Pumpkin Juice

If the kiddos fantasize about enrolling at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this drink will make them feel welcome. Our copycat Harry Potter pumpkin juice recipe tastes just like the one from the stories (we imagine), and the one served in real life at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. The drink is healthy too, with actual pumpkin puree and apple juice in it. It’s easy to concoct, no wizardry or witchcraft necessary.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Juice

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• Pumpkin: You’ll want to use canned pumpkin for this recipe, as it’s already cooked and ready to use—no messing with pumpkin guts!
• Apricot spreadable fruit: Depending on the brand, it may be labeled as a fruit spread rather than spreadable fruit. Apricot jam or preserves could be used if you can’t find spreadable fruit.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a slight note of molasses to this drink. Dark brown sugar has more molasses flavor than light brown sugar.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This spice combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and ginger could be the official flavor of fall. It’s also easy to make your own pumpkin pie spice if you don’t have a premixed variety.
• Apple cider or unsweetened apple juice: Apple cider or apple juice contributes a bit of apple flavor to the drink; it’s also the main liquid in the drink. The bottled pumpkin juice served at Universal Orlando uses concentrated apple juice.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the first four ingredients

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Place the pumpkin, apricot, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a blender. Cover and process until the drink is blended.

Step 2: Add the apple cider

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Transfer the beverage to a pitcher, and stir in the apple cider until everything is combined. Serve the drink hot or chilled.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Pumpkin Juice Variations

• Make it a slushie: Add a bunch of ice to the blender when making the drink to serve it slushie style.
• Add banana: Add a banana or two to make the drink thicker, like a smoothie. The banana also adds nutrients, including potassium and vitamins B6 and C.
• Try it with citrus: Add a little lemon or orange juice and zest for a light citrusy note that’s also refreshing. Garnish the drink with a citrus slice as well, if desired.
• Add a cinnamon snack: Serve the drinks in short glasses, such as rocks glasses, with cinnamon jelly beans speared on toothpicks as a garnish.

How to Store Pumpkin Juice

Store the beverage in a covered container, such as a pitcher with a lid. Keep it in the refrigerator, and drink it within a few days. Give it a quick stir before serving each time.

Can you make copycat Harry Potter pumpkin juice ahead of time?

Sure! Make the drink a few hours or even a day ahead of a Hogwarts-themed party. If it settles a bit, stir it again or pop it back into the blender for 15 seconds or so before serving time.

Pumpkin Juice Tips

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Could I use apricot nectar instead?

Yes, apricot nectar works well in place of the fruit spread, and it’ll still combine perfectly with the apple juice and pumpkin puree.

Could I use peach instead of apricot?

Sure! Use a peach fruit spread, peach juice, peach nectar or even fresh peaches when they’re ripe and plentiful. Juice will keep the drink on the thin side, while fresh pureed peaches will make the drink a little thicker.

Could I make this drink fizzy?

Absolutely! Fizz makes the drink fun and magical. Just use sparkling apple juice in place of the regular apple juice or cider to make the drink carbonated. Add more sparkling apple juice to make it even more fizzy.