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Officially kicking off the holiday season with this cozy Gingerbread White Russian. Homemade ginger and cinnamon simple syrup, mixed with the classic White Russian ingredients of vodka, KahlĂșa, and heavy cream. This is the perfect holiday twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, and it’s a delicious holiday treat!

front on close up photo of Gingerbread White Russian

I’ve been waiting for this day for a while. If you’ve been reading Half Baked Harvest for a bit, then you know this time of year is my very favorite. It’s the Christmas season, and whether you celebrate or not, this time is always the most magical of the year. It may be cheesy, but it’s true.

I hope you’re ready to jump into all things Christmas with me, because this year’s line up is good one. And it all starts off with this festive and delicious Gingerbread White Russian.

cream being poured into Gingerbread White Russian

front on photo of Gingerbread White Russian

The very first time I made a White Russian was around this time last year. I made a Chai Russian and I quickly fell in love with this more dessert like drink. I think I love it so much because it feels more like an after dinner treat than a cocktail. It’s hinted with coffee, creamy, and well, just really good.

But, this gingerbread version?

It’s a special one that’s only fitting for the holiday season. It’s hinted with ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and vanilla, just like a gingerbread cookie. There’s a touch of coffee flavor from the KahlĂșa, and a bit of a kick from the vodka. The heavy cream makes it luscious, creamy, and perfect.

You really can’t go wrong with a combo like that. My recommendation? Rim each glass in cinnamon sugar and then top each drink off with a cute little gingerbread cookie. It’s a bit over the top, but since it’s officially the holiday season, it’s totally ok.

Go with me on this. If you’re looking for a fun drink to make this weekend with family and friends, this is it!

front on photo of Gingerbread White Russian | halfbakedharvest.com #gingerbread #whiterussian #christmas #holiday #drink #cocktail

If you make this Gingerbread 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 also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Gingerbread White Russian

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 drink + enough syrup to make about drinks
Calories Per Serving: 291 kcal

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

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Ingredients

Gingerbread Syrup

Gingerbread Russian

  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
  • 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlua
  • 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup
  • 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream
  • cinnamon sticks and gingerbread cookies, for garnish

Instructions

Gingerbread Syrup

  • 1. In a medium pot, combine 1 1/3 cups water, the honey, molasses, ginger and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Gingerbread Russian

  • 1. Fill a glass with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, and gingerbread syrup. Stir gently. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon and gingerbread cookies, if desired. 
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Comments

    1. Hi Valerie! You can simply omit the vodka and use 3-4 tablespoons of black coffee instead of the kahlua. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan

      Reply

  2. I plan to make this in December for a gathering with neighbors. I love the little round glass, where can I get those glasses ?

    Reply

    1. HI! Yes, you should remove the cinnamon and ginger after boiling. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you loved this recipe and had a great Christmas! Thanks so much and happy Holidays!! xTieghan ?

      Reply

  7. 4 stars
    I did not add the water (to my syrup at first (oops), but preferred the flavor. Drawback is that it is too syrupy. I resolved this by dissolving the syrup in the vodka pripr to adding the Kahlua and cream. Overall fun winter cocktail. (:

    Reply

  10. 5 stars
    You could totally make your own craft cocktail bar. Your cocktails are so unique and sound so good! I never have the ingredients in hand to make them but I’d definitely come to your bar for one 😉

    Reply

  11. 5 stars
    great cocktail, thank you and a great reminder for me, haven’t had a white russian in years and love the gingerbread syrup tweak too

    Reply

  12. I am going to try this soon, it looks so beautiful. Did you make the little cookies too? Is there a recipe for them? Thanks so very much, happy happy Holidays.

    Reply

  15. Ok, just started to snow..so making this today. But alas no fresh ginger, of course. I have LITEHOUSE , freeze dried ginger.. what substitution could i use, then? i really am to eliminate alcohol but my Dr said on occasion, a small one..and today IS THE DAY I feel.
    thank you T…and looking forward to your reply.
    Hope you had a grand Thanksgiving.

    Reply

    1. He Leslie!! I am not sure what kind of ginger you have but I would use an equal amount. or use a little, taste and add more ginger to your taste. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan

      Reply