Gingerbread White Russian
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy
Elevate your holiday cocktail game with this Gingerbread White Russian! The smooth creaminess of vanilla vodka and Kahlua pairs beautifully with the bold, spiced notes of homemade gingerbread syrup. Garnish with a mini gingerbread man, it’s a festive drink that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at all your seasonal celebrations.
There’s something magical about a festive cocktail during the holidays, and this Gingerbread White Russian delivers that magic in every sip. Combining the creamy decadence of a classic White Russian with the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread, this drink feels like a celebration in a glass.
Yes my friend, I have a fun and decadent new Christmas cocktail to share with you today: a Gingerbread White Russian! I wanted to make this cocktail last year, but the season went by too quickly and I just didn’t get around to it.
This year I made it a priority so that I could create, photograph, and share it with you in time for the holidays!
You may know I’m a big fan of White Russians. It is especially wonderful when I am able to create different and unique flavorful variations of the traditional White Russian. I have experimented with a few. In the past, I’ve made the following:
- Butterscotch White Russian
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian
- Peppermint White Russian
- Chai Spiced White Russian
- Salted Caramel White Russian.
I’m excited to be adding a Gingerbread White Russian to this tasty list!
Craving more gingerbread-inspired recipes? (I am too!) I have over a dozen gingerbread recipes I know you’re going to love. You can find them all HERE.
In case you’ve never tasted a White Russian, it’s similar to a Kahlua and Cream (essentially just Kahlua and half and half) plus vodka. The resulting cocktail is creamy and rich with hints of cocoa and coffee. It’s almost like dessert in a glass. Personally, I’m a big fan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Gingerbread White Russian is a holiday twist on a classic favorite, blending the rich, creamy flavors of Kahlua, vanilla vodka, and half and half with the warm spices of gingerbread syrup. It’s the perfect festive cocktail for cozy nights or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
- The homemade gingerbread syrup takes this cocktail to the next level, adding depth and a hint of nostalgia with its blend of cinnamon, molasses, and fresh ginger. It’s easy to make and can be stored for later, so you’ll have a versatile syrup ready for cocktails, coffee, or even desserts.
- This drink is as fun to serve as it is to sip! The mini gingerbread man garnish adds a playful touch that’s sure to impress guests or bring a smile to anyone enjoying it. It’s a simple way to elevate the presentation without much effort.
- Whether you’re a fan of White Russians or trying one for the first time, this gingerbread version is a creamy, indulgent treat that feels like dessert in a glass. It’s a unique and delicious way to add a little extra cheer to your holiday season.
Want more holiday cocktail recipe ideas? Know that I have an entire post dedicated to my favorite Christmas cocktails. There’s something for everyone. You can find all of my favorite holiday cocktail recipes HERE.
Ingredients
The standard list of ingredients for a classic White Russian is as follows:
- coffee liqueur (I prefer Kahlua)
- vodka
- half and half (or cream)
For this Gingerbread White Russian, I made these changes:
- I used vanilla vodka in place of standard vodka for added flavor.
- I added homemade gingerbread syrup to give it that classic gingerbread flavor. (I will teach you how to make this below and in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)
- A mini gingerbread man cookie acts as a garnish.
And can we talk about that adorable gingerbread man cookie? I’m IN LOVE.
I made it using this gingerbread cookie recipe. The small gingerbread man cookie cutter was part of a set I purchased several years ago. I can’t find the exact set, but you can find a similar set HERE and HERE.
Know that you don’t need to make a whole batch of gingerbread cookies to garnish just one or several Gingerbread White Russians. Instead, your garnish could be a cinnamon stick, a store-bought gingerbread cookie, a gingersnap cookie, etc. Be creative!
Want more holiday cocktail recipe ideas? Know that I have an entire post dedicated to my favorite Christmas cocktails. There’s something for everyone. You can find all of my favorite holiday cocktail recipes HERE.
I think we are ready to shake one up!
💌 SAVE THIS POST / RECIPE!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, I'll send you more inspiring ideas I think you'll love!
How to Make
Following are the steps to make this Gingerbread White Russian. I’ve also provided a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by making your gingerbread syrup.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat add the water, golden syrup, molasses, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring to a boil and let bubble for about seven to eight minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add in the vanilla vodka, Kahlua, half and half, and gingerbread syrup.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a gingerbread cookie.
Voila! All that’s left to do is serve, sip, and enjoy! I really think you’re going to love this cocktail.
As you can see, my mini gingerbread man sure does (so much so that he decided to go for a swim in it)! Ha. If you’re looking for a sweet and luxurious cocktail treat to serve this holiday season, I highly recommend this Gingerbread White Russian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the gingerbread syrup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The gingerbread syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick shake or stir before using. It’s not only great for cocktails but also for flavoring coffee, tea, or even drizzling over pancakes!
What’s the best substitute for vanilla vodka?
If you don’t have vanilla vodka, you can use regular vodka and add a splash of vanilla extract to the cocktail mixture. Alternatively, a flavored vodka like caramel or cinnamon could work well and complement the gingerbread flavors.
How can I keep the drink cold without diluting it too much?
If you’re concerned about the ice watering down your drink, you can use large ice cubes or even freeze coffee or Kahlua into ice cubes ahead of time. These options will keep the drink chilled without affecting the flavor as they melt.
More Christmas Cocktails You’ll Love
- Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail
- Homemade Cranberry Cordial
- The BEST Mulled Wine
- Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
- White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Whether you’re serving this Gingerbread White Russian as the centerpiece of your holiday cocktail menu or mixing one up for a quiet evening at home, it’s sure to add a little extra cheer to your season. The blend of creamy, spiced, and sweet flavors feels indulgent yet approachable—a treat that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to drink.
If you give this unique libation a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
Want more from Inspired by Charm? Join the IBC Mailing List for inspiration in your inbox! Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration on Facebook and Pinterest!
Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup:
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 4 tablespoons golden syrup*
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger root roughly chopped
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cocktail:
- 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 2 ounces half and half
- 1.5 ounces gingerbread syrup
Instructions
- Begin by making your gingerbread syrup.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat add the water, golden syrup, molasses, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring to a boil and let bubble for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow to cool completely. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add in the vodka, Kahlua, half and half, and gingerbread syrup. Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a gingerbread man.
This is a winner!! Served it with the TJ’s gingerbread mug huggers and a cinnamon stick and everyone loved it!!
These are so good! Love the addition of the gingerbread syrup.
Isn’t that good!? So glad you enjoyed them. Cheers!
xo Michael
Michael, are you recommending vanilla vodka or just regular vodka?
Where did you get the mini gingerbread man?