If there’s one food item/flavor that receives more criticism than candy corn, it’s pumpkin spice. (Fascinating backstory here.) So naturally I am following up my Candy Corn Halloween Cocktail with a Pumpkin Spice Mudslide. It’s the kind of sacrifice that I’m known to make for my readership.

Now, to be honest about it, I had high expectations for today’s cocktail. I’ve felt burned by the past few liqueur-based, off-color drinks. I figured that something with a stronger, coffee-based backbone as well as some creamy substance (whipped cream) should stand out as an enjoyable drink. So I found this recipe for a pumpkin spice mudslide. It sounds like something they would serve at TGI Friday’s.

Sadly, it didn’t live up to the expectations. Let’s do a quick postmortem.

The recipe: Add 3 Tbsp Bailey’s Irish Creme, 2 Tbsp vodka, 2 Tbsp Kahlua, and 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice extract to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Pour into a chilled glass, and top with whipped cream and little pumpkin pie spice (I used pumpkin spice syrup).

The Ratings: It looks like a mudslide. It’s not unappealing; in fact, it looks almost tempting. But it’s not very Halloween-y either. It just kind of sits there and looks at you. I’ll give the appearance 2 points.

In terms of taste, this was disappointing. It mainly tastes like Bailey’s. The vodka kicks up the alcohol a bit, but does nothing for the taste. And the Kahlua seems to have the same basic flavor profile as the Irish Creme. The pumpkin spice extract does nothing, at least in this small of a concentration. I was hoping for something like a rich milkshake, or at least some layered flavors. But no. This is just like taking a swig of Irish Creme. Yawn. 2 points.

As for the name: Pumpkin Spice Mudslide is simultaneously a boring name and false advertising. No points.

Grand total: 4 points.

Let’s hope we can come up with something better tomorrow. Feel free to send me your suggestions!