling in the forest when there is no one to hear it. Rather than promoting squash, Bristol Farms was in a frenzy over Hatch Chiles and had set up several outdoor roasters that increased the already unpleasant temperature but inundated the parking lot with the robust fragrance of roasting chiles. The aroma was downright intoxicating. So rather than roast some squash for a ubiquitous squash soup for Sunday Supper—which could not compete in any way, shape, or form with the compelling fragrance of the roasted Hatch Chiles–I decided to expand on the “intoxicating” theme by creating a recipe for one of my favorite squashes: pumpkin.
The holidays bring forth pumpkin pies, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin jack-o-lanterns, As Sous Chef said one year, if the Pilgrims had to eat pumpkin pie each Thanksgiving, they would have marketed a different filling for their pies. Unlike Sous Chef, I actually like pumpkin pie and for me the perfect version is not too sweet, has the right amount of spice, and is finished with a dollop of whipped cream. But I will admit that tradition can become tedious and too much of a good thing can be too much. And is there a more stressful time than the holidays, except perhaps for milestone birthdays (but who is counting)? During these strenuous times, I don’t reach for a piece of pumpkin pie but for something cool, refreshing, and inclusive of a cherished spirit.
Sous Chef and I try to tailor our libations to the seasons. When fall and winter arrive, out comes the bourbon for our much beloved Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. So what would happen if I combined the ingredients for pumpkin pie with Woodford Reserve? The answer is a “Boozy Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Cocktail” that will fulfill your holiday cocktail and pumpkin pie cravings in one glass. (It is also a great stress reliever when your in-laws are getting to be a little too much or when holiday shopping turns ugly.)
This cocktail is savory sweet and full bodied in the mouth and on the palate. Woodford Reserve is one of our favorite bourbons because it has a rich, rounded, and smooth taste with a hint of citrus, cinnamon, toffee, caramel, and spice and I found that it performs well with pumpkin puree. On the nose, this cocktail gives you a hint of dried fruits and oranges that complements the heavy cream and vanilla ice cream. The result when served straight up is a rich, luxuriously textured drink that is best presented in a martini glass to display its beautiful color and martini-like heritage. For those like Sous Chef who enjoy cocktails with a frappe consistency, just add a cup of ice to your Vitamix for a frozen delight. If you follow the Culinary Diva blog, you know I like foods and drinks that are versatile. This cocktail meets my criteria since its blend of sweet and savory means it can be served before, during, or after the Turkey Day Dinner and is an able dessert substitute for those worrying about a Spanx explosion if a piece of pumpkin pie is consumed.
A special thank you to my Squash Fest Co-Host Alice from A Mama, Baby and Shar Pei in the Kitchen and all the great Sunday Supper members who are participating this week. Make sure you check out all their great recipes for Squash Fest:
Starters – Appetizers & Cocktails:
- Bourbon Pumpkin Pie in a Glass from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Spaghetti Squash and Zucchini Pancakes from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Zucchini Pizza Bites from Mommas Meals
- Zucchini Tomato Focaccia Bread with Pretzel Salt from Family Foodie
Pickles & Relish:
- Zucchini Pickles from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Zucchini Relish from Magnolia Days
Soups & Salads:
- Creamy Dairyfree Zucchini Soup from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Easy Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli e Zucchini from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Persimmon from Culinary Adventures with Camillia
- Tofu Vegetable Soup from What Smells So Good?
- Zucchini Cheese Soup from Noshing with the Nolands
- Zucchini Noodles with Basil Vinaigrette from Ruffles and Truffles
Main Dishes
- Acorn Squash Ramen from Ninja Baking
- Beef, Butternut & Potato Pie from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Beef Ragu over Spaghetti Squash from The Texan New Yorker
- Black Bean, Butternut Squash & Millet Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Ancho-Guajillo Chile Sauce from Simply Healthy Family
- Chorizo-Stuffed Zucchini from La Cocina de Leslie
- Gluten Free Zucchini Noodles & Meatballs from Gluten Free Crumbley
- Italian Sausage Zucchini Lasagna from Curious Cuisiniere
- Risotto with Butternut Squash, Chicken and Sage from Cooking Chat
- Sausage and Farro Stuffed Acorn Squash from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Cups from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Sesame Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Shockingly Delicious
- Spinach and Mushroom Quiche with Spaghetti Squash Crust from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Stuffed Red Kuri Squash from Food Lust People Love
- Zucchini-Corn Pancakes from The Weekend Gourmet
Side Dishes:
- Cheesy Thyme Baked Acorn Squash from An Appealing Plan
- Creamy Baked Acorn Squash from Simply Gourmet
- Grilled Zucchini and Corn Succotash from Take a Bite Out of Boca
- Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Acorn Squash) from A Mama, Baby and Shar Pei in the Kitchen
- Roasted Kabocha Squash from Peaceful Cooking
- Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Galette from Rhubarb and Honey
- Spaghetti Squash Fritters from Nosh My Way
- Sweet and Savory Roasted Delicata Squash and Pear from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Zucchini Succotash Cobbler with Cornbread Topping from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Sweets to Start or End the Day:
- Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Zucchini Coffeecake with Chocolate Crumb from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Chocolate Zucchini Pancakes from Brunch with Joy
- Granny’s Zucchini Bread from Pies and Plots
- Pumpkin Cheesecake French Toast Roll Ups with Pumpkin Spice Dipping Sauce from Chocolate Moosey
- Pumpkin Cookie Butter Cinnamon Buns with Cookie Butter Glaze from Grumpy’s Honey Bunch
- Pumpkin Pie Layer Cheesecake Bars from Wallflour Girl
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Killer Bunnies Inc.
