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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, Kahlúa, and heavy cream. This is the perfect holiday twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, and it’s a delicious holiday treat!
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.
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 Kahlúa, 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!
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
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.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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.
Perfect cozy up to the fireplace drink! Me and my fiancé loved this.
Tieghan, I just got engaged during a pandemic, he always kept coming back for my cooking. AKA your recipes. Lol. Add match maker to your list on your resume. Lol!!!
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much Karen! I am glad this turned out well for you! xTieghan
Can you use maple syrup instead of molasses?!?
Hey Julia,
Yes, maple syrup will work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other question. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Made this on Thanksgiving for myself and my husband. It was so delicious! We enjoyed so much I have made a few more times since. Eventually we ran out of heavy cream and substituted a scoop of extra creamy vanilla ice cream… WOW! I also made your croissant stuffing. That was eyes roll in back of your head good!! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us all!! I always look forward to trying out one of your many incredible dishes. xo
Thank you Liz! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you both! xTieghan
This looks amazing. Just made the syrup. Do you leave the ginger and Cinnamon sticks in the fridge when done?
Hey MJ,
Yes that is fine to do. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
I think the calorie count is off.. two tablespoons of heavy cream alone would be ~100 calories, so a bit of a splurge. But it looks delicious! Love your recipes.
Hi Jennifer! I will look into that! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
I did not add the water but preferred the flavour. it is too syrupy. I resolved this by dissolving the syrup in the vodka prior to adding the Kahlua and cream. Overall great.
Great! I am really glad you enjoyed this, Maria! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan and Merry Christmas!
We made your North Pole cocktail this year and it was yummy ?!
I came across this one and want to make it but was wondering what you used for the rimmer?
Thank you, and have a Very Happy New Year!!!
Hi Susan!! I used cinnamon sugar to rim the glass. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
What did you use on the rim of the glasses?
HI Katrina! I used cinnamon sugar. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and Happy New Year! xTieghan
First time trying a White Russian. The one issue I had was that the heavy cream got all clumpy. What do you think went wrong with mine?
Hi! At what sage dod the cream get lump? What brand cream are you using?
It was delicious. First time trying a White Russian. The one issue I had was that the heavy cream got all clumpy. What do you think went wrong with mine?
Hi! At what sage dod the cream get lump? What brand cream are you using?
Do you think this would work from a punch bowl? Thinking of bringing it as my “cookie” entry for the office baking party!
-Claire
Yes it should work great!! And I think you will definitely win haha! Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, awesome recipe! Made it for an informal and impromptu family holiday gathering and we all loved it. Very easy, and delish! Thank you ❤❤
Cindy
Thank you so much Cindy! I am so glad you all enjoyed this recipe! xTieghan
Made these yesterday, this cocktail is so good! I always love trying your cocktail recipes.
Thank you Brigette! So glad you loved this!! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! xTieghan
very like
Thank you! xTieghan
How could I make this virgin yet still taste good for the teens here