Post #785586 by AceExplorer on Mon, Apr 2, 2018 11:25 AM

I think what you have is the Real brand pumpkin infused syrup. (Pic below) I don't have experience with it, but wouldn't immediately trash it unless it tasted absolutely vile. Some potentially laugh-inducing thoughts, off the top of my head, are:

Be brave and consider "rescuing" it with some experiments. Take inspiration from other cocktails which can act as a base for creating something new, and which might go well with the pumpkin flavor. Since the pumpkin flavor can be quite strong in the syrup, you may try to balance (offset) it with a bourbon or whiskey. Pumpkin is not tropical, so I would avoid pineapple and lime juices, but lemon is something I would definitely consider. Could pumpkin/bourbon/lemon work? I think it could, in the right ratios. Add simple syrup if the cocktail isn't sweet enough from the Real pumpkin syrup itself. Try some bitters, like Fee Bros Walnut. Or Chocolate/Mole bitters. Or maybe avoid bitters altogether. And what if you added a splash of gin instead of bitters? Would pumpkin/gin work better than pumpkin/bourbon/whiskey?

You have a lot of options. As long as you enjoy the taste of pumpkin, and don't overdo it, you may surprise yourself with something that works. It may not be your top favorite in the history of cocktails, but it is a good way to experiment with cocktails and ingredients behind your bar. So go for it and let us know what you decide and how it turns out. And yes, kkocka's suggestion remains a good option if you just can't get any good results. But I would try it just for kicks.