Sip Easy: Spiked Pumpkin Beer

Sip Easy covers the enchanting world of cocktails, beer, wine, and all-things alcoholic.

Forget the pumpkin spice latte — ’tis the season for pumpkin beer.

With October slipping away, Philadelphia is blushing shades of autumn and the weather has taken a brisk turn. There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly autumn evening than a sip of spicy pumpkin ale, which marries the sweetness of a pumpkin pie to the bitter, smooth taste of beer.

But for days when ale alone feels lackluster, give pumpkin beer an extra kick with a touch of booze. It’s not unlike sipping an alcoholic apple pie — just use your favorite pumpkin brew*, a dash of vanilla vodka, and a sprinkling of cinnamon on top.

Spiked Pumpkin Beer

Ingredients

8 oz  pumpkin beer
2 oz  vanilla vodka
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
lemon wedge and cinnamon sugar, for the rim

Directions

Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a highball glass, then dip the rim into a plate of cinnamon sugar. Pour the pumpkin beer into the glass and top with two shots of vanilla vodka. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for garnish and extra spice.

*Not sure which pumpkin brew is right for you?

Like any beer, the best strategy is simply to start sipping to find your favorite. There are countless options for pumpkin ales, so choose one based on the level of spice, darkness, and hoppiness that suits your  preferences. I’m partial to Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, which is citrusy with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. I also love Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale (which is a little hoppy and tastes like a harvest) and Elysian’s Great Pumpkin (which is like supping a sweet slice of pumpkin pie).

– Arielle Pardes