Cocktail Recipes

Gingerbread White Russian

Millie Pham

This Gingerbread White Russian is like the holidays in a glass! It’s creamy, cozy, and full of warm gingerbread spice.

It’s perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights by the fire, or just treating yourself to something special.

It’s got all the festive vibes—let’s mix it up!

What You’ll Need

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 oz heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • Ice
  • Optional garnish: Whipped cream, mini gingerbread cookie, ground cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick

Pro Tips

  1. Use homemade gingerbread syrup. Just simmer water, sugar, molasses, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg—it’s super easy and extra festive.
  2. Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep your drink extra frosty.
  3. Layer like a pro. Pour the cream over the back of a spoon for those dreamy swirls.
  4. Garnish big. The whipped cream and gingerbread cookie totally sell the holiday vibe—don’t skip them!
  5. Adjust sweetness. If your gingerbread syrup is on the sweeter side, you can use a little less or add an extra splash of vodka to balance it out.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Measuring jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Short cocktail glass
  • Ice scoop

Substitutions & Variations

  • No gingerbread syrup? Use molasses and a pinch of ground ginger and cinnamon instead.
  • Dairy-free option: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk in place of the cream.
  • Extra spice: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or allspice on top for a spicier kick.
  • Sweeter version: Add a drizzle of caramel syrup or honey to the cream for extra indulgence.

How To Make It

1. Prep your glass.

Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes.

 super close-up shot of a short glass filled with ice cubes

2. Mix the liqueurs and syrup.

In a shaker or mixing glass, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, and gingerbread syrup. Stir gently to combine.

A super close-up, top-down shot of a bar spoon stirring vodka, coffee liqueur, and golden-brown gingerbread syrup in a clear mixing glass

3. Add the cream.

Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon into your glass, creating gorgeous swirls.

A super close-up shot of heavy cream being poured over a spoon into a glass

4. Garnish and serve.

Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a mini gingerbread cookie. Serve immediately!

A super close-up shot of a Gingerbread White Russian topped with whipped cream

Leftovers & Storage

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and gingerbread syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add the cream and ice right before serving.

Wrap-Up

And there you have it—your Gingerbread White Russian, the perfect holiday cocktail! It’s creamy, spiced, and totally festive. Try it out, take a pic, and let me know how it turned out. Cheers and happy holidays! 🎄🍹

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!