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!
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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👇
Mini Keg for Beer
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!
©No Spoon Necessary. All images and content are under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. Do not publish this recipe. If you want to reference this recipe, please do so by linking directly to this post.
Will the beer go flat?
Hi Tia,
You are opening beers (or a growler) to pour into the pumpkin keg… so yes, just like any opened beer, it will eventually go flat. The beer in the pumpkin keg has the same shelf life as any opened beer, so while it is best consumed fresh, it should be consumed at least within 24 hours. Hope that helps!
Wow! What a lovely idea, Cheyanne. A pumpkin keg is GENIUS idea. It looks so fun, festive and easy! Super cool. Loved it, girl! 🙂
What?? No keg stands??? hehehe jk!! But fair warning, I will be doing some keg stand moves over the amazing party food that no doubt exists at your shindigs. This is SUCH a fabulous DIY – seriously adore this. It’s so festive, so unique…I can just see everyone asking me how I made this. I will then direct them to your blog, but tell them to make sure they’ve eaten first because your blog WILL make them feel starved! Seriously. I mean, aside from the beauty of the pumpkin and cool factor of the dispensing mechanism, the actual beer looks delicious! How do you make a seemingly simple beverage like beer look so appetizing?? Girl, I would be down to cheers a glass with you anytime! XOXO
this is such a cool idea! 😉 I might have to try this even though halloween is over! I mean it’s still fall and pumpkin season isn’t over just because halloween is! this is great! love it!!!!
OMG, this is so creative ! Love the idea! Now I need to make it 🙂 Thanks for sharing girl!
This is absolutely TOO cool!!
Ha! Oh my goodness this is so so cool! Not to mention the fact that my husband would go NUTS for this. I think he would also think it is the coolest thing!! Happy happy weekend lady!!!
This is such an AMAZING idea Cheyanne!!!! Wowie! I had no idea this was even possible. I love it! I definitely need to make one of these tomorrow to celebrate Halloween! Thank you for sharing my friend! 😀
This is so awesome, Cheyanne! What a fun idea – definitely planning on doing this in the future. Not just for halloween – any fall event would be perfect – maybe even Thanksgiving!
I take my hat off to you and this brilliant idea! This is so cool! I love this. I’m imagining this at a fall wedding. That would be sweet.
Look at this!! So creative and fun, Cheyanne! I love how you’re continuing your Halloween party despite the lack of trick-or-treaters! What’s next!?!? I have not heard of a pumpkin keg before… and I’m not a beer drinker, but I was thinking about what kind of wine i’d put in there! This is great my dear! 😀
One word….AMAZING!!!
I have honestly NEVER seen or thought of or heard of a pumpkin keg before, but yours is so awesome and so perfect for a Halloween party!! So cool how it adds a bit of festive pumpkin flavour to the drink without extra effort – love it! <3
Cheyanne, this pumpkin keg is the life at the party! This is so creative and fun, and the best way to drink beer in the fall. Love this idea, and pinning!
This is so creative and clever! It is perfect for this time of year with halloween and thanksgiving around the corner! I love it!!
Oh my gosh this is the COOLEST idea ever! So fun and festive!
What an awesome idea! It looks so fun, festive and easy! A pumpkin full of beer would be A-MAZ-ING, but for those who don’t drink, I bet a mulled apple cider with a touch a pumpkin flavor would be delish! Have a happy Halloween Cheyanne!
I think this is my favorite post of yours yet! Brilliant, clever, cool, and sophisticated AND I would do a keg stand if I saw this (you can’t stop me). I’m not throwing a Halloween party this year but I may just make one of these for me, myself, and I (and I guess J too). Nice hand model. Is that the same one you hired before from Craigslist? hee, hee
oh my gawd, I love this idea!!!!!!!
This is so awesome, I didn’t even know this was possible. How fun and Fall festive. Cool tutorial. Take care!
Ahh, this is such a cool idea! So festive. I am totally going to do this at my imaginary Halloween party. – AKA, the Halloween party that I always want to host but never actually do 🙂
Hahaha! A pumpkin keg is perfect for an imaginary Halloween party! 😉 Or maybe it is an excuse to actually have one? Thanks for the comment, girlfriend! Cheers to a fabulous weekend!
Since I’m staying in for Halloween, I think this pumpkin keg is in order so I can at least feel festive.
You should totally tap a pumpkin, Nicole! Besides if you are staying home then you don’t need to drive… that means you can totally indulge in a few brews from a pumpkin keg! 🙂 Cheers, dear!
What a fun and cool idea!
Thank you so much, Angie! Cheers! 🙂
OMG this is the best! I love how creative you are! Such a great idea for an adult’s Halloween party. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lauren! 🙂 Cheers to a fabulous day, girlfriend! <3
Woah, this is so so cool!! You can actually sell this, it’s that brilliant Cheyanne!
Thank you so much, Manali! I may quit my day job and just sell pumpkin kegs… but what would I do during the spring and summer? 😉 Cheers, dear!
Cheyanne – you are brilliant! This is brilliant! I’ve never seen a pumpkin keg before – but wow! I don’t drink beer – but now I wish I did! I bet you could even place other drinks in there- say ginger ale or cream soda or heck even some sort of punch! BTW, I think you should patent this – GAH – imagine how many of these you’d sell!
Thank you so much, Shashi! You can absolutely fill this keg with whatever, all the drinks you named would be excellent, or even a fall sangria! 🙂 Ha, I wonder if someone already did patent this? hmmm.. I’ll have to look into that! lol. Cheers, girlie!
