Pumpkin Spice Martini

All things pumpkin make me happy this time of year, and that means everything...no limitations of pumpkin only being included in desserts and entrees...drinks should be included as well!  I wanted to create a cocktail that was like a slice of really good pumpkin pie in a glass, and yet not have it be too overly sweet.  No pumpkin liquers here, just some real pumpkin puree to give the drink a little bit of richness.  And richness it added...a silky texture on my tongue as it went down, as if cream had been added.  I wanted this drink to be lightly spiced and have a delicate flavor, so I included vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, all things I consider essential to a pumpkin pie!  Maple syrup was my sweetener of choice, but not too much...just sweet enough.  For my liquor I chose bourbon and vodka, because bourbon is fallish and pairs well with pumpkin and spices, and vodka because it is a martini afterall!  It was fabulous!  The perfect fall drink and a great celebration of all things pumpkin!  So mix yourself a drink!  You know you love pumpkin!

Pumpkin Spice Martini
Serves 1

Spiced sugar:

2 Tbsp turbinado sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg

1 Tbsp agave nectar or honey

4-6 large ice cubes
1 tsp cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg
a large pinch of ginger
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 oz Prairie Organic Vodka
1 1/2 oz bourbon
1 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
To make cinnamon nutmeg sugar, combine sugar cinnamon and nutmeg and blend well. Spread out on a small plate. Coat the rim of the martini glass with the agave syrup by dipping it into it on a plate, then dip the agave coated rim into the sugar and set aside. In a martini shaker add the ice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vodka, bourbon, vanilla, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree, and place top on shaker. Shake until well blended. Pour through a strainer into a chilled martini glass, and serve!