Gingerbread White Russian

Gingerbread White Russian is a delightful twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. Made with vodka, Kahlúa, gingerbread syrup and more!

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Gingerbread is a timeless classic that has risen in popularity in the food and beverage world again.

These days, you’ll find it incorporated everywhere, including some of our more unique recipes like a Gingerbread Martini or Gingerbread Cheesecake.

This Gingerbread White Russian is yet another way to enjoy this delicious flavor.

It combines perfectly the sweet, spicy flavor of gingerbread with the creaminess of a traditional White Russian cocktail.

Why This Recipe Works

White Russians are a quick and easy cocktail recipe to whip up. You should make the gingerbread syrup ahead of time so that it has time to cool down and is ready to use when you need it.

It’s absolutely delicious. White Russian cocktails are known and loved for their creaminess and sweeter coffee-forward flavor. The spiciness of gingerbread melds perfectly into this beverage.

This is a cocktail that is seasonal, festive, and perfect for serving during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Gingerbread Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cocktail

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces Kahlúa
• 2 ounces gingerbread syrup
• 2 ounces heavy cream

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Make the gingerbread syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail.

Chill a glass.

Create!

Gingerbread Syrup

Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the water, honey, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the syrup to simmer for 5 minutes.

Chef’s Tip: taste the gingerbread syrup during the simmering process and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or molasses to suit your preferences.

Allow the gingerbread syrup to cool completely before using it in the cocktail. This ensures that the syrup won’t melt the ice and dilute the drink excessively.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Cocktail

To make the cocktail, add ice to a cocktail shaker then add the vodka, Kahlúa, and gingerbread syrup.

Shake the cocktail ingredients thoroughly for about 15 to 20 seconds to achieve proper dilution and a frothy texture.

Chef’s Note: adding ice to the cocktail shaker is essential for chilling the ingredients quickly. This results in a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail.

Use a fine mesh strainer when pouring the cocktail into the glass to catch any ice chips or small particles, ensuring a smooth and elegant presentation.

Top with the heavy cream.

Present!

Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks.

Tips and Techniques

• Consider using a lowball or rocks glass for serving to highlight the richness of the cocktail. A festive glass can enhance the overall holiday experience.
• Ensure the glass is well-chilled before pouring the cocktail. This maintains the cold temperature and enhances the overall experience.
• Before pouring, you can froth the heavy cream slightly with a whisk or by pouring it over the back of a spoon. This adds a luxurious and visually appealing layer to the cocktail.
• Store the gingerbread syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for future use. It can be a delightful addition to various cocktails, hot beverages, or desserts.

FAQ’s

What Is A White Russian Made Of?

The main ingredients in a White Russian cocktail are vodka, Kahlúa (or similar), and cream.

More Holiday Cocktail Recipes

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This recipe for Chocolate Mint Martinis is the perfect simple and seasonal cocktail to celebrate the holidays. It puts a festive twist on a well-known, classic beverage and adds a bit of fun flavor too. Chocolate Mint Martinis are a delicious dessert drink and wonderful for serving after dinner.

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Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Welcome fall and celebrate the holidays with this simply delicious Blood Orange Aperol Spritz! This easy to make, refreshing cocktail tastes like fresh oranges and is sweet with a slight hint of bitterness.

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Print

Gingerbread White Russian

Gingerbread White Russian is a delightful twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. Made with vodka, Kahlúa, gingerbread syrup and more!

Course Beverages

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 cocktail

Calories 714kcal

Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

Gingerbread Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cocktail

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces Kahlúa
• 2 ounces gingerbread syrup
• 2 ounces heavy cream

Instructions

Gingerbread Syrup

• Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the water, honey, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon sticks and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  1 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 4 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the syrup to simmer for 5 minutes.
• Allow the gingerbread syrup to cool completely before using it in the cocktail.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Cocktail

• Add ice to a cocktail shaker then add the vodka, Kahlúa, and gingerbread syrup.
  2 ounces vodka, 2 ounces Kahlúa, 2 ounces gingerbread syrup
• Shake the cocktail ingredients thoroughly for about 15 to 20 seconds to achieve proper dilution and a frothy texture.
• Use a fine mesh strainer when pouring the cocktail into the glass.
• Top with the heavy cream.
  2 ounces heavy cream
• Present!
• Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

• Taste the gingerbread syrup during the simmering process and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or molasses to suit your preferences.
• Consider using a lowball or rocks glass for serving to highlight the richness of the cocktail. A festive glass can enhance the overall holiday experience.
• Ensure the glass is well-chilled before pouring the cocktail. This maintains the cold temperature and enhances the overall experience.
• Before pouring, you can froth the heavy cream slightly with a whisk or by pouring it over the back of a spoon. This adds a luxurious and visually appealing layer to the cocktail.
• Store the gingerbread syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for future use. It can be a delightful addition to various cocktails, hot beverages, or desserts.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 714kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 835IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg