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 about the cozy warmth of ginger and cinnamon that just sings during the holidays, and the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe brings that vibe straight into your glass. It’s got that classic creamy kick with a spicy gingerbread twist that I find absolutely irresistible on chilly evenings.

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 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

This Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is hands down one of my favorite festive drinks because it feels like a hug in a glass. It’s rich, flavorful, and effortlessly festive—just what you want when winding down with friends or celebrating solo.

Holiday Spirit in a Glass: The gingerbread syrup and warm spices elevate the classic White Russian to a seasonal delight.
Simple but Impressive: It’s easy to make but packs a sophisticated punch that your guests will rave about.
Customizable Creaminess: You can adjust the heavy cream or gingerbread syrup levels very easily to match your preferred richness and sweetness.
Perfect Party Starter or Nightcap: Whether you’re unwinding alone or entertaining, it’s a versatile cocktail that feels luxe but fun.

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

The magic of this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe comes from layering classic cocktail components with the cozy flavors of gingerbread and warm spices, creating a beautifully balanced drink. Here’s a quick breakdown so you know what you’re working with.

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 a smooth texture that complements the spices without overpowering.
Molasses: Gives depth and that unmistakable gingerbread richness with its dark, robust flavor.
Fresh ginger: Brings a bright, zesty kick that’s essential to the gingerbread profile.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuses warming spice notes throughout the syrup and also works beautifully as a garnish.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness and aromatic touch.
Vodka: The clean spirit base that keeps this cocktail smooth and lets the gingerbread flavors shine.
Kahlua: Classic coffee liqueur adding depth and a little bitter sweetness — key in any White Russian.
Gingerbread syrup: The star that marries the spices and sweetness, you can make it at home or buy a good-quality one.
Heavy cream: Brings that luscious, creamy finish we all love in a White Russian.

📝

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 love tweaking this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I like it richer with extra cream, but I’ve also made it lighter with almond milk to mix things up and keep it dairy-free for guests.

Vegan Variation: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based but still creamy and delicious.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground black pepper or a tiny slice of fresh chili for an unexpected warm heat that plays nicely with the ginger.
Decaf Delight: Use decaf Kahlua or a coffee liqueur alternative if you want the flavor without the caffeine buzz in the evenings.

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

Step 1: Create the Gingerbread Syrup

Start by combining the honey, molasses, fresh ginger slices, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan with water (about ½ cup). Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring to dissolve the honey and molasses. Let it infuse for around 5 minutes on low heat, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. I always taste the syrup here — it should be nicely balanced: sweet, spicy, and warming. Strain out the solids once cooled to keep the syrup silky.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and pour in the vodka and Kahlua. Add 1 to 2 ounces of your freshly made gingerbread syrup, depending on how sweet and spiced you like it. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3: Top With Cream

Slowly pour 1 to 2 ounces of heavy cream over the back of a spoon onto the drink to create that beautiful layered effect. This isn’t mandatory, but it’s a fun touch and makes the cocktail feel extra special. Stir gently before drinking to blend all those tasty layers together.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

Top with a cinnamon stick and a gingerbread cookie on the rim. I like how the aroma of cinnamon mixes with the first sip, instantly setting the festive mood. Now sit back and savor your Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe masterpiece.

Top Tip

Over my years making this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe, I’ve learned a few tweaks that really take it up a notch. These simple tips helped me avoid common pitfalls so you can get it perfect the first time.

Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon sticks and ginger slices in your syrup pack far more flavor than ground or pre-ground alternatives.
Don’t Overdo the Syrup: It’s tempting to pour in heaps of gingerbread syrup, but too much can make the cocktail overly sweet and mask the vodka and coffee notes.
Layer Cream Slowly: Pour cream over the back of a spoon to get that pretty layered look that’s so Instagram-worthy.
Chill Your Glass: Especially on warmer days, chilling your glass beforehand keeps your cocktail colder longer without diluting it with ice.

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for a cinnamon stick and a small gingerbread cookie perched on the rim—it makes it look festive and adds a lovely aroma as you sip. Sometimes I dust a tiny bit of ground cinnamon on top of the cream for an extra cozy touch.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with spiced nuts, soft gingerbread cookies, or even a pumpkin cheesecake bite. For a savory contrast, sliced cheese and charcuterie boards work surprisingly well, balancing the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, serve the cocktail in festive glassware with gold or red straws and place little bowls of mini gingerbread men or cinnamon sticks around. I've also set up a DIY cocktail station with the syrup, vodka, cream, and garnishes so friends can customize their own—a total party hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover gingerbread syrup, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge where it keeps for up to two weeks. For the cocktail itself, it's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the vodka, Kahlua, and syrup mix ahead and keep it chilled for a day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail because the cream can separate and change the texture. The syrup and spirits freeze well separately if you want to keep those components long-term.

Reheating

This cocktail is definitely meant to be enjoyed cold and creamy, so reheating isn’t really an option. If you have leftover syrup, you can warm it gently and drizzle over desserts or coffee instead.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is gingerbread syrup and can I buy it?

Gingerbread syrup is a spiced sweet syrup infused with ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and other warm spices. You can make it easily at home with the recipe steps above, but good-quality versions are also available at specialty stores or online during the holiday season.

Can I make this cocktail dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a rich non-dairy creamer. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

How strong is a Gingerbread White Russian?

This cocktail is similar in strength to a classic White Russian, so it’s moderately strong with vodka and Kahlua as bases. Adjust the amount of alcohol to your preference, but remember the cream and syrup mellow it out nicely.

Can I batch make this cocktail for a party?

Absolutely! Mix the vodka, Kahlua, and gingerbread syrup ahead of time and keep chilled. Add ice and cream just before serving to keep the cream fresh and maintain the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is one of those gems that feels both indulgent and comforting—a rare combo that hits the spot time and again. Whether you’re cozying up alone or dazzling your guests, I hope you find as much joy in making and sipping it as I do. Give it a whirl this holiday season, and trust me, it becomes a fast favorite!