Description
This Christmas Cocktail Gingerbread White Russian is a festive twist on the classic White Russian, featuring a homemade gingerbread syrup that infuses warm holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. The rich and creamy drink is enhanced with vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream, making it the perfect cozy cocktail to enjoy during the holiday season or any winter gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Gingerbread Syrup (makes about 2 cups)
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Gingerbread White Russian
- Ice
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste)
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream
Optional Garnish
- Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
- Mini gingerbread cookies
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Gingerbread Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, honey or maple syrup, molasses, sliced fresh ginger, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally until the honey has fully dissolved. Allow it to boil gently for 3-5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely before straining it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger slices and cinnamon sticks. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Prepare the Glass: (Optional) For a festive touch, rim your rocks glass with gingerbread syrup by pouring a small amount onto a plate. On another plate, prepare a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Dip the rim of the glass first into the syrup, then into the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of Kahlúa coffee liqueur, and 1 ounce of the prepared gingerbread syrup. Stir gently to blend the flavors together.
- Float the Cream: Slowly pour 1 to 2 ounces of heavy cream over the back of a spoon held just above the drink to create a layered effect. This technique allows the cream to float on top, adding a beautiful appearance and creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by dusting the top with ground cinnamon or nutmeg and adding a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim or side of the glass if desired. Stir before drinking to combine the layers and enjoy the warm, holiday-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat oat milk, canned coconut cream, or a high-quality dairy-free coffee creamer for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spirit Variations: Replace vodka with spiced rum to boost the warm spice flavors or use brandy for a smoother finish.
- Spice It Up: Add whole spices such as star anise or cloves to the syrup while it simmers for a more complex and aromatic flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Create a mocktail by mixing 1-2 ounces of gingerbread syrup with 3 ounces of chilled strong coffee or cold brew, topped with cream or a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
