Fall Pumpkin Juice

Pumpkin season is here! It is the best season to create delicious and tasty pumpkin dishes. There are numerous pumpkin recipes, from appetizing main dishes to flavorful and sweet pumpkin desserts. Harry Potter-inspired pumpkin juice is an excellent fall drink to enjoy this season. 

Fall Pumpkin Season
 
Various types of pumpkin drinks are popular in the fall. Many coffee shops offer limited-time seasonal pumpkin latte and coffee. Pumpkin smoothies are also very popular this time of the year. It is a smoothie that is often made with delicious blends of fall spices. We often associate pumpkin drinks with coffee, lattes, and smoothies but not juice. Pumpkin juice is an excellent alternative to a pumpkin smoothie. This juice has a delightful blend of spices and pumpkin flavor, which makes this pumpkin drink worth trying this season. Pumpkin juice is a perfect juice for the fall.

In the United States, pumpkins and the fall season are commonly associated together. Pumpkins are a big part of October festivals and celebrations such as pumpkin patches and various pumpkin festivals across the states. They are harvested during this time of the year, making it an excellent time to try out various pumpkin recipes.

Comparison between Pumpkin Juice and Pumpkin Smoothie

Pumpkin smoothie is a well-known fall smoothie that is made by many every fall season. Pumpkin juice is also a popular drink that is also liked by many. They are both very delicious fall drinks. The flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin spices can be tasted in both drinks. Though the pumpkin smoothie typically is sweeter. I would say the main differences is the taste and texture. 

The smoothie, of course, is much thicker. This includes the added yogurt and banana that make the pumpkin smoothie thick. The consistency of pumpkin juice is thin, like many juices are. Both pumpkin smoothie and juice are great drink options for the fall. They are also simple pumpkin drink recipes to make at home, not requiring a lot of ingredients. 

Check out the pumpkin smoothie recipe.
Pumpkin Smoothie (meltspices.com) 

Pumpkin Juice

Pumpkin juice is a combination of apple cider, pumpkin puree, fall spices, and sugar. The ingredients for this juice can be alternated to one's preference. Pumpkin juice is associated with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood offer pumpkin juice. This is a simple juice recipe that can be recreated at home if you cannot get to Universal Studios to try the popular pumpkin drink.

Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice

For this pumpkin juice recipe, I decided to test and try out both apple cider and apple juice. I first made this juice with apple juice.

Appearance

For the first pitcher of pumpkin juice, I used the Mayer Bros. brand of apple juice, then I combined pumpkin puree, sugar, and the spices. I then made a new pitcher with the Mayer Bros. brand of apple cider juice. I followed the same process. The only difference was the juice. Both apple cider and apple juice had little difference as far as appearance. The colors of the juices are relatively the same, though the juice made with apple cider was a bit darker.

Texture

The texture of the apple juice seemed a bit thinner compared to apple cider, though the brand could be a factor. Different brands could make a difference in the texture of the juice.

Taste

Now for the most important comparison: the taste!
As for the pumpkin-apple juice mixture, I will say it tasted good. The spices and flavors resembled pumpkin and fall. Apple and pumpkin are a great combination for the fall season. Though I will say that it tasted more like only apple juice with a small amount of pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin apple cider juice mixture tasted amazing! It was a nice balance of apple and pumpkin with a unique blend of fall spices.

Recommendation

The best recommendation for pumpkin juice is to go for apple cider! Apple juice is still a great alternative. It is also great if apple cider is too strong or if it is not available at the supermarket. If you like apple cider and it is available at the store, then apple cider juice is the way to go for this tasty juice recipe. 

Ingredients Details

Juice: apple cider juice; alternative apple juice
Puree: canned pumpkin puree; alternative pure pumpkin 
Sugar: brown sugar; alternative coconut sugar
Spice: pumpkin pie spice; alternatives: apple pie spice and ground cinnamon
Extract: vanilla extract 

Instructions Details

In a pitcher, add the pumpkin puree and apple cider juice.
Add the remaining ingredients: sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.

Mix until fully combined. 

 
Tip: Making pumpkin juice in a glass pitcher

Try not to fill the pitcher full of the apple cider. I did not fill the pitcher to the top. About 7 cups filled about a third of the way. This allowed mixing space for the other ingredients that were added. 

Storing Pumpkin Juice

Store and keep the pumpkin juice in a pitcher covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Fall Pumpkin Juice vs. Natural Pumpkin Juice

This pumpkin juice recipe is a popular fall juice recipe. Natural pumpkin juice is different. It is made with fresh pumpkin and typically made with a combination of fresh apples, ginger, and spices. Both juices are tasty, though the natural pumpkin juice may have more added health benefits.

Summary  

Thoughts: Last year was the first time I made and tried pumpkin smoothie, which is now one of my favorite smoothies. This year I wanted to try pumpkin juice at home. With a few ingredients and little time to make, this juice is now my go-to fall drink this year. Pumpkin juice is a delightful juice for the fall. It is a flavorful fall drink worth trying. 

Recipe

1 pitcher of pumpkin juice
 
Ingredients

• 7 cups apple cider juice

• 15 ounces pumpkin puree

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 

Instructions
 
In a pitcher, add the pumpkin puree, apple cider juice, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.