Pumpkin Up: A Seasonal Sip with Serious Style
There’s something undeniably fun — and a little bit fancy — about the Pumpkin Up cocktail. This non-alcoholic autumn-inspired serve brings all the warm, spiced charm of pumpkin season into your glass, balanced with a splash of citrus and finished with the crisp bite of Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water. Whether you're going alcohol-free or just looking for a lighter option, this is the kind of drink that makes you want to light a candle, grab a blanket and settle into sweater weather in style.
At its core, the Pumpkin Up is all about contrast. The pumpkin syrup adds richness and warm spice, while lemon juice cuts through with just the right amount of acidity. Non-alcoholic vodka provides body and clarity, allowing the other flavours to shine without overwhelming the palate. Then comes the fizz — Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water adds the perfect dry, bubbly finish, giving the cocktail a lift that keeps it refreshing and modern.
Why We Love It
Let’s face it: pumpkin drinks often get a bad rap for being overly sweet or cloying. But the Pumpkin Up is different. It’s clean, clever, and balanced — with enough depth to satisfy seasonal cravings, but none of the sugar crash. The tonic adds sophistication, while the lemon and spice combo feels comforting and bright. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a fall-themed cocktail that still feels grown-up and fresh.
Perfect For Autumn Gatherings
Whether you're hosting a Halloween bash, curling up for movie night, or just need a festive drink without the booze, the Pumpkin Up fits the bill. It’s light enough to sip throughout an evening, and it works beautifully as a welcome drink or palate cleanser. If you’re entertaining, the optional garnish ideas make it a total conversation piece — more on that below.
Creative Garnishing Ideas
The Pumpkin Up is as playful or polished as you want it to be. Go cute with a swirl of whipped cream and two cacao nibs or chocolate buttons for “eyes” — perfect for Halloween or family-friendly drinks. Or, take the classy route: carve a mini pumpkin silhouette from orange peel, skewer it on a cocktail stick, and rest it across the glass. Either way, it’s eye-catching, seasonal, and seriously fun.
Serving Tips
- Serve in a rocks glass: The wider rim is perfect for creative garnishes.
- Use chilled ingredients: Keep your tonic and syrup cold to maximise fizz and flavour.
- Stir gently: You want to combine without flattening the bubbles.
Flavourful, fizzy and full of festive flair, the Pumpkin Up is a brilliant addition to any autumn drinks list. It’s proof that non-alcoholic doesn’t have to mean boring — and that seasonal cocktails can be as stylish as they are satisfying.
ingredients
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50 ml non-alcoholic vodka
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10ml lemon juice
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15ml pumpkin syrup
accessories

- Rocks glass
- Spirits jigger
- Bar spoon
Method
- Pour the non-alcoholic vodka and lemon juice over ice
- Mix in the pumpkin syrup and fill with Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water.
- Choose how to garnish the Pumpkin Up:
the cute way is a layer of whipped cream topped with two cacao nibs or mini dark chocolate buttons to look like eyes, while the sophisticated approach is to carve a pumpkin silhouette out of orange peel and impale it on a cocktail stick resting across the glass.


