The Best Pumpkin Spice Margarita Recipe for Fall

This Pumpkin Spice Margarita recipe is the perfect cocktail to welcome pumpkin spice season! With a hint of pumpkin spice flavor, fresh lime juice, and your favorite tequila, this will quickly become one of your favorite fall cocktails. Plus, who doesn’t love a cinnamon sugar rim? You’ll love this easy pumpkin spice margarita for fall. 

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Fall is in the air and that means one thing: pumpkin flavor galore! I absolutely love this time of year, as I am a huge fan of using pumpkin puree in recipes. Some of my favorite ways to use pumpkin puree are in my pumpkin carbonara and sausage pumpkin soup!

If you’re a real fan of pumpkin spice flavor, check out my pumpkin spice white russians and pumpkin spice cookies (pumpkin desserts are the best)!

Trust me, this pumpkin spice margarita recipe is so much more fun than a classic margarita! We rim the glass with cinnamon sugar – the perfect Thanksgiving margarita! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Get Togethers – Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or Halloween parties, this pumpkin spice margarita cocktail is one that all the margarita fans will love this holiday season! The orange color is so festive and the flavors of fall are strong. 
• A Classic, with an Autumnal Twist – If you like tequila cocktails, then you’ll love this perfect fall margarita. With real pumpkin puree, this fun fall cocktail is smooth and creamy! Perfect for pumpkin season! 

Ingredients

• Tequila – Reposado tequila brings a smooth, slightly aged flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice. Look for a brand aged in oak barrels for a touch of warmth and depth. If you don’t have aged tequila, you can also use blanco tequila!
• Orange Liqueur – Orange liqueur adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances the spices and tequila. Opt for Cointreau if you want a bolder, richer orange flavor.You can also use grand marnier. 
• Fresh Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice brightens up the cocktail and adds the perfect amount of tang. Always use freshly squeezed limes for the best flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare!
• Pumpkin Puree – Pumpkin puree gives the margarita its creamy texture and autumnal flavor. Make sure to grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep it from getting too sweet. Extra pumpkin puree on hand? Try my pumpkin carbonara, pumpkin bolognese, or pumpkin sausage soup!
• Maple Syrup – Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a hint of earthiness that complements the pumpkin spice blend. Pure maple syrup is best; avoid pancake syrups with added sugars.
• Pumpkin Spice Blend – This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warming spices is what gives the margarita its cozy, fall-inspired flavor. You can also use pumpkin pie spice!
• Ice – Ice is crucial for chilling the drink and slightly diluting it, which balances the flavors. 
• Cinnamon Sugar Rim – The cinnamon sugar rim adds a sweet, spiced finish to every sip. For the best results, mix the sugar and cinnamon right before rimming to keep it from clumping.
• Cinnamon Stick – A cinnamon stick makes for a beautiful garnish and adds a subtle spiced aroma as you sip. Add a pinch of cinnamon (ground) for an extra kick! 

Substitutions and Additions

• Swap Maple Syrup for Agave Nectar – Agave syrup is another natural sweetener that blends seamlessly into margaritas and has a slightly more neutral flavor. It’s a great option if you want to maintain the sweetness without adding any additional spice notes. You could also use a little simple syrup.
• A Splash of Apple Cider – Adding a bit of apple cider brings extra fall flavor and adds a touch of natural sweetness and fruitiness that pairs well with the pumpkin spice. Makes me crave an apple cider margarita – yum!
• A Dash of Vanilla Extract –  A small dash of vanilla extract can enhance the creamy, dessert-like qualities of the margarita, making it taste even cozier and more indulgent.

Step by Step Instructions

Next, add 2 teaspoons of maple syrup to the shaker.

After adding the maple syrup, add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin puree.

Lastly, add some ice to the cocktail shaker.

Cover the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This way, the pumpkin will become smooth and will mix with the other ingredients.

Tips and Notes

• Shake Vigorously –  Don’t be shy with your shaking—shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. This helps blend the pumpkin puree evenly and slightly aerates the drink for a smoother texture.
• Rim the Glass Right Before Serving – To keep the cinnamon sugar rim fresh and crunchy, rim the glass just before serving. If prepared too far in advance, it can absorb moisture and lose its crisp texture. 

Serving Suggestions

• Batch It Up – If you’re hosting a larger crowd, consider making a big batch and serving it in a pitcher. Keep it chilled in the fridge and let guests serve themselves, making your job as host a little easier.
• Serve with Fall Appetizers – Serve with a variety of fall appetizers like Mediterranean hummus, mini sausage rolls, fried goat cheese balls, or garlic crostini. 

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!