Gingerbread White Russian

Name: Gingerbread White Russian
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups water; 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup); 2 tablespoons molasses; 2-inch piece of fresh ginger (thinly sliced); 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Ice; 2 ounces vodka; 1 ounce Kahlúa; 1 ounce gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste); 1-2 ounces heavy cream; Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass; Mini gingerbread cookies for garnish; Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

December 6, 2025 by Mae

Delicious Gingerbread White Russian cocktail in a festive glass

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cozy Up with a Gingerbread White Russian: The Perfect Festive Drink

The holiday season wraps around us like a warm blanket, bringing with it the sweet scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—the very flavors that comfort our souls and inspire a sense of celebration. Imagine gathering with loved ones on a cold winter’s eve, the air filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of baked goods lingering in the background. It is in moments like these that a Gingerbread White Russian becomes the star of the show—a festive drink that combines cherished holiday spices with a creamy, velvety finish.

Perfect for holiday parties, cozy get-togethers, or even a delightful end to a long week, the Gingerbread White Russian is not just another cocktail—it’s a warm embrace in a glass. Its rich, inviting flavors will surely please anyone who enjoys a good drink, and the playful addition of mini gingerbread cookies as garnishes will have your guests swooning. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together and craft the perfect ginger-spiced cocktail that will brighten your season.

What You’ll Need

Before you dive into making this delightful concoction, let’s gather the essentials. The beauty of a Gingerbread White Russian lies in its simplicity, allowing serene moments of creation amidst the holiday hustle.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons molasses
2-inch piece of fresh ginger (thinly sliced)
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ice
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlúa or another coffee liqueur
1 ounce gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste)
1-2 ounces heavy cream
Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
Mini gingerbread cookies for garnish
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

Tools

Gather your kitchen essentials! You’ll need:

A medium saucepan for making the gingerbread syrup
A whisk for stirring
A mixing glass for combining your cocktail ingredients
A jigger for measuring
A small plate for rimming the glass
Your favorite serving glasses

How to Make It

Creating this Gingerbread White Russian is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas, transforming it into a cozy haven. Here’s how to bring this festive drink to life.

Prepare the Gingerbread Syrup

Start by adding the water, honey, molasses, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract into a medium saucepan. Place it on the stove over medium heat, and as the mixture begins to warm up, the kitchen will fill with the sweet and spicy fragrance of ginger and cinnamon. Stir gently, allowing the ingredients to meld together, and soon you’ll see a subtle steam rising, almost like holiday magic wafting through the air.

Once the syrup reaches a simmer, lower the heat and let it bubble softly for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The syrup will thicken slightly, deepening its rich color and flavor. Your patience is rewarded with a beautiful concoction reminiscent of the ever-present gingerbread cookies, cherished during this time of year. Afterward, remove the saucepan from heat, let it cool, and strain it into a glass jar, discarding the ginger and cinnamon sticks. Your homemade gingerbread syrup is now ready to take center stage.

Assemble the Cocktail

With your gingerbread syrup made, it’s time to craft this holiday cocktail masterpiece. Begin by preparing your glass: on a small plate, mix together equal parts cinnamon and sugar. Lightly moisten the rim of the glass with a bit of honey or water and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a sparkly border that adds a festive touch. Your glass is not just a vessel; it’s an invitation to the cozy, festive spirit of the season.

Next, fill a mixing glass with ice and pour in the vodka and Kahlúa. Add the freshly prepared gingerbread syrup, and watch the colors swirl together—rich brown tones combining with the crisp ice clinking melodiously. With a whisk or a spoon, stir the mixture gently until well combined, letting the ingredients dance together as you anticipate that first sip.

Once your cocktail is perfectly mixed, strain it into your charmingly rimmed glass filled with ice. For the grand finale, finish with a pour of heavy cream. As it cascades through the dark liquid, the two merge beautifully, creating an inviting, creamy swirl that beckons you to indulge. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra touch and top it off with a mini gingerbread cookie perched on the rim, completing your drink with whimsy and charm.

Creative Twists

While the classic Gingerbread White Russian is delightfully satisfying, consider these fun variations to keep your cocktail crafting exciting:

Holiday Spice Twist: Add a touch of nutmeg or star anise to the syrup as it simmers for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Pumpkin Spice Variation: Swap some of the gingerbread syrup for homemade pumpkin spice syrup, creating a new seasonal favorite.
Nutty Delight: Introduce a splash of hazelnut liqueur along with the Kahlúa for a richer flavor experience that brings out the sweetness of ginger.
Milkshake Style: Blend the ingredients with vanilla ice cream instead of cream for a dessert-like drink that feels indulgent and playful.
Sparkling Gingerbread: Substitute soda water for the cream for a light and fizzy cocktail that’s refreshing while still celebrating those familiar spice notes.

Final Inspiration

The Gingerbread White Russian is more than a cocktail; it’s a joyous celebration of flavors that encapsulates the essence of winter. As the holiday lights twinkle and the fragrance of gingerbread fills the air, let this cocktail be a beloved staple on your festive table. Whether you’re sharing it with family during a cozy movie night or serving it to friends at your next holiday gathering, each sip will call forth laughter, connection, and warmth.

So, gather your loved ones, whip up this enchanting drink, and let the spirit of the season embrace you. The Gingerbread White Russian is sure to add a dash of cheer, making every moment together even sweeter. Cheers to good company, warmth, and the simple joys of life!

Readers Love These Recipes!