Bourbon, Maple & Pumpkin Coffee.
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Bourbon Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Bourbon Pumpkin Spice Coffee is a warm fall cocktail that combines rich coffee, smooth bourbon, and seasonal pumpkin flavors topped with a luxurious spiced whipped cream. Think Thanksgiving in a coffee cup!  This indulgent drink takes just 15 minutes to prepare and is perfect for Halloween parties and Thanksgiving gatherings, delivering approximately 280 calories per serving of pure autumn comfort.

Serves 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

What Makes This Bourbon Coffee Special?

This isn’t your average spiked coffee – it’s a sophisticated autumn cocktail that transforms your regular coffee routine into something magical. The homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream is what sets this apart from store-bought alternatives, creating a barista-quality experience at home. The bourbon adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin and maple flavors, making it the perfect bridge between coffee and dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in 15 minutes – Perfect for entertaining when you want something impressive without the fuss
  • Customizable strength – Adjust bourbon and spice levels to your preference
  • Make-ahead friendly – The whipped cream can be prepared hours in advance
  • Stunning presentation – Especially when served in hollowed mini pumpkins for holidays

I love having a festive drink for my guests, and I like making my weekend coffee and hot chocolate drinks a little special.  You too?  If so, be sure to try my Almond White Hot Chocolate and Irish Coffee recipes too.

Ingredient Guide

Hot Coffee (16 oz): The foundation of this drink – use freshly brewed, strong coffee for the best flavor. Dark or medium roast works beautifully with the autumn spices.

Bourbon (3 oz): Adds warmth and depth to the coffee. Choose a quality bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes that complement the pumpkin and maple flavors.

Heavy Cream (½ cup): Creates the luxurious whipped topping. The high fat content is essential for proper whipping and rich texture.

Pumpkin Puree (1 heaping tbsp): Pure pumpkin adds authentic fall flavor and beautiful orange color. Avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.

Maple Syrup (1 tbsp): Natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with pumpkin and adds complexity. Pure maple syrup is preferred over pancake syrup.

Pumpkin Pie Spice (½ tsp): The classic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice that defines fall flavors.

Cinnamon: For garnishing and an extra aromatic finish that enhances the visual appeal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For Alcohol-Free Version: Simply omit the bourbon completely, or substitute with 3 oz of additional coffee or 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract for added depth.

Heavy Cream Alternatives: Use coconut cream (chilled overnight) for dairy-free option, or substitute with half-and-half though it won’t whip as well.

Maple Syrup Swaps: Brown sugar, honey, or agave nectar can replace maple syrup. Use slightly less as some alternatives are sweeter.  For my Weight Watcher friends and those looking to eliminate added sugars, I use a sugar-free maple syrup.  Maple Grove Farms Sugar-Free syrup is always in my house.  I really like the flavor and zero points for my WW friends.

Pumpkin Puree Substitute: Sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree work as alternatives, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.

Bourbon Alternatives: Dark rum, whiskey, or amaretto each bring their own character to the drink.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice: Mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of allspice.

Pro tips to get the perfect coffee drink:

  • Use a warm glass or holiday themed coffee mug. Simply add very hot water to the glass of your choice and swirl the liquid around. Dump the water to get out any excess moisture.
  • Use good quality, fresh brewed coffee.
  • Use a great Bourbon.  Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Jack Daniel’s are all well known brands that are readily available.
  • You can use a hand mixer to beat the whipped cream or try my new favorite gadget, this hand held milk frother! This thing is a game changer for fast and easy cappuccinos and lattes in the morning. Today, I’m using it for this adult beverage and it worked great. It is small and can live in a kitchen draw and is my new favorite “gadget”.
  • If you decide to use the milk frother, I put everything in a mason jar and blend it up in there. Then, I can just pour it or spoon it on top of the drinks. I can also put the top on it and keep it in the fridge until ready to use…very helpful if I’m making a lot of these for guests!
  • One last tip for adding cinnamon on top of your drink. I’m obsessed with these little canisters that are mini sifters for sugar and spices. I keep my confectioners sugar and cinnamon in them. (I use both so often that I keep the shakers filled and in my spice cabinet loaded and ready to go.)
  • The last and most important tip, sip and enjoy!

