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If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to add some serious fall flair to your Halloween celebrations and holiday parties, you need to learn How To Make A Pumpkin Keg for beer! Follow along with my step-by-step instructions and take your pumpkin carving to a BOO-zy new level with this easy-to-make mini keg. 

Update: This post was originally published in October 2015. I made edits to include more information about making a mini keg. Plus, there’s now step-by-step photos showing you *just* how easy it is to make your own keg for beer at home.

Hi, friends! I certainly hope you are parched, because it’s thirsty Thursday and I have a fantastically fun beer keg tutorial for you today!

About this keg for beer

When it comes to entertaining, I’m a firm believer that providing a keg of beer and a stocked bar is my responsibility as hostess. People are coming for a PARTY, and unless you’re the DD or sober-curious, that typically means some serious adult beverage time. Go big or gourd home, ya feel me? Luckily, I have the perfect keg for all your fall and winter entertaining –  a pumpkin beer tap.

Why you’ll love this pumpkin keg

You’re going to adore this incredibly simple, show-stopping idea for autumnal amusement: a pumpkin keg for beer or your favorite witch’s brew! Aside from being the perfect centerpiece for your next backyard bonfire, this all-natural pumpkin dispenser is:

  • Quick & Easy. All you need for this simple kitchen tutorial is a sharp knife, a beer tap, a pumpkin, and about 15 minutes of your time. It’s *literally* easier than pumpkin pie!
  • Versatile. Fill it with beer or your favorite autumnal beverage to get the whole party talking. Come summertime, swap the pumpkin for a watermelon!
  • Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly. Snag a mini-keg-sized pumpkin for a few bucks while they’re in season, carve it for the party, then compost it when you’re done. Oh, and if you’re smart about it? You’ll get a big ol’ bowl of delicious roasted pumpkin seeds out of the deal, too. Snack + Drink Dispenser in one go? Now that’s what I call a deal. 
  • Seasonally Appropriate. Using a pumpkin as a keg and filling it with beer or a batch cocktail adds a touch of pumpkin flavor to your favorite brew. 
  • Party Starter. Plus, it’s a great conversation piece at holiday parties, such as Christmas, and kegger parties, like tailgates. Stencil a cute emoji or the name of your team on the front of the pumpkin. Then tap the keg, add your beer and pour yourself a cold, pumpkin drinking beer.

Equipment for a keg of beer

Making a keg with beer at home is incredibly easy! Here’s what to grab: 

  • Pumpkin – Look for one that’s about 12”-16” tall and about 8” wide.
  • Tap – Having a tap on hand means a party is never far from reach!
  • Serrated Knife – Feel free to use your regular kitchen serrated knife or bust out your pumpkin carving kit if you’re in the mood for making some pretty designs. 
  • Coring Tool – This is optional, but it does make life a little easier. If you’re a fan of apples this time of year, you’ll find plenty of use for it. 
  • Beer or Batch Cocktails – Note that whatever you put in your pumpkin keg will take on a bit of fresh pumpkin flavor, so be sure to pick drinks that will pair nicely.
  • Mugs – I love a good stein for my beers, but if red solo cups are more your jam, I won’t judge you one bit.

Mini keg variations

There’s more than one way to carve a pumpkin keg! Consider any of these fun variations to make yours fit your theme:

  • A Watermelon Keg is the perfect warm-weather variation on this fun idea!
  • Paint the Exterior of the pumpkin in silver or gold spray paint to make it look more upscale or to fit your Thanksgiving or Christmas decor.
  • Carve the Pumpkin to add some extra pizazz, but make sure not to bust all the way through the walls or your bevvy will go bye-bye.

How to make a pumpkin keg

As promised, making a mini keg for beer is easier than making pumpkin pie! Here’s what you need to do:

(Scroll down for printable tutorial!)

Step 1

Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut about 1/2” off the top of the pumpkin to create a lid.

Step 2

Scoop and clean out all the innards and seeds. Either discard or set aside to roast and eat.

Step 3

Use a coring tool or knife to make a hole 2-3” above the bottom of the pumpkin.

Be sure to make the hole the same size as tap to prevent the keg from leaking.

Step 4

Insert tap through the hole in pumpkin. Secure and tighten locking nut on the inside.

Make sure the tap is in the vertical position before adding your beer of choice.

Step 5

Replace lid. Pull handle forward to dispense beer and enjoy!

(Note: pumpkin keg stands not recommended!)

FAQ: keg with beer

What do you serve from a pumpkin keg?

While you can really use any beer in a pumpkin keg, there are a few different types of beers that pair exceptionally well with pumpkin.

  • Pumpkin Ale
  • Sweet Stout
  • Oatmeal Stout

Not much of a beer fan? Consider other fall-flavored beverages like:

  • Apple Cider (preferably spiked with bourbon or Fireball or in a boozy punch form)
  • Hard Cider (Pear or Apple)
  • Fall Flavored Sangrias

What did you end up putting in your Pumpkin Keg? Let me know in the comments below or tag me in your Instagram posts so I can cheer you on!

How do you serve beer from a keg?

The trick here is to get the right amount of head (that’s the foamy part). Tilt your glass at about a 30-45 degree angle right underneath the tap. Flip the switch and let the beer start flowing. As the mug fills, start tilting it upright until it reaches the top! You should have about ½ inch of foamy goodness with the rest being sparkly and delicious.

Storing your keg

Your pumpkin keg will last for about as long as a Jack-o-Lantern, which isn’t long at all. Make sure not to carve it more than a day or so ahead of time, and keep it in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling too soon. 

Since beer is effervescent, don’t add it to your keg until the party starts or it’ll be flat by the time your guests get to it.

If you’re serving a batch cocktail from the pumpkin keg, I suggest keeping ice in a separate, insulated container on the side to prevent it from getting too diluted.

Alright, my little witches, ghosts and goblins. Ready to give ‘em pumpkin to talk about? Craft this amazingly simple Pumpkin Keg and watch all your friends ooooh and ahhhh with envy at your creative genius. Cheers to you and a gourd time!

Cheyanne

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Recipes with beer!

Looking to cook with all that beer? Try these delicious recipes next:

How to make a pumpkin mini keg for beer tutorial👇

Straight on photo of a keg for beer made from a pumpkin.

Mini Keg for Beer

5 from 12 votes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 keg
This easy to make pumpkin keg is the perfect way to add festive flare and pumpkin flavor to all your fall parties! Follow the simple tutorial below!

Equipment

  • Serrated Knife
  • Coring Tool (optional)

Ingredients 

  • Pumpkin
  • Tap
  • Beer
  • Mugs

Instructions

  • Cut off top: Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut about 1/2'' off the top of the pumpkin to create a lid.
  • Remove seeds: Use a large spoon to scoop and clean out all the innards and the seeds. Either discard or set aside to roast later.
  • Core and tap: Use a coring tool or knife to make a hole 2-3'' above the bottom of the pumpkin. Be sure to make the hole the same size as tap to prevent leaking. Insert tap through the hole in pumpkin. Secure and tighten locking nut on the inside.
  • Add beer: Add your beer of choice, making sure tap is in vertical position.
  • Use mini keg: Replace lid. Pull handle forward to dispense beer and enjoy!

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Overhead shot of beer inside a pumpkin keg.

How To Make A Pumpkin Keg