As we enter the Halloween season, for those pumpkin lovers looking for something stronger and more eclectic than pumpkin beer, try Pumpkin King Cordial from Boulder’s Vapor Distillery.

Vapor Distillery in east Boulder quickly made a name for itself with its innovation and award winning gins. Each year Master Distiller Ted Palmer produces an annual fall delicacy—Pumpkin King Cordial.

This handcrafted seasonal liqueur is made by blending roasted organic Baby Bear Pie pumpkins from local Munson Farms with fresh ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans, and Vapor’s renowned Western style RHok Gin.

It’s a prized limited release that tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass.

Pumpkin King Cordial holds its own as a simple dessert drink over ice and a simple splash will brighten up any hot cocoa. It adds a touch of autumn romance when featured in a holiday martini.

Try these recipes at your next gathering or throughout the holiday season. 

Pumpkin Pie Martini:  

• 1½ oz Vapor Distillery Pumpkin King Cordial
• 1½ oz Irish Cream
• ½ oz Whipped Cream Vodka
• Cinnamon stick

Shake the wet ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

If you are one of those people who don’t think pumpkin spice should be limited to September through November, this pumpkin tiki drink will allow you to have a taste of fall while holding on to your last remnants of summer.

The Hoodoo Princess:

• 1½ oz  Vapor Distillery Pumpkin King Cordial
• 1½ oz  Black Magic Spiced Rum
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz orange juice
• ½ oz  Grand Marnier
• ½ oz Honey Simple Syrup*
• A dash of Angostura Bitters

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice then strain into an old fashioned glass full of crushed ice. Garnish with a cherry, pineapple, and a drink umbrella or sprig of fresh mint.

*Honey Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup of honey
• 1 cup of water

In a small sauce pan, boil the water on your stove top. Pour in the honey and stir until it dissolves.  Remove immediately to an unheated burner, place the lid on, and allow to cool. Honey simple syrup will keep its flavor in your refrigerator for two weeks.

You can find Pumpkin King Cordial, along with many other specialty liqueurs, at Wyatt’s Wet Goods.