Cozy up to fall with a warm and indulgent Maple-Pumpkin Steamed Almond Milk With Bourbon.
I love food blogging, but every now and again, I REALLY love it. Like the days I get to stay in pajamas and test cocktail recipes, all in the name of “work.” That’s what was happening when this maple-pumpkin bourbon steamer came into my life, and I have to say: it was one of the good days.
The drink itself is pure fall in a glass. Warm almond milk is whisked with pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice, then finished with a splash (or a little more) of bourbon. Top it off with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a dusting of spice, and it’s like sipping liquid pumpkin pie. Comforting, cozy, and just a little fancy.
It doesn’t hurt that it comes together in about five minutes. You can simmer it gently on the stove or heat it quickly in the microwave if you’re impatient. Either way, your glass will hold the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up in a blanket and call it a night.
The appeal of warm cocktails
Warm cocktails are undeniably comforting. Unlike their chilled counterparts, warm drinks bring flavor and atmosphere that thaw the chill in your bones and soothe from the inside out. From mulled wine to hot toddies, cultures all over the world have their own version of a spiked, steaming drink meant for gathering and lingering.
Bourbon, with its natural caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, makes an especially good match for warm cocktails. Some varieties are sweeter and smoother, while others are bolder and spicier. In this recipe, the bourbon pairs so well with maple and pumpkin, offering depth and amplifying the dessert-like qualities of the drink. If you’re curious, try different styles‚ from a softer wheated bourbon to a high-rye blend, to see how the flavor of the steamer shifts with each one.
How do I store leftovers?
This drink is best enjoyed freshly made, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm, then give it a whisk to bring everything back together. If you’ve already added whipped cream, it’s best to scrape that off before storing and add a fresh dollop when reheating.
Serving suggestions
This steamer is a wonderful after-dinner drink on chilly nights—almost like a cocktail and dessert rolled into one. Pair it with a slice of Almond Flour Pumpkin Bread or some Pecan Pie Paleo Cookies for a cozy autumn treat, or serve it alongside spiced nuts and cheese for a more savory spread. If you’re planning a holiday gathering, it makes a festive alternative to (or addition to) Eggnog. And for non-drinkers, simply skip the bourbon for a family-friendly version that’s just as comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup pure pumpkin purée canned
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice plus additional, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or to taste
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Whipped coconut cream for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Whisk the almond milk, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice together in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Cook until the milk is warmed and the pumpkin is well combined.
- Stir in the maple syrup and bourbon, then divide between two glasses.
- Top with whipped coconut cream, if desired, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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