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The moment that summer temperatures drop, our minds are instantly in Autumn Mode, which can only mean one thing: pumpkin spice everything. We’re not crazy about most of the artificially flavored seasonal beverages on the market, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create a cocktail that blends the best flavors of the season – pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, and ginger – that tastes delicious. Make your shindigs extra festive by serving our sweet and spicy wine punch out of a pumpkin-turned-keg (and with dry ice for a slightly corny yet impressive Halloween treat). If installing keg hardware doesn’t sound like a good time, just hollow out a pumpkin and use it as a punch bowl!

We suggest making the spiced syrup first and carving your pumpkin keg while the syrup cools, then making the punch right before serving to not lose too much carbonation.

Spiced Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup water
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise pod
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 small chunk of fresh ginger

You’ll also need:

• A small pot
• A spoon for stirring
• A mesh strainer

RECIPE:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a small pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Turn the heat off and leave the spices in the syrup until it cools to room temperature.
4. Strain the syrup.

Suggestion: Double the recipe and use it to sweeten your morning coffee.

Pumpkin Spice Wine Punch

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bottle of white wine – we suggest a Gewurztraminer, oaked Chardonnay, or white Rioja. If you’re feeling extra fancy, use a bottle of California sparkling wine or Cava.
• 2 cups of apple cider – the brown stuff
• ½ cup pumpkin puree – the canned stuff
• 2 cups of ginger ale – or ginger beer for an extra kick of spice
• Spiced syrup to taste – sweeten the punch to your liking

You’ll also need:

• A large pitcher
• A spoon for stirring
• A pumpkin keg
• Cups and ice

RECIPE:

1. In a large pitcher, mix wine, apple cider, pumpkin puree, and ginger ale
2. Stir gently to not lose too much carbonation
3. Add spiced syrup to taste – make the punch as sweet as you’d like, keeping in mind that the cider and ginger ale will add sweetness
4. Pour the punch into a pumpkin keg and pour into cups filled with ice

Pumpkin Keg

Making a pumpkin keg is the adult version of carving a jack-o-lantern, but instead of a lame candle, you get to fill it with whatever beverage you like (we suggest our tasty Pumpkin Spice Wine Punch).

MATERIALS:

• 1 large pumpkin
• 1 serrated knife
• 1 large spoon
• 1 pen or marker
• 1 spigot/tap – look for ones that have an interior locking nut to ensure a tight fit
• Apple corer or small paring knife
• Pumpkin Spice Wine Punch

Instructions:

1. Using a serrated knife, cut and remove a circle around the pumpkin’s stem. Keep this to serve as a lid.
2. Scoop out the pumpkin’s seeds and innards using a large spoon, scraping the sides until smooth and clean.
3. With the pen or marker, trace the spigot/tap near the bottom of the pumpkin. Cut this circle out with an apple corer or small paring knife. Be careful not to make the hole bigger than the tap or your keg will leak.
4. Push the spigot/tap into the pumpkin, making sure it fits tightly (tighten the locking nut on the inside of the pumpkin if your tap has one)
5. Fill your keg with our Pumpkin Spice Wine Punch, pour into cups, and enjoy!

Want to create this Pumpkin Spice Wine Punch for your next party? Start by stocking up on all the white wine you need for this recipe at WTSO. Have a safe, happy, and pumpkin-spice filled autumn!

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