Buongiorno tutti! Evelina here, and today I am sharing a recipe that is sure to elevate your burger game and impress your guests. As National Hamburger Day approaches, there’s no better time to indulge in juicy, perfectly seasoned patties served alongside an unexpected and festive cocktail pairing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to a plain old burger again!
Evelina grew up in a small fishing village along the coast of Italy, where she developed an early love for cooking and entertaining guests. After completing her studies in hospitality management, she worked for several years as a concierge at a luxury hotel in Rome before moving to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a lifestyle blogger. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city’s food scene, practicing yoga, and planning elaborate dinner parties for her friends and family.
Evelina D’Alessandro currently resides in the United States and grew up in Italy.
Growing up in Italy, my family and I always enjoyed a good homemade burger on special occasions. It may seem like an American classic, but burgers have become a global phenomenon and are enjoyed just as much in Italy as they are in the United States. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: whether you’re celebrating a traditional American holiday or hosting a summer barbecue with friends, burgers are a crowd-pleasing favorite that can be customized to suit any palate.
While burgers have a long history in American cuisine, the origins of the pumptini cocktail are a bit more mysterious. Some say it emerged from the pumpkin spice craze that swept the nation nearly a decade ago, while others credit its creation to a creative mixologist seeking to combine the flavors of fall in a single drink. Regardless of its origins, the pumptini is the perfect partner to a juicy burger with all the fixings. The creamy, indulgent cocktail has hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup that perfectly complement the savory flavors of the burger. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill, whip up a batch of pumptinis, and get ready to celebrate National Hamburger Day in style!
What you need
Looking to elevate your burger game? Look no further than this recipe to celebrate National Hamburger Day! Juicy ground beef patties are seasoned to perfection with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper, then grilled to juicy perfection. Add your favorite toppings, like melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, and serve on a toasty bun for a classic burger experience. But wait, there’s more! Take your burger feast up a notch by serving it with a festive and unexpected cocktail pairing – the Pumptini! This unique cocktail combines vodka, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and maple syrup for a creamy and indulgent fall flavor that perfectly complements your juicy burger. So fire up the grill, shake up a Pumptini, and celebrate National Hamburger Day in style with this exciting and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – Ground beef makes up the centerpiece of your burger. For best results, choose a ground beef that is at least 80% lean. You could also use ground turkey or chicken, or a vegetarian/vegan meat substitute.
- Hamburger Buns – The bun serves as the foundation of your burger and is essential for holding your juicy patty and toppings together. Choose your favorite type of bun or try something new like pretzel buns or brioche buns. You could also swap the bun for lettuce or other lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Cheese – Cheese is an optional but highly recommended topping for your burger. Cheddar, American, Swiss, and Pepper Jack are popular choices. For a vegan option, try a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Lettuce – Lettuce provides a fresh and crispy texture to your burger. Use your favorite type of lettuce, such as romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce. You could also use other greens like kale or spinach.
- Tomato – Tomatoes add a juicy and flavorful element to your burger. Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes and slice them thin. You could also use other vegetables like roasted peppers or grilled onions.
- Red Onion – Red onions provide a sweet and spicy crunch to your burger. Slice them thin and use them sparingly. You could also use other onion varieties or pickled onions for a tangy twist.
- Ketchup – Ketchup is a classic condiment for your burger. Feel free to use your favorite brand or mix in other condiments like mayo or mustard.
- Mustard – Mustard provides a tangy and bright flavor to your burger. Use your favorite type of mustard, such as Dijon or spicy brown. You could also use honey mustard or other flavored varieties.
- Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise adds a creamy and rich element to your burger. Use your favorite brand or whisk in other ingredients like garlic or herbs for a personalized touch.
- Salt – Salt is essential for seasoning your burger and bringing out its natural flavors. Feel free to use other seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a spicy kick to your burger. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds a savory and umami flavor to your burger. It can be swapped for soy sauce or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Vodka – Vodka is the base liquor for your Pumptini cocktail. Use a high-quality vodka for best results. Feel free to swap it for gin or tequila if you prefer a different spirit.
- Pumpkin Puree – Pumpkin puree adds a festive and seasonal flavor to your Pumptini. Use canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin.
- Maple Syrup – Maple syrup adds a sweet and rich flavor to your Pumptini. Use pure maple syrup for best results. You could also swap it for honey or agave nectar.
- Heavy Cream – Heavy cream adds a silky and luxurious texture to your Pumptini. You could also use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Pumpkin Spice – Pumpkin spice is a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It adds a cozy and comforting flavor to your Pumptini. Make your own blend or use a pre-made mix.
