Name: Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons molasses; 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka; 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) Kahlúa; 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup; 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream; cinnamon sticks and gingerbread cookies, for garnish

There’s something utterly cozy and festive about a creamy cocktail with warm spices swirling through it. The Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe takes the classic White Russian up a notch by adding gingerbread syrup and a touch of spice—making it the perfect drink to curl up with on a chilly evening or impress your holiday guests.

A round clear glass is filled with a layered drink, the bottom third is a light golden brown liquid, topped with a thick white creamy layer, sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder. The rim of the glass is coated in cinnamon sugar. A small piece of cinnamon stick and a small square of brown caramel are placed on top of the creamy layer. Resting on the rim is a brown gingerbread man cookie decorated with white icing dots. The glass sits on a surface covered with white powdered sugar, with golden decorative snowflakes beneath it. In the background are blurred warm yellow fairy lights and a faint hint of green foliage, all set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this twist on the White Russian because it turns a familiar favorite into a holiday showstopper. The spices bring warmth, and that silky creaminess makes every sip indulgent and comforting—perfect for these cozy months.

Festive Flavor Fusion: The gingerbread syrup brings a seasonal spice that’s both sweet and warmly aromatic.
Easy to Make: You won’t need fancy bartending skills or a ton of ingredients to whip this up.
Perfect Holiday Sip: Whether you’re hosting or enjoying a quiet night in, this cocktail feels special and inviting.
Customizable: Adjust the creaminess or spice level based on your personal taste, which makes it a soothing, versatile drink.

The image shows two round clear glasses filled with a layered creamy drink. The bottom layer is a light brown, and the top layer is white and frothy with a sprinkling of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Each glass has a gingerbread cookie shaped like a person, decorated with white icing, resting on the rim. One glass also has a cinnamon stick inside. The glasses sit on a white marbled surface with powdered sugar scattered around, along with more gingerbread cookies and some gold decorations in the background, creating a cozy and festive scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe has its own role, blending into a harmonious mix of warm spices and creamy texture. The homemade gingerbread syrup is the star, while the vodka and Kahlúa anchor the drink with familiar richness. Here’s why these choices work so well together:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick dark molasses, a few thin slices of fresh pale yellow ginger root, two whole cinnamon sticks, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown Kahlúa liqueur, a small white ceramic bowl of rich creamy heavy cream, and a couple of rustic gingerbread cookies, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Honey: Adds natural sweetness and balances the spice from the ginger and cinnamon.
Molasses: Deep, rich flavor that gives the syrup its authentic gingerbread character.
Fresh ginger: Offers a subtle but fresh zing that brightens the drink.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuse warmth and a cozy aroma, key to that holiday feel.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spiced flavors and adds smooth undertones.
Vodka: A clean spirit base that carries the other flavors without overpowering them.
Kahlúa: Gives the cocktail its classic coffee and vanilla notes.
Gingerbread syrup: The customized syrup pulls together all the holiday spice in one concentrated dose.
Heavy cream: For that luscious, silky finish that softens the edges and makes the drink indulgent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I enjoy this cocktail as a pretty rich treat, but you can easily tweak it depending on your mood or dietary needs. I sometimes swap out heavy cream for oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free version that’s surprisingly delicious and still creamy.

Variation: One time, I upped the gingerbread syrup for more spice punch—it turned out beautifully festive but still balanced.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or almond milk to keep it rich while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Spice level: If you love a kick, grate some fresh ginger over the top for a final zing.
Sweetness level: Play around with honey and molasses amounts in the syrup until it hits your perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Syrup

Start by combining honey, molasses, sliced fresh ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, letting all those flavors meld for about 5 minutes—don't rush it! Once it smells warm and fragrant like your favorite holiday cookie, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Strain out the solids and let the syrup cool. This step is what gives your cocktail that undeniable gingerbread magic.

Step 2: Build the Cocktail

In a glass filled with ice, pour in the vodka and Kahlúa. Add your freshly made gingerbread syrup—start with 2 tablespoons and adjust depending on how spicy and sweet you want your drink. Pour heavy cream (or your chosen alternative) over the top. The cream's beautiful to watch as it cascades down and swirls through the darker alcohol mix.

Step 3: Stir and Serve

Gently stir just once or twice to combine, keeping those cream swirls intact for a visually stunning presentation. Don’t over-mix—you want that lovely layered effect. Then, garnish and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors.

Top Tip

From my experience mixing this cocktail for friends and family, the syrup is absolutely key. Fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks give a brightness and depth you just can't capture with pre-made mixes.

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ginger and whole cinnamon sticks for your syrup—you’ll taste the difference immediately.
Don’t Skip Straining: Straining the syrup makes your cocktail smooth and silky without gritty bits.
Layer the Cream: Pour cream slowly over the back of a spoon to create pretty layers before stirring.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your syrup before adding it all; you can always add more but can’t take it out!

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing this cocktail with a cinnamon stick and a gingerbread cookie on the side. The cinnamon stick doubles as a stirrer and infuses a delicate aroma as you sip. The cookie adds a sweet snack that perfectly complements the drink’s flavors.

Side Dishes

This Gingerbread White Russian pairs beautifully with light desserts like shortbread or apple crisp. I’ve also served it alongside salty nuts or cheese boards to balance the sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser at get-togethers.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve poured this cocktail into mini mason jars and tied festive ribbons around the rims. Adding a tiny sprig of rosemary or dusting nutmeg over the top turns this into a real showstopper that guests love. Presentation makes the experience even more special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make extra gingerbread syrup, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. It saves time next time you want to whip up these cocktails, and you can even add it to coffee or oatmeal.

Freezing

Since this cocktail is cream-based, I don’t recommend freezing the mixed drink itself—it can separate and lose texture. However, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.

Reheating

As for the cocktail, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want a warm twist, you can gently warm leftover syrup on the stove and mix it into warm milk or coffee for a cozy drink alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the gingerbread syrup in advance?

Absolutely! The gingerbread syrup tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge, allowing those spices to deepen. Just store it in a sealed jar and use within two weeks for best flavor.

Can I use this recipe to make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes! You can skip the vodka and Kahlúa and replace them with coffee or coffee-flavored syrup and a splash of vanilla extract. Top with cream or a dairy-free alternative to keep that creamy texture.

What is the best cream substitute for this cocktail?

I’ve had great results using oat milk or coconut cream as dairy-free alternatives. They add creaminess without overpowering the gingerbread spices, and keep the drink smooth and delicious.

Can I adjust the spice level in the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe?

Definitely! If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of fresh ginger and cinnamon in the syrup. For more warmth, add extra cinnamon sticks or a pinch of ground nutmeg when making the syrup—experiment to find your favorite flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

Sharing the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe feels like giving a little warm hug in a glass. It’s the kind of drink I come back to year after year—not just for the flavor, but for the memories it builds around a table filled with friends and laughter. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe every holiday season.