- Zucchini Brownies from Eat, Drink and Be Tracy
- Zucchini Lemon Ginger Bread from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
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- 1 cup French vanilla ice cream
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup bourbon
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- To Garnish:
- Pumpkin Pie Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar
- Grated Nutmeg
- Orange Liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier)
- Make Pumpkin Pie Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar to rim the glass by taking approximately ¼ cup of sugar and mixing with 1 teaspoon of either pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon an a salad plate.
- Pour a tablespoon of Orange Liqueur into a bowl and use a pastry brush or paper towel to wipe around the rim of cocktail glass. Dip rim of glass in sugar mixture.
- Place all ingredients in a Vitamix or Blender, and mix until frothy or pureed. (on the Vitamix use the frozen setting).
- Pour into glass and garnish with nutmeg.
What a delicious way to toast the arrival of autumn and the squash season! Thanks so much to you and Alice for hosting this week! Your are up awfully early, my friend!!! xo
Now this is my way to ring in the start of my favorite season! I’m a year round bourbon drinker but I certainly start to go more for my Manhattans around now. Thanks for hosting this week.
I think the pilgrims where right on track and I thank them every year by eating Pumpkin Pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner until the pie is gone! Luckily I now have a cocktail to pair with it!
I’m not a big fan of pumpkin pie because of the texture but I KNOW I’d love this as a substitute instead. You would be my favorite Thanksgiving hostess, Christy! Thank you so much for co-hosting this great theme today!
What a delicious refreshing Fall drink to sip on! That would be fabulous for Thanksgiving! Thanks for hosting this week Christy!
Oh my gosh! Your drink looks amazing! I love bourbon and with pumpkin, what a perfect complement!
What an incredibly tasty combination. This just might be our go to holiday drink this season.
Oh these look YUMMY!!!
I’m not ready for fall… because we really didn’t have summer here… but boy these look delicious!
Heck, yeah! Cheers.
Wow. Just….wow. I need this in my life right now, at 12:30 pm on a Sunday. At 5 o’clock on a Friday. And maybe just any time, any day.
Oh my. This looks AHmazing! I can’t wait to make this for the hubs and I! YUM! #pinned
Stunning cocktail to start off the season with. I have to try it!!
I adore roasted chilies! Are you in Arizona too? I can’t wait for an excuse to make these gorgeous cocktails……. like a Monday evening 😉
Awwwwwesome! I love your boozy solution to the changing seasons. Man, I could use some of this cocktail on the side while I’m in the kitchen whipping up more pumpkin desserts! Cheers!
I like pumpkin pie, but it’s not my favorite. This, however, I know would quickly become a favorite!
Oh my goodness, Christy…This is one drink I could dive into all year round! How very sensible and disciplined of you and Mr. Sous Chef to stick to the seasons. =)
Your welcome Christy!! You are an awesome co-host and I forgot to mention it in my post… it got too late and I forgot! I know, I’m sorry!!
I love this cocktail idea! And I’m going to have to join Sous Chef in his love for frappe consistencies … love it!! 🙂 Maybe we will have to make a few of these if I get a chance to visit you!
This is getting a permanent spot on my Thanksgiving menu. We’ll start our meal with these cocktails, and end with pumpkin pie. I just wish we were celebrating Thanksgiving this week. 🙂
Thanks so much for co-hosting Squash Fest!
Thanks for a wonderful job hosting us this week with Alice! This drink looks so perfect. I’m watching football with my husband right now and I’d love to have a glass of this!
Oh my this looks awesome! Pumpkin pie in a glass sound delicious!
This looks and sounds luscious, Christy! I can’t wait to serve them this fall!
This will be the perfect drink come fall! I can’t wait to try it!
What a delicious cocktail! Love the pumpkin!
This would be fabulous, I’ll have to make this once the weather turns (still humid as hell where I’m at). And thank you so, so much for hosting this week!!
What a way to get out Squash Fest party started with this tasty cocktail. Thanks so much for co-hosting the event. It’s such a fun one!
Pumpkin pie cocktail??? Yes please!! Soooooo good!
What a fantastic sounding cocktail!
Yes please! Your cocktail sounds fabulous.