So I've recently been informed by my diverse circle of friends that the Pumpkin Spice obsession is a "white-girl" thing… LOL! Well, I'm a white girl … so here goes!
In most cases, I prefer to stand alone in my uniqueness. Either consciously or unconsciously, I routinely defend the under-dog and resist falling in line with the masses. I am the person who avoids trends and resists supporting the most popular craze of anything. Be it popular movies, name brands, chain-restaurants, the latest heart-throb, fashion trends, ridiculous new gadgets or hip terminology, I will at times avoid things just because everyone else is obsessed with it. I avoid buying expensive drinks, standing in stupid-long lines and filling my closets with items that will be out of style in a month.
But….when it comes to Pumpkin Spice …. I'm just one in the masses. As a child, my father always loved the spices associated with Autumn. He'd buy spiced potpourri for the house and make homemade cider with mulling spices, the old-fashioned way on the stove. Ginger-snaps, pumpkin bread and pie were staples in our house at Halloween and Thanksgiving, long before Trader Joes (whose seasonal varieties I now stalk) and flavored Oreos (gross) came onto the scene. So maybe that's why I'm more prone to join this craze … and maybe, like my friends suggest, it's just a white girl thing.
Nonetheless, I love the signature-seasonal-spice combo (which by the way tastes nothing like actual pumpkin). So it would only make sense that I would compulsively buy the autumnal libation varieties when they showed up in my local liquor stores. For years, I've enjoyed the seasonal, spicy ciders and beers that are only available this time of year; and I love me some homemade autumn sangria or warm wine prepared with mulling spices. But this year, I expanded my horizons when I discovered seasonal liquors as well. Specifically, Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast and Bailey's Pumpkin Spice limited edition. I mean, if I like pumpkin-spice everything else, why wouldn't I like these too!?
Armed with these two new bottles of festivities, I went on an internet search and played nightly mixology. Both of these liquors are, as they are intended to be, full of flavor and lean towards the sweet side of the spectrum. Therefore, they can be easily enjoyed alone-sipped on the rocks or as a shot. But I've also found that they can be quite lovely when paired with another ingredient or two; but no more than two. Because of their flavor, price and limited availability, I think they would be wasted in a complex cocktail. But I challenge you to prove me wrong!
So here are some nice and simple drink recipes for Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast and Bailey's Pumpkin Spice! Tried and true, if you like the seasonal spices of autumn or are hosting a harvest or Halloween party with adult beverages, give them a try! I found them quite delicious!
Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast
I've liked Captain Morgan's spiced rum since I was a young hoodlum, so this was an easy buy for me. I found this seasonal variety to be sweeter and to contain enough flavor and complexity to set it apart from the other varieties but not so much that it became overpowering. Too much of anything, even pumpkin spice, can be nauseating and off-putting. This was neither of those things and is now a welcome addition to my bar. I think it will make some nice winter libations as well as autumn ones.
- Pair with RumChata and drink at room temperature or on the rocks for a lovely, creamy taste of cinnamon and spice that is perfect for crisp evenings by the fire or paired with a warm bread pudding or a bitter chocolate dessert.
- Spike your hot apple cider (or cold) for an easy version of a hot toddy. You can use the good cider that you buy at the orchard, but I almost felt like the liquor got lost in the weight of the fresh cider. I actually prefered mine as a complex addition to the cheap instant apple cider packets that you can find near the hot chocolate in the grocery store and yielded a sweet and clear cider drink which was neither too strong nor too heavy. It was the perfect accompanied for late night writing and paper grading ;
- Mixed with a sharp ginger beer and lime juice, this liquor moves off of the seasonal drink menu and yields a nice, snappy mule that can be enjoyed year-round. I used Fever Tree's ginger beer and fresh lime and paired it with a homemade asian dinner. It was cold and spicy and paired excellently with the asian cuisine, but like any mule, sipped alone works just fine too!
Bailey's Pumpkin Spice
Unlike Captain Morgan's, I am not typically a big Bailey's fan. This was purely an impulse buy for me. Typically, thick and sweet isn't my first go-to when it comes to adult beverages. Nonetheless, it's a good addition for special occasions and entertaining. I've also discovered a few less-obvious uses for it and I'm looking forward to combining it with food as well-such as over ice cream or mixed into a cheesecake. And for those who do like Bailey's, this one is sure to be a hit!
- Combine with coffee and milk, add a dollop of whipped cream and a swirl of caramel and you have a decadent Bailey's Pumpkin Latte. You're sure to impress any guest with this one!
- For the bourbon drinkers out there – Combine with your favorite bourbon for a dessert in a whiskey glass. Drink at room temperature or on the rocks and this combo is sure to warm you up on cold nights.
- In a blender, mix with vanilla ice cream, vanilla vodka and a 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. This recipe is based on a suggestion by Martha Stewart and makes a milkshake that is both easy to drink and easy to get accidentally drunk off of. It has enough spice that you notice it without giving you pumpkin-spice overload.
For all my Pumpkin Spice Lovers out there – Drink responsibly and enjoy! Life is too short not to buy the pumpkin-spice cookies…and drink the pumpkin-spice rum 😉
