pumpkin cream cold brew white russian
Hate to break it to you, kids, but you know what cold foam really is? Whipped cream sans the aerosol can. That’s it. That’s the show, folks.
So honestly? You’re paying for a name.
What’s better than a festive pumpkin cream cold brew from your favorite siren slavemaster? A PCCB spiked with vodka and Kahlua. I’d drink the hell out of this undercover at my job, just saying. Smooth pumpkin foam (AKA, whipped cream) plopped overtop a creamy coffee cocktail and dusted with cinnamon for that extra autumnal flare. White girls, hold your applause.
FYI, I am a white girl, so I am entitled to prod at my own kind. I don’t find anything wrong with pumpkin spice – have you seen my 1000 pumpkin recipes, from pancakes to pie to queso – just when anyone bitches and moans about its absence in June. Like what you like, so long as you’re not bullying anyone in the process.
White, or Black, Russian
A good white Russian is creamy and luscious. This one comes with a touch of flexibility. If you’re a black coffee drinker, omit the extra heavy cream and enjoy the peak of pumpkin foam in its stead. If you like lots of milkiness, include the cream.
This pumpkin cold foam requires no special frother, just a hand or stand mixer. Beat together heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg until firm peaks form. Gently whip in the pumpkin puree. The foam will take on a breezy orange hue, likely not a blinding variety due to the lack of ultra sugardom.
For the cocktail itself, combine chilled, strong brewed coffee, Kahlua, and vanilla vodka in a shaker. Pour over a glass filled with ice. Dribble a bit of heavy cream in if you’d like, otherwise leave the drink black. Spoon the pumpkin foam on top, as much as you please. Finish with a shake or three of cinnamon powder.
Can you make this a pitcher cocktail? Definitely. Multiply the single cocktail recipe for however many people you need to serve. Prepare the body of the cocktail in a large pitcher and chill, without ice, until ready to serve. Right beforehand, whip up the pumpkin foam. Let guests add heavy cream as they desire to the cocktail, then top each with foam and cinnamon powder. Easy sneezy pumpkin squeezy. Whatever.
I also included a pitcher recipe that serves 8 people, if your needs call for such a number.
The White Russian is a dream alongside the Festive Holiday Cheeseboard and the Gingersnap Munch Mix, especially for those cursed with a sweet tooth. I also think it appropriate as a nightcap after a bowl full of No Stir Butternut Squash Orzo “Risotto” or Sheetpan Glazed Coffee Balsamic Salmon. Or, after a long, arduous day after which you want to drown your woes in dairy. Bourbon is appropriate for some stresses, and vodka for others. Take your pick.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Ingredients
- 2 oz strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- pinch nutmeg
- additional cinnamon, to top
Instructions
- Beat together the heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg until stiff peaks form. Whip in the pumpkin puree.
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice. In a shaker, combine the brewed coffee, vanilla vodka, and kahlua. Add ice and shake until cold. Pour into the prepared glass and, if desired, add a dash of heavy cream. Swirl the pumpkin "cold foam" on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee, chilled
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla vodka
- 1 cup Kahlua
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp ground clove
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine the chilled coffee, vanilla vodka, and kahlua. Add ice and stir.
- Just before serving, beat together the heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg. Whip in the pumpkin puree.
- Fill 8 glasses with ice and divide the cocktail evenly into each. Add heavy cream to whomever desires. Top each with the pumpkin foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
