Singing with warming spices, the Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule is a crisp, slightly spicy cocktail that highlights fall flavors from homemade pumpkin spice syrup. This version is an easy, single-serve twist on a classic mule.
September calls for cozy cocktails, and this Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule delivers. If you love fall flavors but want to avoid the bulkiness of pumpkin pie spice or certain warming spices you don’t enjoy, make your own pumpkin spice syrup so you can control the balance. The syrup adds pumpkin puree, cinnamon and a few warm spices to create a rich, seasonal backbone for the drink.
Why I love this recipe:
This Pumpkin Mule blends sweet pumpkin spice syrup, bright lime, crisp ginger beer and clean vodka for a balanced, easy-to-mix cocktail. It uses just a handful of ingredients and comes together in minutes. Once you make the pumpkin spice syrup, you can enjoy spiced mules all autumn long.
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
Tools that make this easier: copper mugs (or other serving glasses), a citrus juicer or reamer, and a jigger or small measuring cup.
In addition to the tools above, you’ll need ingredients you may already have on hand. Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.
Let’s talk ingredients!
Here are the key components that make this cocktail sing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup — homemade or store-bought. The homemade version uses pumpkin puree, a cinnamon stick, sugar and warming spices. It’s versatile for lattes, coffee and cocktails.
- Ginger beer — provides carbonation and a bright ginger bite. Ginger ale works in a pinch, but ginger beer gives more spice.
- Vodka — use a clean, unflavored vodka so the spices and ginger shine through.
- Fresh lime juice — fresh juice makes a big difference versus bottled, so squeeze limes when possible.
How to make a Pumpkin Spice Mule
1. Fill your glass or copper mug with ice.
2. Pour in the ginger beer, then add the lime juice and vodka. Stir gently to combine.
3. Carefully top with the pumpkin spice syrup; adding it last creates an attractive ombré effect.
4. Stir once with a cocktail spoon to incorporate, garnish with a lime wedge (and a cinnamon stick if you like), and serve immediately.
How to make this into a Pitcher Mule:
To make a six-serving pitcher, combine:
- 18 oz. ginger beer
- 9 oz. vodka
- 3 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 ½ oz. pumpkin spice syrup
Stir the vodka, lime and syrup together and chill. Add the ginger beer right before serving so the drink stays bubbly. Serve over ice with lime wedges.
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
Mules are perfect for gatherings because they use few ingredients and are simple to assemble. For a fun party setup, make a “Mule Bar” with labeled jars of vodka, lime juice and pumpkin spice syrup so guests can build their own drinks.
- Set out measuring tools (jiggers or measuring cups) and label ingredients in mason jars.
- Squeeze limes ahead of time and keep the juice chilled for easy access.
- Prep lime wedges in advance and keep them refrigerated so garnishes are ready to go.
- Provide a recipe card that lists ingredient amounts so guests can mix consistent drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Increase the vodka by ½ oz. increments until it reaches your preferred strength.
Add pumpkin spice syrup by ¼ oz. increments. The syrup is flavorful, so taste as you go. A splash of ginger ale adds sweetness without overwhelming the spice.
Yes—mix the vodka, lime juice and syrup and chill. Add the ginger beer right before serving to preserve carbonation.
No—store-bought syrup works fine if you prefer convenience, though homemade gives you control over the spice profile.
Use a mid-quality unflavored vodka you enjoy. For ginger beer, brands vary in spiciness—choose one that matches your taste (for example, a milder ginger beer if you don’t want too much heat).
Most commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic, though small trace amounts can occur from fermentation. Check the label if you need it alcohol-free.
Quick tips for making a Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule
- Make the pumpkin spice syrup ahead. It stores in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.
- Always use fresh lime juice for brightest flavor.
- Turn it into a pitcher for parties—mix the base and add ginger beer at the last minute.
Other pumpkin cocktails to mix:
- Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
- Pumpkin Spice Kombucha Cocktail
- Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Cider Punch
- Pumpkin Spice Cocktail variants
Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule
Equipment
Copper mugs or serving glasses, measuring tools, and a cocktail spoon.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Syrup (Makes about sixteen ½ oz. servings)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Pumpkin Spice Mule
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- ½ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ½ oz. vodka
- ¾ oz. pumpkin spice syrup
- Ice, for serving
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the pumpkin spice syrup: combine water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in pumpkin puree, the cinnamon stick, ginger, allspice and cloves. Steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then remove the cinnamon stick (leave it in for a stronger flavor).
- Transfer the syrup to a jar, cool completely, then refrigerate.
- To make the mule: add ice to a glass or copper mug. Pour in the ginger beer, then add lime juice and vodka and stir gently.
- Top with pumpkin spice syrup. Stir once with a cocktail spoon, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
If you prefer a stronger drink, reduce the ginger beer slightly or increase the vodka by ½ oz. To make a six-drink pitcher, combine 18 oz. ginger beer, 9 oz. vodka, 3 oz. lime juice and 4 ½ oz. pumpkin spice syrup. Mix the vodka, lime and syrup and chill; add ginger beer before serving to keep it fizzy.
Nutrition
Calories: 224 kcal
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 21 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 29 g