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The coziest Creamy Coconut White Russian…for all the festive nights ahead. Homemade cinnamon vanilla simple syrup, mixed with the classic White Russian ingredients of vodka and Kahlúa. But my seasonal twist? Creamy coconut milk and a splash of coconut rum, which add just the right amount of coconutty flavor. This is the perfect holiday twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, and it’s a delicious December treat!

Side angled photo of Creamy Coconut White Russian

Hey, hi, and happy Saturday! Only one more Saturday left until Christmas and I’m rolling out my favorite cocktails just in time. Or at least I’m trying to anyway!

A good White Russian is one of my favorite holiday drinks. It all started a few years back after I shared one of my first ever holiday drinks, The North Pole Cocktail. To this day that drink is one of my most favorite drinks I’ve ever shared. It’s sweet, it’s over the top, and it’s festive.

overhead photo of vanilla cinnamon syrup

But most importantly? It introduced me to the deliciousness that’s in the combination of Kahlúa, vodka, and cream. It’s a cocktail that tastes like dessert, and it might just be my favorite. I’ve loved Kahlúa since I was a kid, which I know sounds bad, but my mom puts it in her Christmas Eve Death By Chocolate. Just a little goes a long way and it’s that splash of Kahlúa that makes her Christmas Eve dessert special.

The point is…I love Kahlúa during the holidays.

side angled pouring shot

Enter this White Russian…

If Christmas had a cocktail, this would be it.

It’s a special one that’s only fitting for the holiday season. It’s hinted with cinnamon and vanilla. There’s a touch of coffee flavor from the Kahlúa, and a bit of a kick from the vodka. The coconut milk makes it luscious, creamy, and perfect.

side angled photo of Creamy Coconut White Russian

You really can’t go wrong with a combo like that. My recommendation? Rim each glass in a mix of sweet coconut and sugar, and then top each drink off with a cute little cinnamon stick. It’s a bit over the top, but since it’s the holidays, it’s totally ok. Plus, it’s the end of 2020…anything goes at this point.

Go with me on this. If you’re looking for a fun drink to make this weekend while watching yet another holiday movie, this is it.

overhead photo of Creamy Coconut White Russian

Looking for other Christmas drinks? Here are my favorites: 

White Christmas Mojito

The North Pole Cocktail

Santa’s Nightcap

Lastly, if you make this Creamy Coconut 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!

Creamy Coconut White Russian

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 793 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Russian

Instructions

  • 1. To make the vanilla 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.
    2. To make the Russian. Fill a glass with ice. Add the vodka, coconut rum, Kahlua, and vanilla syrup. Stir gently. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon, if desired. 
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Comments

  1. Holiday greetings! Do you think this would work as a pitcher drink? I’m looking for a fun cocktail to take to a holiday party. Can’t wait to try this!!

    1. Hey Lindsay,
      Sure, that would work well for you! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx

    1. Hi Cheryl,
      Sorry, these glasses are old, I no longer have a link for them. I hope you love the recipe, cheers! xTieghan

  2. It’s not related to the recipe but the christmas tree ornaments from the picture are really cute and I was wondering where can I buy them <3

  3. 5 stars
    I would give this six stars if I could. From the first sip it is a perfect blend of flavors, so creamy and delicious. SO worth the tiny bit of extra time to make the vanilla syrup. Next time I make it I’ll just double it so hubs and I can have this twice before I have to make it again. I just cannot say enough about how much we both LOVE this drink.

  4. I made these and they were delicious, but I had a bit of trouble getting it all together at first. The vanilla syrup turned into a big glop of hardened honey when stirred into the iced glass with the other liquids. So I strained it out, heated up the syrup a bit in the microwave and then mixed it with the liquors before adding the ice. It seems that the ice was the problem so when the honey syrup hit the ice it didn’t allow it to dissolve. By stirring it in before adding the ice, it turned out much better. I used an organic coconut cream which I whisked to get it smoother, but I think next time I will try the combination cream that I buy from Sprouts – coconut cream/almond milk combo. It will likely combine with the rest of the ingredients better.

    Thanks for the idea. The flavors were great and my guests loved them!

    1. Hey Kathleen,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am glad they ended up working out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  5. 5 stars
    This was my favorite so far! The coconut milk gave it a most wonderful, deep flavor, but did come together a bit due to the cold temperature of the drink. Didn’t bother me one bit though!

    1. Hey Erika,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you. Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  6. Hi! I’m going to make this tonight! Instead of making the simple syrup, could I just use some store bought simple syrup? If so what kind would you recommend?
    Thank you!
    Jen

    1. Hey Jen,
      You would want to find a vanilla simple syrup. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  7. Hey Tieghan could you possibly share how you did the little fluffy coconut bit on top of the cinnamon stick? Looks super cute! :):)

    1. Hey Leah,
      I used whipped cream with sanding sugar. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

    1. Hey Susanna,
      So sorry but I do not have a link for these glasses. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan

  8. 5 stars
    Yumm this was so good! I had vanilla vodka so skipped the vanilla syrup and just used that instead. 10/10 would recommend!