Utensils:
- Grill – You can also cook your burger on a stovetop griddle or in a skillet.
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Small Saucepan
- Cocktail Shaker – You can also stir the cocktail ingredients in a glass with ice and strain it into a serving glass.
- Jigger – You can use a measuring spoon or a shot glass in place of a jigger.
- Martini Glass – You can serve the Pumptini in any cocktail glass, or even a regular glass if you don’t have martini glasses.
- Garnish – Optional. You can garnish your Pumptini with whipped cream, cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Pumpkin Puree
As an ingredient, pumpkin puree is often associated with fall and Thanksgiving dishes. However, in this recipe, it adds a unique and unexpected flavor to the Pumptini cocktail. Pumpkin is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this indulgent cocktail a tad more nutritious. Plus, the creamy texture of the puree pairs perfectly with the rich heavy cream and smooth vodka. While pumpkin may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when making a cocktail, it’s versatility is worth exploring beyond pumpkin spice lattes and pie.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a staple ingredient in many savory dishes, including burgers. It has a tangy and umami flavor that adds depth and complexity to the burger patty. In this recipe, Worcestershire sauce is mixed directly into the ground beef mixture, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Fun fact: Worcestershire sauce was first created in England in the 1800s, and its recipe has remained a closely guarded secret since then. It typically contains anchovies, making it not strictly vegetarian or vegan-friendly. However, there are vegetarian and vegan versions of Worcestershire sauce available in stores, so everyone can enjoy the rich and savory flavor it brings to this burger recipe.
What to serve it with?
If you’re looking to take this recipe to the next level, I highly recommend serving your burger alongside a crisp arugula salad. The peppery arugula adds a nice bite that pairs well with the juicy burger, while the light dressing helps to cut through the richness of the pumptini cocktail. As a native Italian, I grew up with a deep appreciation for fresh, seasonal produce, and an arugula salad is the perfect representation of that philosophy. Plus, it helps to balance out the decadent flavors of the burger and cocktail, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. So next time you’re planning a burger night, don’t forget to add a simple arugula salad to the menu!
Summary
That’s all for now, folks! Thank you for joining me on this journey to celebrate National Hamburger Day in style. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Don’t forget to pair your patty with a festive and unexpected pumptini cocktail, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, throw together a simple arugula salad to round out the meal.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below – have you ever paired a cocktail with your burger before? Are there any other unexpected food and drink pairings that you love to indulge in? Let’s start a conversation and swap recipe ideas – after all, sharing good food and good company is what life is all about, isn’t it?
Here’s the recipe:
Celebrate National Hamburger Day: Pair Your Patty With A Pumptini
Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
- Small saucepan
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Martini Glass
- Garnish
Ingredients
- 2/3 pound Ground Beef
- 2 Hamburger Buns
- 2 slices Cheese
- 2 leaves Lettuce
- 2 slices Tomato
- 2 slices Red Onion
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 1 ounce Pumpkin Puree
- 1/2 ounce Maple Syrup
- 1/2 ounce Heavy Cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patty - 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. 2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. 3. Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions and shape them into round patties. 4. Make a small dimple in the center of each patty (about the size of a quarter) to help it cook evenly. - Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can result in tough and dry burgers. If you want to make ahead, you can prepare the patties and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking.
- Cook the Burger Patties - 1. Preheat the grill or griddle to medium-high heat. 2. Place the patties on the grill or griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. 3. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese (if using) on top of each patty and let it melt. 4. Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. - If you're using a grill, make sure to oil the grates before cooking to prevent the patties from sticking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties - 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
- Assemble the Burger - 1. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster. 2. Spread ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise on the bottom bun. 3. Top with a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a slice of red onion. 4. Add the burger patty with melted cheese on top. 5. Place the top bun on the burger and press down gently. - Feel free to customize your burger toppings to your liking. You could also add bacon, avocado, pickles, or jalapenos for extra flavor and texture. If you want to make it a double burger, simply double the recipe and use 4 patties instead of 2.
- Make the Pumptini Cocktail - 1. In a small saucepan, heat the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice over low heat until warmed through. 2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka and heavy cream. 3. Add the pumpkin mixture to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. 4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. 5. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick, if desired. - Make sure to shake the cocktail for long enough to emulsify the cream and create a frothy texture. You can also use a blender or immersion blender to mix the ingredients instead of shaking them in a cocktail shaker. Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by adding more or less maple syrup.
