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 irresistibly cozy about the warming spices in a good holiday cocktail, and this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe nails that vibe perfectly. Creamy, spicy, with a touch of sweetness, it’s an instant festive favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to sip.

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 first made this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe at a holiday party, and it instantly became my go-to winter warmer. It’s that perfect mix of creamy indulgence with festive spice notes—guaranteed to make any evening feel special.

Festive twist on a classic: Takes the beloved White Russian and upgrades it with cozy gingerbread spices that scream holidays.
Simple yet impressive: Only a handful of ingredients but packs a flavorful punch that will wow your guests.
Customizable sweetness and spice: You control how gingery or sweet it gets by adjusting the syrup and spices.
Perfect for any winter occasion: Whether it’s a quiet night by the fire or a festive gathering, it fits right in.

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

The ingredients in this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe come together to balance creamy, sweet, and spicy notes beautifully. Using fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks for a homemade syrup really elevates the flavor beyond anything store-bought.

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 smoothness to the syrup — I love how it deepens the flavor.
Molasses: Brings that rich, dark warmth typical of gingerbread spices, giving the cocktail its holiday soul.
Fresh ginger: Adds bright, zesty spice to keep it from being overly sweet — fresh beats powdered here.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuses the syrup with aromatic warmth, creating that classic gingerbread scent.
Vanilla extract: A subtle vanilla note rounds out the syrup’s flavors and complements the cream.
Vodka: The clean spirit base that lets the gingerbread spices shine without overpowering.
Kahlúa: Brings coffee notes and sweetness to the classic White Russian foundation.
Gingerbread syrup: The star ingredient; you can adjust it to your preferred intensity of spice and sweetness.
Heavy cream: For that luscious, silky texture that makes this drink so indulgent.
Cinnamon sticks & gingerbread cookies (garnish): Add a festive touch and extra aroma to your serving presentation.

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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

One of the things I love most about the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want it creamier, spicier, or even a little boozier, you’re in complete control.

Less cream, more spice: I sometimes swap out half the heavy cream for milk to lighten it up and bump up the gingerbread syrup for a spicier hit.
Dairy-free twist: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream; it adds a tropical element that pairs surprisingly well.
Extra festive: A splash of ginger liqueur adds another layer of warmth if you’re feeling adventurous.

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 them to a gentle simmer, letting the spices infuse for about 5 minutes. This syrup is the magic behind the cocktail’s cozy flavor, so take time to let it develop and then strain out the solids before cooling.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

In a glass filled with ice, pour the vodka and Kahlúa. Add your desired amount of that homemade gingerbread syrup—start with 2 tablespoons and adjust according to your taste. Pour the heavy cream over the top, and gently stir to combine without losing the creamy texture.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a cinnamon stick and a gingerbread cookie on the side. Not only do they look charming, but the cinnamon stick also infuses the drink further while you sip. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm seasonal flavors.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to making the best Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is patience with the syrup. Skipping this step or rushing it can leave your cocktail tasting flat or overly sweet.

Simmer gently: Keep the syrup on low heat so the flavors meld without burning the molasses.
Strain well: Removing ginger slices and cinnamon sticks prevents any unwanted bite or bitterness.
Adjust sweetness after mixing: Add syrup a little at a time to find your perfect balance.
Use fresh ginger: Fresh slices provide a brighter, cleaner spice than powders or dried ginger.

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for a cinnamon stick stirred right into the glass; it subtly enhances the aroma while you sip. Pairing the cocktail with a classic gingerbread cookie or a small biscotti adds a fun, edible accent that guests really appreciate.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light holiday appetizers like spiced nuts, cheese platters, or even dark chocolate truffles. I’ve also found it balances nicely with salty snacks since the creaminess helps tame bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving a crowd, I sometimes present the cocktail in pretty glass mugs with mini gingerbread men clipped to the rims using festive clothespins. For a party, setting up a DIY cocktail station lets friends mix their own Gingerbread White Russian, adjusting syrup amounts to personal taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover gingerbread syrup, keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to two weeks. I like to shake it up before use since ingredients can settle. The cocktail itself is best served fresh, but the components store well.

Freezing

Since this cocktail contains cream, I don’t recommend freezing the mixed drink—it can separate and lose texture. However, the gingerbread syrup freezes nicely in ice cube trays; just thaw before using.

Reheating

This cocktail is best enjoyed chilled or over ice, so reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. If you want a warm gingerbread drink instead, I’d suggest using the syrup in hot coffee or cider for a cozy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the gingerbread syrup in advance?

Absolutely! The gingerbread syrup can be made up to two weeks ahead if you store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a shake before using.

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

Yes! Substitute the vodka and Kahlúa with coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup and add vanilla almond milk or cream for richness. You’ll still have that cozy gingerbread flavor without the alcohol.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger is best for the bright zing it adds, but if needed, you can use ground ginger—start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust carefully to avoid overpowering. Just be sure to simmer the syrup gently to mellow out the spice.

Can I make larger batches for a party?

Definitely! Just multiply the syrup ingredients accordingly and keep the vodka, Kahlúa, and cream separate until serving to keep the cream fresh and prevent separation. Then mix individual drinks as guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions. It’s that perfect blend of indulgence and festivity that feels like a warm hug in a glass. I hope you give it a try—it’s an easy way to bring a little extra joy and spice to your winter nights.