Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This possibly-perfect cocktail is everything you want in a fall drink. It’s unfussy, easy to drink, and sipping one is a lot like putting on a warm sweater on a cool fall day. It’s the after-5-p.m. version of your morning’s pumpkin spice latte—but without the wait in line.

As pumpkin cocktails go, this decidedly elegant adult drink is not quite as brash or gimmicky as seasonal cocktails can be. Nor is it quite as bracing as, say, a pumpkin spice martini. And our version doesn’t require you to buy any special creamers or extra ingredients. If you can make a classic White Russian, chances are you have all you need to make our pumpkin spice version!

The combo of cream and coffee make it a great dessert-like after-dinner drink, or an appetizing ice-breaker for just-arriving party guests, though truth be told we often like to mix one up singly on a Friday after work to help unwind.

All the elements of your favorite PSL are here: There are plenty of sweet and coffee flavors, as well as rich dairy, and a healthy dose of pumpkin pie spice to give you all the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg you crave (you’re welcome to use your favorite spice blend, though we’ve got a recipe we like if you want to make it yourself).

As for the drink, you can use whichever vodka you prefer. While Kahlúa is the most popular coffee liqueur, there are others worth trying, including St. George NOLA, which’ll add a bit of Southern flair to the drink.

Be sure to blend the spice thoroughly into the alcohols before mixing the rest of the drink. We like to use a small whisk or fork to really work the spice in and ensure it spreads throughout the drink, instead of clumping together. If you have one, a handheld milk frother will do this in seconds.