Name: Gingerbread White Russian 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 so cozy about a drink that wraps you in warmth and spice, and this Gingerbread White Russian Recipe does just that. It’s a seasonal twist on a classic, blending the rich creaminess of a White Russian with the festive zing of gingerbread spices. Trust me, it’s worth making for those moments when you want a cocktail that feels like a hug in a glass.

A clear round glass holds a layered drink with a light brown base, topped by a thick creamy white layer, sprinkled with cinnamon powder on top. The glass rim is coated with a light brown sugary mix. A small brown gingerbread cookie in the shape of a person, decorated with white icing dots, rests on the rim. Inside the drink, there is a small cinnamon stick and a dark brown cube, resembling a spice. This is set on a white marbled surface dusted with powdered sugar, decorated with golden star ornaments and scattered gingerbread cookies. Warm blurred lights glow softly in the background, creating a cozy atmosphere. 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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread White Russian Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Gingerbread White Russian Recipe for a few winters now, and every time it brings a little festive magic to the table. What makes it stand out isn’t just the creamy coffee flavor, but the cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses that instantly whisks you to a holiday fireside.

Unique Flavor: The gingerbread syrup adds a spicy-sweet depth that perfectly complements the classic White Russian base.
Simple to Make: You can whip this up in about 10 minutes, even on a busy night or right before guests arrive.
Festive Touch: It’s the ideal cocktail for holiday parties or chilly evenings, with flavors that evoke warmth and comfort.
Customizable Creaminess: Adjust the heavy cream to your taste, whether you want it rich or just lightly silky.

Two round clear glasses sit on a white marbled surface dusted with white powdered sugar. Each glass has three visible layers: a bottom caramel brown layer, a middle creamy white layer, and a top dusting of fine cocoa powder, with the rim coated in sugar. A small brown snowflake-shaped cookie with white icing spots rests on the rim of each glass. One glass shows a cinnamon stick inside. Around the glasses are more similar snowflake-shaped cookies and golden decorations. The warm lighting gives a cozy, soft glow to the scene photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines classic cocktail staples with freshly made gingerbread syrup that brings everything together beautifully. The honey and molasses form a syrup infused with ginger and cinnamon, giving a genuine gingerbread vibe without overwhelming the drink.

Flat lay of fresh sliced ginger root pieces, two whole cinnamon sticks, a small white ceramic bowl of rich dark molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of light creamy heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of dark coffee liqueur, a small white ceramic bowl of dark amber gingerbread syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vodka, a single whole uncracked brown egg, a few gingerbread cookies arranged neatly, all ingredients 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 spices with a mild floral note.
Molasses: Brings that deep, rich caramel flavor reminiscent of gingerbread cookies.
Fresh ginger: Infuses a warming zesty kick that makes this syrup special.
Cinnamon sticks: Classic holiday spice that enhances the syrup’s aroma and taste.
Vanilla extract: Adds smoothness and rounds out the flavors gently.
Vodka: The clean spirit base; neutral but essential for that White Russian character.
Kahlua: Coffee liqueur that’s the soul of the classic White Russian – rich, sweet, and coffee-forward.
Gingerbread syrup: This homemade mix is the twist you’re craving and ties the whole drink together.
Heavy cream: Gives the drink that smooth, silky finish – feel free to adjust the amount or substitute with half-and-half.
Garnishes (cinnamon sticks, gingerbread cookies): Adds a charming, festive look and a little extra flavor to your presentation.

📝

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

This Gingerbread White Russian Recipe lends itself beautifully to your own tastes. I like mine with extra cream for that silky feeling, but sometimes I lighten it up with half-and-half or even oat milk creamers. And you can adjust the gingerbread syrup to be more or less intense depending on how spicy or sweet you want it.

Variation: I’ve experimented with adding a splash of bourbon instead of vodka for a smokier twist that’s surprisingly delicious.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut or almond milk creamers to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Seasonal Twist: Add a dusting of nutmeg or a dash of clove in your gingerbread syrup to deepen the holiday flavors.

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

Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Syrup

Start by combining the honey, molasses, sliced ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan with water (usually about ¼ cup water for these amounts). Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the honey and molasses fully dissolve and the mixture thickens slightly—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, and let the syrup cool. Pro tip: Letting it steep longer off the heat means your syrup will have even deeper flavor.

Step 2: Mix Your Cocktail

In your favorite glass, pour the vodka and Kahlua, then add 1-2 ounces of that beautiful gingerbread syrup you just made. Fill the glass with ice. Now for the fun part: slowly pour in the heavy cream over the back of a spoon so it floats and mixes gently with the other ingredients. This layering gives your drink that classic White Russian look. Give it a gentle stir before enjoying.

Top Tip

From my experience, the key to nailing this Gingerbread White Russian Recipe is in making your gingerbread syrup just right and timing your cream pour perfectly. These little steps seriously up your cocktail game and impress any guest.

Infuse Slowly: Don’t rush the syrup simmer; slow infusion means richer, more balanced flavors.
Cool Syrup Completely: This prevents the cream from curdling when added to the drink.
Cream Pour Trick: Use the back of a spoon to layer cream gently for the perfect look and texture.
Avoid Over-Stirring: Stir just enough to blend the flavors without losing that creamy layered effect.

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a cinnamon stick to each glass—not just for looks but also because it gently infuses the drink as you sip. Gingerbread cookies on the side are a must for me; dipping them into the cream is my favorite holiday indulgence. Sometimes, I grate a tiny bit of fresh ginger on top for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with desserts like spiced pumpkin pie, buttery shortbread, or even a simple bowl of roasted nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. I often serve it alongside a cozy cheeseboard with dried fruits and fig jam for something savory-meets-sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this drink in mini mason jars with tiny cinnamon stick stirrers tied with twine—it gets everyone chatting before the first sip. Another festive idea is to rim the glasses with crushed gingersnap cookies or a cinnamon-sugar blend for that extra crunch and flavor pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover gingerbread syrup in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s great to have on hand to add to coffee, pancakes, or more cocktails during the season.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the cocktail itself, I’ve frozen the syrup in ice cube trays for quick single servings. Just thaw a cube and mix with vodka, Kahlua, and cream when you’re ready—it saves time and keeps that fresh flavor intact.

Reheating

Reheat the gingerbread syrup gently on the stove or microwave before mixing your cocktail again to revive that warm, spicy aroma. Avoid overheating as it can alter the delicate flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the gingerbread syrup in advance?

Absolutely! The gingerbread syrup can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container, which makes last-minute cocktail prep a breeze.

Can I use a different cream substitute in the Gingerbread White Russian Recipe?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, coconut cream, or even oat milk creamer, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the texture and richness of the final cocktail.

Is this cocktail suitable for non-holiday occasions?

Definitely! While the gingerbread flavors are festive, this cocktail is delicious any time you want a cozy, spiced twist to your White Russian. Adjust the syrup quantity or spice levels to suit the season or your mood.

How can I make the Gingerbread White Russian less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of gingerbread syrup or cut back on the honey and molasses in the syrup recipe. Another tip is to add more cream or a splash of cold brew coffee to balance sweetness while keeping the flavor lively.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread White Russian Recipe holds a special place in my winter recipe lineup because it’s cozy yet elegant, simple yet unique. It’s one of those drinks that makes a regular night feel festive and a festive party even better. I can’t wait for you to sip this, share it with friends, and discover your own favorite twists along the way.