Cocktail Recipe: The Smashing Pumpkin from I|O Godfrey, Chicago

The richness in Chicago’s historic cocktail scene is endless, and the innovation knows no bounds. Just go take a look of our roundup of cocktail recipes from some of the best bars in the Chi for a taste of just how diverse this city can get when it comes to bar hopping for some exceptional tipples.

However, the five that we included in that list is nowhere near the be all and end all of the city’s hospitality scene. Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, I|O at the Godfrey Hotel, sent us this one and we loved the recipe so much we just had to public it. Especially with Halloween coming up, and the unique edge pumpkin always adds to cocktails.

“The Smashing Pumpkin” from I|O Godfrey

Ingredients

2 oz. (56ml) Woodford Reserve (or other bourbon whiskey)
1 oz. (28ml) Grand Marnier (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
1 oz. (28ml) Domaine De Canton (or other ginger-flavored liqueur)
.5 oz. (14ml) Lemon Juice
2 oz. (56ml) Pumpkin Puree
Sweet boiled potato (optional)
Allspice and Nutmeg mixture for topping and glass rim (optional)
Star Anise for garnish (optional)

Method

Stir all ingredients together, and pour into a couple glass or glass or choice. While not required, I|O Godfrey combines its house-made pumpkin puree with boiled sweet potato for the drink’s delicious cocktail base. Top with a sprinkling of allspice and nutmeg mixture (including the glass rim) and a star anise for added flavor.

If you’ve tried your hand at The Smashing Pumpkin and are liking what you’ve tasted, go check out the bar’s other cocktails here and put it on the list for your next Chicago trip (and don’t worry, that day will come where we can head on over to the US again).

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.