
Product Review: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur
Ah, the flavors of fall has arrived once again! And like clockwork, the much-anticipated Trader Joe’s has unveiled its seasonal offerings, of which one of the more popular items this year is the Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur. In an age where pumpkin spice has almost become cliché, is this product yet another redundant addition to the market or does it truly stand out? I’ve spent some delightful evenings taste testing (responsibly, of course), and here are my thoughts:

Packaging :
The first thing that grabs your attention is the earthy toned bottle label, artfully designed with autumnal shades and fall leaves. It gives off a rustic feel, reminiscent of the cozy fall evenings by the fireplace. The bottle itself is sturdy with a tight-sealing cap, ensuring that the contents remain fresh. I really like the packaging. Doesn’t look cheap like a lot of Trader Joe’s packaging can look.
Aroma :
Upon unscrewing the cap on the bottle, I was greeted with an aromatic fusion of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves. It’s like having a pumpkin pie baking in the oven. The inviting aroma is not overpowering but strikes a perfect balance, evoking nostalgic memories of fall gatherings. I also got a whiff of alcohol but that is to be expected.

Taste & Texture :
The liqueur’s texture is creamy, akin to a luxury cream liqueur but with an autumnal twist. The pumpkin spice flavor is pronounced but doesn’t overshadow the underlying notes of spices. The sweetness is well-calibrated, ensuring the liqueur isn’t overly saccharine, which is a pitfall many cream liqueurs tend to fall into.
One of the standout qualities of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, making your morning brew taste like a gourmet pumpkin spice latte. For those who appreciate cocktails, it makes for a divine base in a variety of mixers. Imagine a creamy pumpkin spice martini or a decadent white Russian with a pumpkin twist!
There’s also an evident warmth that can be attributed to the alcohol content which is pretty low at 12.5%, which is similar to a lower alcohol wine so putting a shot in your coffee or having it over ice isn’t going to get you hammered too quickly. However, it’s subtle and doesn’t overpower the drink’s flavorful qualities. This liqueur is certainly not just about getting a buzz; it’s an experience in itself.
Aftertaste :
After sipping, the comforting taste of spices lingers for a while, ensuring that the experience is prolonged. This aftertaste makes the liqueur a perfect post-dinner drink, as it feels like you’ve just had dessert. But at the same time, there was a lingering cough syrupy flavor that I didn’t appreciate, but that might just be me. I don’t drink a lot of cream liqueurs to be honest.
Value for Money :
Trader Joe’s is known for its high-quality products at reasonable prices, and this liqueur is no exception. This bottle is $8.99 in most locations where you can buy liquor at Trader Joe’s but not everywhere. (prices will vary depending on alcohol taxes locally) When compared to other premium cream liqueurs, it offers a decent value for money, especially given its unique flavor profile.
Drawbacks : For those not enamored by the pumpkin spice craze, this product might come across as a tad gimmicky. Furthermore, its seasonal nature means you won’t find it on the shelves all year round – a downside if you happen to fall in love with it.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee + Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
Growing up my parents used to put Bailey’s Irish Cream in the morning coffee on special occasions like Christmas morning while we opened our gifts. I decided to try something similar with this and the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee I just reviewed a couple of days ago. When I was making the Pumpkin Spice coffee after I tasted it alone, I poured a big shot of the liqueur into the coffee to see if something magical happened and actually I was pretty surprised how they worked together and made for a more interesting drink! So, give it a shot, literally.

Make your own Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur :
By the way, it’s fairly easy to make your own. Just a quick and dirty recipe, just mix 1 1/2 cups of dark rum, 1 cup of condensed milk, a cup of cream and a tablespoon of McCormicks Pure Pumpkin Pie Spice extract. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to a month.
The Final Verdict :
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur is a delightful ode to the flavors of fall. It’s a must-try for pumpkin spice aficionados and even skeptics might find themselves pleasantly surprised. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a mixer, it encapsulates the essence of autumn in a bottle.
Rating: 8 Bells out of 10
Unfortunately, because of the way our liquor laws work in the United States, they are not obligated to put ingredients on the label. They only need to tell you the alcohol percentage and the pregnancy warning label.
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