How to make Bourbon Maple and Pumpkin Coffee

  • Prepare the pumpkin spice whipped cream: Place a medium mixing bowl and whisk (or beaters) in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to chill. This will help the cream whip faster and hold its shape better.
  • Make the whipped topping: In the chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Using a whisk or electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed until it forms soft to medium peaks and has a thick, creamy consistency. Be careful not to over-whip. The mixture should be smooth and hold its shape when spooned.
bowl of whipped cream with beaters.
  • Prepare the coffee base: Brew your coffee strong and hot. Divide the 3 ounces of bourbon evenly between two large coffee mugs (1½ ounces per mug).
  • Assemble the drinks: Pour 8 ounces of hot coffee into each mug, stirring gently to combine with the bourbon. The heat will help meld the flavors together.
  • Top and garnish: Generously spoon the pumpkin spice whipped cream on top of each coffee, creating a beautiful mound. Lightly dust the top with ground cinnamon using a fine-mesh sieve or cinnamon shaker for an even, professional-looking finish.
  • Serve immediately: Present with a spoon so your guests can stir the cream into their coffee as they drink, creating layers of flavor with each sip.
bourbon maple and pumpkin coffee in mini pumpkin.

Serving Suggestions

This indulgent coffee creation is perfect for autumn entertaining and holiday gatherings. For an impressive presentation that’s perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving, serve in small sugar pumpkins that have been cleaned out and hollowed. Simply cut off the top third of mini pumpkins, scoop out the seeds and flesh, and use as unique serving vessels.

Garnish each drink with a cinnamon stick for stirring – it adds visual appeal and infuses extra spice as guests sip. The cinnamon stick also makes a lovely aromatic stirrer that releases additional warmth with each stir.

For Halloween parties, consider adding orange and black napkins or serving on autumn-themed plates. During Thanksgiving, this makes an elegant after-dinner drink that bridges the gap between coffee and dessert.

The drink pairs beautifully with my cottage cheese bread with oatmeal, or oat bran and flax meal muffins with apples, carrots and nuts. For brunch service, consider offering alongside fall pastries or as a special weekend treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

The pumpkin whipped cream can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerated. However, the coffee should be served immediately for best temperature and flavor.
The 1½ oz per serving creates a noticeable but not overwhelming bourbon presence. The coffee and spices balance the alcohol well, but you can reduce to 1 oz per serving if preferred.
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with decaffeinated coffee, making it suitable for evening entertaining.
Yes, when properly whipped to soft-medium peaks, the cream will hold for about 30 minutes. Don’t over-whip or it may become grainy.
Easily! Simply multiply all ingredients proportionally. The whipped cream is actually easier to make in larger batches.
Make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, or simply use extra cinnamon for a simpler version.

Storage and Pairing

Storage Instructions: Leftover pumpkin whipped cream can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re-whip briefly before using if it separates. The bourbon coffee is best served immediately, but you can prep ingredients in advance.

Perfect Pairings: This rich coffee cocktail pairs beautifully with my cranberry, walnut, pumpkin bread, mini gluten-free pumpkin muffins, and apple strudel or Gâteau Invisible (Invisible Apple Cake). For brunch, serve alongside my apple and walnut sheet pan pancakes or high protein overnight oats.

Equipment Needed: Large mixing bowl, electric mixer or whisk, coffee maker, measuring cups and spoons, two large coffee mugs.

mug of bourgon, maple and pumpkin coffee.

Tips for Success

  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture
  • Choose a bourbon with warm, vanilla notes that complement the autumn spices
  • Make sure your coffee is hot enough to create a nice temperature contrast with the cool whipped cream
  • The whipped cream can be made up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to use
Like this holiday cocktail?  Be sure to leave a comment below and a rating too.  I’d love to hear from you. For other festive cocktails, check out my homemade liqueurs that are perfect for sipping, and even better, bottled and gifted to friends and family for the holidays.

   

mug of bourgon, maple and pumpkin coffee.

Bourbon, Maple & Pumpkin Coffee

The perfect hot Bourbon, maple and pumpkin adult coffee drink gets a boost with heavy whipped cream that has been spiced!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks, Happy Hour
Cuisine General
Servings 2 Served

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients
 
 

  • 16 Oz. Hot Coffee
  • 3 Oz. Bourbon
  • ½ Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Heaping Tbsp. pumpkin puree
  • 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
  • ½ Tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
  • Cinnamon dust to garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, maple syrup, pumpkin and spices until thick and creamy.
  • Add 1 ½ ounces of bourbon to each of two coffee mugs. Top with hot coffee.
  • Spoon on the heavy cream and dust with a little cinnamon. Enjoy!
Keyword cocktails, coffee drinks, happy hour
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