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The coziest Bad Santa White Russian…for all the festive nights ahead. Homemade cinnamon vanilla simple syrup, mixed with vodka and Kahlúa, plus my seasonal twist… A shot of espresso and a sweet chocolate ribbon – adding just the right amount espresso kick and holiday sweetness. The perfect holiday twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, such a delicious December treat!
If Christmas had a cocktail it would be this White Russian. It’s got a touch of sweetness, just the right amount of creaminess, and, of course, a good kick to it too.
This one didn’t come to me on my own however. It’s actually a drink made with Red’s girlfriend, Hailey, in mind. She sent me a photo of a drink she’d order in Mexico a few months ago.
It looked and sounded like a White Russian, but with twist. I said I’d save it for December and here we are! I wasn’t able to recreate the exact drink, so instead, I made something I knew that Hail’s would love.
The steps are easy…and simple!
To make the sweet cinnamon syrup just mix together your classic White Russian ingredients. Then add an extra shot of espresso and some cream.
A little chocolate around the rim gives this drink that specialness that’s most fitting for the holiday season. I have family members who are very excited to try this in just about ten days! A good White Russian is one of their favorites to enjoy each year!
Lucky for Hail’s, she currently here. So I made mixed her up one last night and she’d gave it her full seal of approval. with the line, I think it’s my new favorite…which is really saying something because she loved the chai martini too.
Looking for other Christmas drinks? Here are my favorites:
Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
Lastly, if you make this Bad Santa White Russian, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Bad Santa White Russian
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 1415 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Russian
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) Kahlua
- 1 ounce espresso
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) cinnamon syrup Instructions below
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) half and half or cream
- chocolate sauce and coarse vanilla sugar, for the rim
Instructions
- 1. To make the cinnamon syrup. In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup water, the honey, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This makes enough for 6 drinks. 2. If desired, rim your glass with chocolate sauce and sugar.3. To make the Russian. Fill your glass with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, espresso, and vanilla syrup. Stir. Add the half and half and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
Vanilla Sugar: Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1/2 a vanilla bean, seeds scraped.
Just made this and eating it now. I had to come on here and write a review. It’s crispy, flavorful and just out of this world. It was super easy to make and hubby and kids all approved. I’ll be making the mushroom one next. Thank you so much for a great recipe which will be going into the weekly rotation.
Hi Marina,
Thank you so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Merry Christmas!?? xT
This was really tasty!
Hi Lisa,
Happy Holidays! Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!?? xTieghan
This was delicious! I’m not a big fan of cinnamon/honey – it tasted great in the cocktail but I probably won’t add that again. I’d never thought to add espresso to my drink and that really elevated it! Super yummy!
Hi Steph,
Happy Holidays! Thank you so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!?? xTieghan
I am so excited to make this for my in-laws on Christmas Eve, but I’m a bit worried that the espresso will keep everyone up all night. Would it taste the same if I used caffeine-free espresso or an espresso alternative?
Hi Kristin,
Caffeine-free would be just fine to use! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Made this bad boy last night and it was everything and more!!! Thanks!
Hey Katalina,
Thank you so very much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays!??
I am so excited to make this for my husband on Christmas Eve, but I just realized I am a dummy and didn’t buy kahlua. If I use a regular spiced rum and keep the remaining ingredients the same do you think it will work?
Hi Shelby,
Sure, that would be okay to do, no worries about the Kahlua. I hope you love the recipe and happy holidays. Cheers! xTieghan
Is instant espresso fine to use or is that frowned upon? Making for a crowd on Christmas Eve
Hi Brittany,
Lol totally fine to use:) I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
My husband and I loved this!!! The syrup is amazing, I’ve been using the leftovers in coffee!
Hey Celia,
Thank you so very much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays!??
4 months pregnant and so sad I can’t have a White Russian this Christmas. Any ideas for making this into a mock tail? I can drink coffee!
Hi Kelly,
I would just skip the vodka and kahula. I hope you love the recipe! Cheers! xTieghan
WOW did my parents and I love this. My parents could not stop raving about this White Russian, saying it was the best Christmas cocktail they’ve ever had. I didn’t have Kaluha, so I substituted for creme de cacao. Great recipe, happy holidays Teagan!
*Tieghan!
Hi Erin,
Thank you so very much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays!??
Looks delicious! Do you refrigerate the cinnamon syrup or is room temperature okay?
Hi Jen,
You can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This is seriously the BEST winter drink ever! I’ve made this drink 5 or 6 times already, and absolutely love sipping on this at night while watching a Christmas movie or putting together a puzzle. I’ve really gotten into cocktail-ing (is that word?) recently and so far all the drinks i’ve made of yours has been amazing. But this one is by far my favorite, thanks so much Tieghan!
Hey there,
Awesome! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it. Happy Holidays!❄️ xT
Sooooo yummy. We are big White Russian fans and this takes it up to the next level!!
Thank you!!!
Hey Danikka,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays!? xx
So perfect! I love White Russians and the homemade syrup and espresso really put this over the top!
Hi Rachel,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays!? xx
Delicious! Rich, creamy, and that cinnamon syrup is the perfect touch. A perfect dessert drink for the holidays!
Hi Stella,
Awesome! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks a bunch for trying it out! Happy Holidays! xx
I’ve always loved White Russians and this is even better than the original!!! So EASY to make and the cinnamon honey vanilla sauce adds the most perfect flavor! Made this for our dinner party last night as a dessert drink and everyone loved it. Will definitely be making again
Hi Kelly,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan