Gingerbread White Russian Recipe

The Merriest Gingerbread White Russian Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Mixing classic cocktail traditions with seasonal gingerbread magic creates an irresistible white russian variation that sparkles with festive charm.

Warm holiday spices dance through creamy liqueur, promising a delightful twist on a beloved drink.

Vodka and kahlúa blend seamlessly with homemade gingerbread syrup, crafting a sippable dessert.

Cozy winter evenings demand something special and unexpected.

Smooth, rich flavors evoke memories of grandmother’s kitchen and childhood holiday gatherings.

Comfort meets cocktail creativity in this spirited recipe.

Shake, pour, and savor every delicious moment of this festive libation.

Why Gingerbread White Russian Is So Special

Why Gingerbread White Russian Is So Special
  • Spice Up Your Cocktail Hour: Transform the classic White Russian into a festive gingerbread-inspired drink that brings warmth and holiday cheer to your glass.
  • Quick and Easy Mixing: Shake together simple ingredients in a cocktail shaker for a delightful drink that requires minimal bartending skills and maximum flavor impact.
  • Customize Your Rim: Create a gorgeous presentation with the cinnamon sugar rim that adds an extra layer of sweet and spicy flavor to every sip, making the drink visually appealing and deliciously enhanced.
  • Perfect for Festive Gatherings: Ideal for holiday parties, winter celebrations, or cozy evenings when you want a special cocktail that feels like a dessert in a glass.

Ingredients for Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail

Cocktail Base:
  • Vodka: A clear spirit that provides the alcoholic foundation for the gingerbread cocktail.
  • Kahlua: A rich coffee liqueur that adds depth and sweetness to the drink.
Spice and Sweeteners:
  • Honey, Molasses: Natural sweeteners that contribute a warm, rich flavor profile to the cocktail.
  • Ginger, Cinnamon: Aromatic spices that create the signature gingerbread taste and warmth.
Garnish and Serving Elements:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: A rim mixture that adds a sweet and spicy touch to the glass presentation.
  • Heavy Cream: A smooth, rich topping that creates a creamy layer on the cocktail.
  • Crushed Ice: Provides a chilled base and helps blend the cocktail's flavors.
  • Ground Cinnamon: A final sprinkle that enhances the gingerbread aroma and visual appeal.

How to Make Gingerbread White Russian Drink

How to Make Gingerbread White Russian Drink

Step 1: Prepare Rimming Station

Grab a small plate and mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.

This creates a delightful spiced coating for your cocktail glasses.

Step 2: Coat Glass Rims

Take your lowball glasses and lightly dampen the rims with water.

Roll each rim in the cinnamon sugar mixture, creating a festive and flavorful edge.

Set glasses aside.

Step 3: Craft Gingerbread Cocktail Base

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Vodka
  • Kahlua
  • Honey
  • Molasses
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cinnamon

Shake the mixture vigorously to blend all the warm, spicy flavors together.

Step 4: Build and Layer the Cocktail

Fill each prepared glass with crushed ice.

Carefully strain the gingerbread cocktail mixture into the glasses, filling them about three-quarters full.

Slowly pour heavy cream over the top of the drink.

Give the cocktail a gentle swirl to create a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 5: Finish with a Festive Touch

Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top of each cocktail.

Your Gingerbread White Russian is now ready to enjoy!

Tips to Perfect Gingerbread White Russian Flavor

  • Use a damp paper towel or finger to ensure an even, sticky rim for the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Adjust ginger and cinnamon quantities to match your personal flavor preference without overpowering the cocktail.
  • Pour cream slowly over the back of a spoon to create a beautiful layered effect and prevent immediate mixing.
  • Use chilled glasses and ingredients to maintain optimal temperature and enhance the drink's refreshing quality.
  • Prepare the spiced cocktail base in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick entertaining.

Creative Twists for Gingerbread White Russian

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. The creamy texture remains smooth while offering a nutty undertone.
  • Spiced Rum Swap: Substitute vodka with dark spiced rum to enhance the gingerbread flavor profile. The rum adds deeper warmth and complexity to the cocktail.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free honey alternative or stevia syrup to reduce overall sugar content. This variation works well for those monitoring their sugar intake.
  • Mocktail Version: Remove alcohol completely and replace vodka and Kahlua with cold coffee and ginger syrup. Non-alcoholic guests can enjoy this festive drink without compromising taste.

Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread White Russian

  • Festive Holiday Gathering: Serve this cocktail at a cozy winter party, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. Friends will love sipping this spiced twist on a classic cocktail.
  • Dessert Companion: Pair with gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, or spiced pecan pie for a delightful flavor harmony that enhances the drink's warm, sweet notes.
  • Cozy Night In: Enjoy by the fireplace with soft blankets, creating a perfect moment of relaxation and indulgence during chilly evenings.
  • Brunch Celebration: Offer as a special weekend treat during holiday brunches, adding a spirited touch to morning gatherings with friends and family.

How to Store Gingerbread White Russian Drink

  • Store leftover cocktail mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving to recombine ingredients.
  • Pour the cocktail mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for future use. Transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag for convenient storage up to 1 month.
  • Do not reheat this cocktail. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator and shake before serving.
  • Keep heavy cream separate until serving to prevent separation. Store cream in its original container in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this Gingerbread White Russian?

The cocktail blends traditional White Russian ingredients with warm gingerbread spices like ginger, cinnamon, honey, and molasses, creating a festive and cozy winter drink.

  • Can I make this cocktail without a cocktail shaker?

While a cocktail shaker helps blend ingredients smoothly, you can use a mason jar with a tight lid or stir ingredients vigorously in a mixing glass with ice.

  • Is this drink considered strong?

Yes, the cocktail contains vodka and Kahlua, making it a moderately strong drink with an alcohol content typical of cocktails like White Russian.

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Gingerbread White Russian Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Festive holiday spirits meet classic cocktail charm in this Gingerbread White Russian, blending rich vodka, smooth coffee liqueur, and warm gingerbread syrup. Creamy, spiced, and irresistibly delicious, you’ll want to savor this seasonal twist on a beloved drink.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces (56 grams) vodka
  • 2 ounces (56 grams) Kahlua
  • 2 ounces (56 grams) heavy cream

Spices and Sweeteners:

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Garnish and Additional:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Prepare a rimming station by mixing granulated sugar and cinnamon on a small plate.
  2. Moisten the edges of two lowball glasses with water, then carefully twist the rims into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating an evenly coated rim.
  3. Load a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then pour in vodka, Kahlua, honey, molasses, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
  4. Vigorously shake the cocktail mixture for 10-15 seconds to thoroughly blend and chill the ingredients.
  5. Fill the prepared glasses with crushed ice, ensuring an even distribution.
  6. Strain the spiced cocktail into the glasses, filling them approximately three-quarters full.
  7. Gently cascade heavy cream over the cocktail surface, allowing it to create a layered effect.
  8. Use a bar spoon to lightly swirl the cream, creating a marbled appearance and slightly integrating the flavors.
  9. Dust the top of each cocktail with an additional pinch of ground cinnamon for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

  • Prep the glasses ahead of time to create a festive and inviting presentation that elevates the entire drinking experience.
  • Adjust the honey and molasses quantities to control the sweetness level, making it perfect for different taste preferences.
  • Use fresh ground spices instead of pre-ground for a more intense and vibrant gingerbread flavor profile that truly stands out.
  • Consider making a non-alcoholic version by substituting vodka and Kahlua with ginger ale and coffee syrup for a family-friendly alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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