Oh my gosh, this pumpkin keg is the coolest! My husband would be over the moon over this – love love love this idea!
Thank you so much, Kelly! This is definitely an idea for the hubsters! 🙂 Cheers, girlfriend!
Such a cool idea! Love it
Thank you so much, Sindhura! Cheers!
I love this idea!!this is so cute and practical! I mean pumpkin and beer!! well done! hugs!
Thank you so much, Gaila! Cheers and hugs!
Dear Chey, This is ABSOLUTE genius. I love it. Perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving. I haven’t seen this before, and you my friend, are brilliant. I can’t believe how simple it is. And such a great look on the table or spread. An awesome centerpiece. Hope you have the best weekend EVER! Cheers. xo
Thank you so much, Allie! Making the keg is incredibly easy! I almost pondered weather to do a post on it, but I figured I might as well because it is a fun entertaining idea. 🙂 Glad I got your approval! Cheers, doll! XO
WOW!! That’s not only genius but also freaking easy. This will be perfect for thanksgiving with friends and/or family. Love it! Lovely step-by-step pictures!
Thanks, Zainab! Making a pumpkin keg is unbelievably, stupid easy! Plus you can have the kids do the decoration part to the front, to involve them and then the adults get to drink from the keg. Winning if you ask me! 🙂 Cheers, boo!
Ahhh, this is genius!!!!! My friends thanksgiving will absolutely have to include this! Too excited 🙂
Thank you so much, Leslie! Hope you do include this at your friends Thanksgiving and that everyone loves it! 🙂 Cheers, my dear!
This is the coolest idea ever! How is it possible that I’ve never seen anything like this before? I need to make one for the next Panthers game and brew up some pumpkin ale!
I have no idea how YOU of all people haven’t seen a pumpkin keg! I mean you ARE Beer Girl!! Whaa? 😉 You absolutely must do this for the next game. I demand it. lol. Thanks for the comment, girlfriend and Cheers!! <3
This is framing awesome. And by framing I mean “freaking”. What’s up, autocorrect!?!
I “freaking” HATE autocorrect! Damn thing drives me crazy! Anyways, thanks for the comment, dear! Cheers!
What a cool and cute idea, Cheyanne! Such a pity we don’t drink beer. May be we should start? Pumpkin ale sounds lovely. Or I can stuff it with candy, haha. P.S. in the list of the ingredients you didn’t mention hands. I believe, they’re quite a key component!:)
I’ve been thinking. And thinking. And then thinking a bit more (yup, sometimes that happens. Besides, I’ve got a new, very “nerd” glasses so they might affect me). Anyway, I’d love to say I wish you already didn’t have any issues with mailing address. Because in this case you could have sent me this awesome pumpkin. Sure not empty – full of something delicious (prefer don’t know what’s that – I love being surprised). Not only is this a great present, it’s also a money saving thing because you don’t need to buy a parcel box in your post office! Notice how genius am I (and humble)! Yes, I wish…
Lol, you are a nerd, Ben! But so am I… so? Nerds Unite! 🙂 Anyways, you must start drinking beer. I kid. You could totally fill this with something else, like a punch or a fall sangria! I wonder if I could slap a shipping label on the pumpkin and ship it. That would be interesting to see! Thanks for the comment(s), buddy! And yes, you are a genius AND super humble! 😉 Cheers! <3
What a fun idea! I have never seen this before but I love it! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me, Cheyanne!
Thank you so much, Allie! 🙂 Cheers to a beautiful weekend, my dear!
This is the coolest. You are the coolest. I love this idea! Oh my! This will take any Halloween party to the highest level of awesomeness! I recently attended a beer tasting event and Pumpkin Ale was my favorite – this’ll give that ale a whole new complexity! Cheers, pretty lady! xo
Ha! Thanks, Annie! But, I’m not sure how cool I am! 😉 A beer tasting event totally should have had a pumpkin keg! Pumpkin ales are some of my favorite too and if you pour it into the pumpkin keg it amplifies the pumpkin flavor = <3 Cheers, my dear to a fab weekend! xo
I have NEVER seen this before and I feel like I’m just totally missing out on life. Seriously genius. And love these tutorial photos. GAH! Amazing. Cheers, friend!
Hahaha… well I guess now you have to make a pumpkin keg so you can NOT miss out on life! Thanks for the sweet comment, Liz!! Cheers, girlfriend!
Wow I LOVE this idea, Cheyanne! A pumpkin keg is perfect for thirsty Thursday and the weekend! This is so fun! I always carve a pumpkin every year, because the kid inside me loves that (and roasting the seeds) so I will definitely have to try this out next time. Love your tips, too! Pinning! 🙂
Thank you so much, Gayle! I wanted to post this Monday, but I felt Thirsty Thursday was more appropriate! I love roasting the seeds too! I still have the ones from this pumpkin. 🙂 Thanks for the pin too! Cheers, lovely – to a beautiful weekend! <3
What an awesome idea for a post Cheyanne!! Your photos are fabulous! My husband Tom is going to be all over this one! Perfect for fall football games for a crowd too! Love it!! Enjoy the weekend girlfriend!
Thank you so much, Mary Ann! Boy and I had a lot of fun making this keg together… AKA he made it and I photographed 😉 This keg is so perfect for football, I know I will be making this often! Cheers to a fabulous weekend, my dear!