This gingerbread White Russian is creamy, spiced, and absolutely perfect for the holidays. It takes the classic White Russian and gives it a festive twist with homemade Gingerbread White Russian syrup that's warm with cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses. The brown sugar rim adds a sweet, crunchy touch, and the layered Kahlua creates a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes. I first made this at a Christmas party a few years ago, and it was gone in minutes. It comes together in just 5 minutes once you have the syrup ready, and it's the kind of drink that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
If you love festive, indulgent drinks like Whipped Hot Chocolate or Salted Caramel White Russian Cocktail, this gingerbread version will quickly become a holiday favorite. Serve it after dinner alongside something sweet like Mango Tapioca Pudding for a cozy, satisfying end to the evening.
Why You'll Love This Gingerbread White Russian
This gingerbread White Russian is incredibly easy to make and feels like a special treat. Once you have the Gingerbread White Russian syrup made, the cocktail itself takes just 5 minutes to shake and assemble. The syrup is versatile too, you can use it in coffee, lattes, or even drizzle it over pancakes or French toast. The drink is creamy, not too sweet, and has that perfect balance of spice and richness. It's ideal for Christmas parties, New Year's Eve, or just a cozy night by the fire.
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Gingerbread White Russian ingrediants
Here's everything you need to make this creamy, spiced Gingerbread White Russian.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Gingerbread White Russian:
- Vodka: The base spirit of the cocktail. Use a good quality vodka for the smoothest flavor.
- Kahlua: Adds coffee flavor and sweetness. It's poured last to create the layered effect.
- Gingerbread Syrup (see recipe below): The star ingredient. Homemade syrup with cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses gives the drink its warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream: Adds richness and makes the drink smooth and creamy. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Corn Syrup (for rimming): Acts as the "glue" to help the brown sugar stick to the rim of the glass.
- Brown Sugar (for rimming): Adds a sweet, molasses-like crunch that complements the gingerbread flavor.
- Ice: Chills the drink and keeps it cold.
Homemade Gingerbread Syrup:
- Water: The base of the syrup.
- Sugar: Sweetens the syrup and helps it thicken.
- Nutmeg: Adds warm, slightly sweet spice.
- Molasses: Gives the syrup that deep, rich gingerbread flavor.
- Cinnamon: The main spice that makes it taste like gingerbread cookies.
How to Make Gingerbread White Russian
This festive cocktail comes together in just a few simple steps.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of molasses, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a full boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. The syrup will thicken slightly and the spices will infuse into the liquid.
- Cool completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before using. This is important, hot syrup will melt the ice in your cocktail.
- Store: Transfer the cooled syrup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the rim: Pour a shallow layer of corn syrup onto a small plate and a shallow layer of brown sugar on another plate. Dip the rim of your glass first into the corn syrup, letting any excess drip off. Then dip the rim into the brown sugar, rotating to coat evenly.
- Shake the cocktail: Add ice, vodka, gingerbread syrup, and cream to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and ice cold.
- Strain into glass: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Layer the Kahlua: Slowly pour the Kahlua down the side of the drink, letting it settle at the bottom and create a beautiful layered effect.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
This gingerbread White Russian is easy to customize based on what you have or what you prefer.
Cream: Use half-and-half, whole milk, or oat milk for a lighter version. Coconut cream adds a subtle tropical note.
Vodka: Swap for vanilla vodka or whipped cream vodka for extra sweetness.
Kahlua: Use any coffee liqueur you like, or substitute with cold brew concentrate for a non-alcoholic version.
Syrup: Use store-bought gingerbread syrup if you're short on time, though homemade tastes much better.
Non-alcoholic version: Replace the vodka and Kahlua with cooled strong coffee or cold brew. You'll still get the gingerbread flavor and creamy texture.
Peppermint twist: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps or a candy cane garnish for a minty variation.
EQUIPMENT
Here's the simple gear that makes this cocktail come together easily.
Cocktail shaker: For mixing and chilling the drink.
Cocktail glass: Any rocks glass or lowball glass works beautifully.
Medium saucepan: For making the gingerbread syrup.
Two small plates: For rimming the glass with corn syrup and brown sugar.
How to Store Gingerbread Syrup and Leftovers
This syrup keeps well and the cocktail is best enjoyed fresh.
Gingerbread syrup: Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir before using as it may settle.
Cocktail: This drink is best enjoyed fresh. The cream can separate if left sitting, so make it right before serving.
Uses for leftover syrup: Add it to coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, or drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
This gingerbread White Russian is a dessert drink on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special.
Serve it after dinner as a boozy dessert drink. Pair it with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or shortbread. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a dusting of nutmeg for a festive presentation. Serve it alongside other holiday cocktails for a festive drink bar.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tricks to make sure your cocktail turns out creamy, spiced, and beautifully layered.
Cool the syrup completely: Hot syrup will melt the ice and dilute your drink. Make the syrup ahead and chill it in the fridge.
Use fresh ice: Fresh ice in the shaker and fresh ice in the glass keeps the drink cold and prevents dilution.
Shake vigorously: A good shake emulsifies the cream and creates a smooth, frothy texture.
Pour Kahlua slowly: To get that beautiful layered effect, pour the Kahlua slowly down the side of the glass. It's denser than the rest of the drink, so it will sink to the bottom.
FAQ
What's in a gingerbread White Russian?
A gingerbread White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlua, homemade gingerbread syrup, and cream. The gingerbread syrup is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses to give it that warm, spiced flavor. The drink is shaken with ice and strained into a glass rimmed with brown sugar, then the Kahlua is layered on top for a beautiful presentation. It's a festive twist on the classic White Russian that's perfect for the holidays.
What is a White Russian drink made of?
A classic White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlua (coffee liqueur), and cream or milk. It's a simple, creamy cocktail that's smooth and slightly sweet. The name comes from the vodka, which is associated with Russia, and "white" refers to the cream. This gingerbread version adds homemade gingerbread syrup to give it a holiday twist, but the base is still the same three ingredients plus the syrup.
What is Taylor Swift's signature cocktail?
Taylor Swift's signature cocktail is rumored to be a French blonde, which is a variation of a French 75. It's made with champagne, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. She's also known to enjoy vodka sodas and classic cocktails like margaritas. While she hasn't officially endorsed a specific "signature" drink, fans often associate her with elegant, bubbly cocktails that match her style. This gingerbread White Russian would fit right in at one of her holiday parties.
What's the difference between a White Russian and a mudslide?
A White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlua, and cream, while a mudslide is made with vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream (like Baileys), and sometimes ice cream, making it more of a frozen dessert drink. Mudslides are usually blended and served frozen, while White Russians are shaken or stirred and served over ice. Both are creamy and indulgent, but the mudslide is sweeter and thicker. My grandma always said a White Russian is for sipping and a mudslide is for dessert.
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Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Homemade Gingerbread Syrup.
- Prepare the Rim for the Glass.
- Prepare the Drink.
- Finish the Drink.
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