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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. 5 stars
    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!!!

    Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

  3. 5 stars
    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

    Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

  5. 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.

    Reply

  6. 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.

    Reply

  7. 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!!!

    Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

    1. 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

      Reply

  9. 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?

    Reply

  10. 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?

    Reply

  11. Do you think this would work from a punch bowl? Thinking of bringing it as my “cookie” entry for the office baking party!
    -Claire

    Reply

    1. Yes it should work great!! And I think you will definitely win haha! Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  12. 5 stars
    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

    Reply