Cocktail Couture: Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini!
There's probably nobody that looks forward to the arrival of Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte more than I do. Alright, maybe there's a few other die-hard fans out there but my love of the PSL (as it's affectionately known to its fans) blossomed under unique circumstances.
I had to undergo extensive hip surgery in January of 2011 and during my recovery my husband Steve brought me a PSL every morning to cheer me up. Needless to say, I've been in love with the PSL ever since! And since then, this drink has become quite popular (it even has it's own Twitter account) and my enduring penchant for the PSL compelled me to create an alcoholic version of this Fall favorite.
It would've been easy to just purchase Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice syrup to make this drink, however, unlike many of their other flavors, the coveted PSL syrup is not for sale so I had to improvise. Unlike Starbucks' version, this recipe uses real pumpkin as well as a few other easy to find ingredients. This time of year orange colored sugar can be found at craft stores or gourmet markets and pumpkin pie spice is located in the spice aisle of your local market. Feel free to adjust the final sweetness level according to your personal taste and I hope you enjoy this edition of Cocktail Couture as much as we do.
I'd also like to wish everyone a very Happy and Delicious Halloween!
P.S. If you're looking for a delicious dish to dazzle your Halloween party guests, this Savory Severed Arm in Marinara Sauce is a hands-down favorite!
"PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE MARTINI"
Makes 1 drink
INGREDIENTS
3 Tablespoons vodka
2 Tablespoons half and half
2 Tablespoons coffee (Starbucks House Blend works nicely)
1 Tablespoon sugar (or 2 Splenda or other artificial sweetener packets)
1 teaspoon canned pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Orange colored sugar (available at craft stores or gourmet markets)
Juice of 1 lime or lemon
Combine orange colored sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin spice on a small plate. Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in a dish of lime/lemon juice and then dip in sugar and spice mixture to coat the rim.
Add vodka, half and half, coffee, sugar or sweetener, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, remaining 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin spice to a martini shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously to chill drink mixture and strain into prepared glass.
Garnish with additional pumpkin spice if desired and enjoy!