Gingerbread White Russian
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Kahlua, vanilla vodka, cream, and a rich gingerbread syrup come together to create this festive Gingerbread White Russian. Garnished with a mini gingerbread man, this sweet and creamy cocktail will quickly become a new favorite.
Gingerbread White Russian
I have a fun and decadent new Christmas cocktail to share with you today: a Gingerbread White Russian! I wanted to make this cocktail last year, but the season went by too quickly and I just didn’t get around to it.
This year I made it a priority so that I could create, photograph, and share it with you in time for the holidays!
You may know I’m a big fan of White Russians. It is especially wonderful when I am able to create different and unique flavorful variations of the traditional White Russian. I have experimented with a few. In the past, I’ve made the following:
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian
- Peppermint White Russian
- Chai Spiced White Russian
- Salted Caramel White Russian.
I’m excited to be adding a Gingerbread White Russian to this tasty list!
Craving more gingerbread-inspired recipes? (I am too!) I have over a dozen gingerbread recipes I know you’re going to love. You can find them all HERE.
What is a White Russian Cocktail?
In case you’ve never tasted a White Russian, it’s similar to a Kahlua and Cream (essentially just Kahlua and half and half) plus vodka. The resulting cocktail is creamy and rich with hints of cocoa and coffee. It’s almost like dessert in a glass. Personally, I’m a big fan.
What’s in a White Russian?
The standard list of ingredients for a classic White Russian is as follows:
- coffee liqueur (I prefer Kahlua)
- vodka
- half and half (or cream)
For this Gingerbread White Russian, I made these changes:
- I used vanilla vodka in place of standard vodka for added flavor.
- I added homemade gingerbread syrup to give it that classic gingerbread flavor. (I will teach you how to make this below and in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)
- A mini gingerbread man cookie acts as a garnish.
And can we talk about that adorable gingerbread man cookie? I’m IN LOVE.
I made it using this gingerbread cookie recipe. The small gingerbread man cookie cutter was part of a set I purchased several years ago. I can’t find the exact set, but you can find a similar set HERE and HERE.
Know that you don’t need to make a whole batch of gingerbread cookies to garnish just one or several Gingerbread White Russians. Instead, your garnish could be a cinnamon stick, a store-bought gingerbread cookie, a gingersnap cookie, etc. Be creative!
Want more holiday cocktail recipe ideas? Know that I have an entire post dedicated to my favorite Christmas cocktails. There’s something for everyone. You can find all of my favorite holiday cocktail recipes HERE.
I think we are ready to shake one up!
How to Make:
Following are the steps to make this Gingerbread White Russian. I’ve also provided a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by making your gingerbread syrup.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat add the water, golden syrup, molasses, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring to a boil and let bubble for about seven to eight minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add in the vanilla vodka, Kahlua, half and half, and gingerbread syrup.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a gingerbread cookie.
Voila!
All that’s left to do is serve, sip, and enjoy! I really think you’re going to love this cocktail.
As you can see, my mini gingerbread man sure does (so much so that he decided to go for a swim in it)! Ha.
Cheers to the Season!
If you’re looking for a sweet and luxurious cocktail treat to serve this holiday season, I highly recommend this Gingerbread White Russian.
Want more holiday and Christmas inspiration? You’ve got it! Join the Inspired by Charm mailing list HERE so you won’t miss anything I’m sharing all season long. From decor to recipes, I guarantee lots of festive inspiration.
Enjoy!
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Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup:
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 4 tablespoons golden syrup*
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger root roughly chopped
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cocktail:
- 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 2 ounces half and half
- 1.5 ounces gingerbread syrup
Instructions
- Begin by making your gingerbread syrup.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat add the water, golden syrup, molasses, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring to a boil and let bubble for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add in the vodka, Kahlua, half and half, and gingerbread syrup. Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a gingerbread man.
This is a winner!! Served it with the TJ’s gingerbread mug huggers and a cinnamon stick and everyone loved it!!
These are so good! Love the addition of the gingerbread syrup.
Isn’t that good!? So glad you enjoyed them. Cheers!
xo Michael
Michael, are you recommending vanilla vodka or just regular vodka?
Where did you get the mini gingerbread man?