If you’re looking for a fun, festive drink that’s bursting with cozy autumn flavors but without any alcohol, you’ve got to try this Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of pumpkin puree, pear juice, and a touch of maple syrup that comes together so quickly — perfect for unwinding on crisp evenings or impressing guests at your next gathering. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You’ll whip it up in under 5 minutes, making it a no-fuss treat for any occasion.
- Balanced Flavors: The tart apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness for a sophisticated taste.
- Kid & Guest Friendly: A festive, alcohol-free option everyone can enjoy, from kiddos to designated drivers.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easy to tweak with spices or garnishes to match your personal style or party vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients blend beautifully to make a smooth, refreshing mocktail with a touch of fall magic. When you shop, opt for fresh pumpkin puree and quality pear juice or nectar — it truly makes a difference!
- Pear Juice or Pear Nectar: I find pear nectar gives a richer, fruitier base, but juice works fine for something lighter.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, so you control the sweetness and spice.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and warmth; pure maple syrup tastes best here.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives a subtle tang that balances the drink perfectly—don’t skip it!
- Ice: Essential to chill and dilute the mocktail just right.
- Fresh Rosemary (optional): I love using a rosemary sprig for a herbal aroma that feels fancy but effortless.
- Cinnamon Stick (optional): Great for stirring or decorating, it adds to that cozy autumn vibe.
Variations
I love how flexible this Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste or what you have on hand. It’ll always feel fresh and special.
- Spiced Variation: Once, I added a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger right to the shaker—it made the drink feel like a pumpkin spice latte but lighter!
- Herbal Twist: Using fresh thyme instead of rosemary gave the mocktail a surprising but delightful herbal note.
- Sweetness Swap: If you prefer less sweet drinks, reduce the maple syrup and add a splash of sparkling water for fizz.
- Batch Version: For a party, I scale this up into a big punch bowl, adding a dash more pumpkin and apple cider vinegar—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Gather & Chill Your Essentials
I always make sure my cocktail shaker is clean and ready with some ice cubes before I start. When you add your pear juice, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, the ice helps quickly chill and dilute the ingredients just enough to mellow the flavors.
Step 2: Shake It Like You Mean It
Seal the shaker tight, and give it a good, vigorous shake for about 8 seconds. This little workout is key—it chills the drink evenly and blends the pumpkin puree seamlessly with the liquids. You’ll notice the shaker feels cold to the touch when it’s ready.
Step 3: Strain & Serve Over Fresh Ice
Use a fine strainer or the shaker’s built-in strainer to pour your mocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This helps avoid tiny pumpkin bits in your sip unless you actually like a bit of texture—that’s totally okay, too!
Step 4: Garnish & Enjoy
I like to finish my mocktail with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a cinnamon stick—these add aroma and look stunning. But you can skip garnishes or substitute however you like. Now, take a moment, breathe in those fall scents, and sip away.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe
- Use Quality Ingredients: I’ve learned that fresh pumpkin puree and real maple syrup elevate this drink so much compared to canned pumpkin pie filling or artificial syrups.
- Shake with Ice: Shaking the ingredients with plenty of ice not only chills but lightly dilutes the drink, bringing the flavors into balance.
- Strain Well: To keep your mocktail smooth and elegant, strain well removing pulp or any stray bits of pumpkin.
- Adjust Tanginess Carefully: I once added too much apple cider vinegar and it overwhelmed the drink—start small and add more gradually to suit your taste.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme because they add a lovely piney aroma that feels so seasonal. A cinnamon stick not only looks beautiful but infuses flavors the longer the mocktail sits. If you want a little sparkle, a twist of orange peel brightens the presentation and adds zest.
Side Dishes
This easy pumpkin mocktail pairs wonderfully with cozy fall snacks like spiced nuts, soft cheese and crackers, or even pumpkin-flavored baked goods like muffins or scones. When my family gathers, these simple pairings make the whole experience feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve served this drink in small mason jars with cinnamon sugar rims — it’s instant charm and taste upgrade! You can also float a thin slice of fresh pear on top or rim the glass with a gingerbread spice blend for that extra festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I’ve made this mocktail up to three days in advance and kept it refrigerated in a sealed container. Just give it a good shake before serving to recombine any separation. Remember, don’t add ice until you’re ready to drink—that keeps it tasting fresh longer.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my go-to with this drink because the texture of pumpkin puree changes after thawing, becoming watery. If you do freeze it, I recommend using it in smoothies later rather than as a mocktail.
Reheating
This is best served cold and fresh, so I usually don’t reheat leftovers. But if you want a warm version, gently heat it on low in a saucepan and add a touch more maple syrup or cinnamon to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree for this mocktail?
Absolutely! Just make sure you use plain canned pumpkin puree, not the pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices. Plain puree gives you the authentic pumpkin flavor to balance with the other ingredients.
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What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or a mild lemon juice can work in a pinch. The key is to add some brightness and acidity, so taste as you go to avoid overpowering the drink.
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How do I make a batch version of this Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe?
To serve a crowd, multiply the ingredients accordingly: about 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 cups pear juice, 3 ounces maple syrup, and 1 ounce apple cider vinegar, plus spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to taste. Mix in a pitcher over ice and stir well before serving over fresh ice.
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Can children enjoy this pumpkin mocktail?
Definitely! This Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe is non-alcoholic and uses natural ingredients, making it a festive and safe drink for kids and adults alike to enjoy during fall gatherings.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe brings a little autumn magic into the glass without any fuss. It’s become one of those recipes I reach for when I want something seasonal and satisfying but not overly sweet or complicated. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sipping it as much as I do — cheers to cozy, flavorful moments that anyone can enjoy!
PrintEasy Pumpkin Mocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Mocktail is a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic drink perfect for fall. Combining pear juice, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and optional garnishes like rosemary and cinnamon stick, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. Ideal for chilly days or holiday parties, this mocktail can be prepared quickly and even made in batches for sharing.
Ingredients
Mocktail Ingredients
- ½ cup pear juice or pear nectar
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ ounce maple syrup
- ¼ – ½ ounce apple cider vinegar
- Ice
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the pear juice, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. This mixture brings together the sweet and tangy flavors, aided by the chill from the ice.
- Shake the Mixture: Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 8 seconds until the outside feels chilled. This step ensures the ingredients blend well and the drink is nicely chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the liquid into a rock glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick if desired for an aromatic and decorative touch. Serve immediately and enjoy cold.
Notes
- You can prepare this mocktail 2 to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Shake well before serving to recombine any separation.
- Do not add ice until ready to serve to maintain freshness and correct dilution.
- To make a pumpkin punch for larger groups, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 cups pear juice, 3 ounces maple syrup, 1 ounce apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a pitcher over ice. Stir well and serve over fresh ice. This serves four.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg