The key is making the pumpkin syrup (otherwise it’s like any other margarita- and yes I still put in the lime, it does enhance the flavor making it bright and refreshing). So the way I make the pumpkin syrup is I take a larger can of the pumpkin (I have found the Libby’s 100% pumpkin works better than Trader Joe’s), then I add 2 cans of water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice (since what everyone calls pumpkin flavor is really pumpkin spice) this can be according to taste, since these spices vary in intensity. Now you simmer with occasional bubble coming to the top, and you need to stir constantly or it will scorch to the bottom. After it has greatly reduced, you put it in a Rubbermaid pitcher to cool. It;s very hot with a lot of thermal mass, so I leave it on the counter until the outside is Molly warm, then into the fridge for a day.
When you take it out it needs a stir. Now this tuff is pretty gloppy, and so when you make up the margarita I find you really have to aggressively stir the pumpkin in, and you may find the margarita is very thick, and so you can add more margarita base as you see fit (in a pinch I have found you can use the Jose Cuervo golden margarita mix (already has the tequila) so you aren’t neglecting your guests making the f=drink. At our Halloween have a 3 gallon dispenser full of the stuff and often go through at least 4-5 gallons so using the pre-mix lets me refill in a few seconds. Not the pumpkin tends to come out of solution when just sitting there, so I have a long wooden spoon nearby to stir.
Note it looks terrible (brown thick margarita) but tastes exactly like a real alcoholic liquid pumpkin pie… plus it’s high in fiber!
I slice several lemons and limes and float them on top, mostly for looks but also for taste. You will need a sign if it’s not being served as nobody is pouring weird brown liquid on their own!
Other fun items are deviled eyeballs: (blood is beat juice, pupil is a black olive) we have done of those ice-tray plates to keep the eggs over the evening With the Mayo in it.
Eventually had to change the sign to a edge-lit one as it’s too hard to see the draft board one on the crazy lighting. I also learned some people didn’t grasp that it was alcoholic (why someone would want a pumpkin flavored brown sludge that wasn’t is beyond me)
