Description

Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Cocktail: a Gingerbread White Russian that combines the warm, spicy flavors of homemade gingerbread syrup with the classic richness of vodka, Kahlúa, and creamy heavy cream. This luscious drink is perfect for cozy winter evenings or holiday parties, and can be customized into vegan or non-alcoholic versions to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Gingerbread Syrup (makes about 2 cups)

1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons molasses
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail

Ice, for serving
2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste)
1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream

Optional Garnish

Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
Mini gingerbread cookies
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

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Instructions

Make the Gingerbread Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, honey or maple syrup, molasses, sliced fresh ginger, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat while stirring until the honey dissolves. Let it boil gently for 3-5 minutes to infuse flavors fully. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, then allow the syrup to cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove ginger slices and cinnamon sticks. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Prepare the Glass: (Optional) To rim your glass, pour some gingerbread syrup onto a plate and cinnamon sugar mixture onto another plate. Dip the rim of a rocks glass first into the syrup, then into the cinnamon sugar to coat. This adds a festive and flavorful touch to the drink.
Assemble the Cocktail: Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes. Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, and gingerbread syrup. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
Add Cream Float: Slowly pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon held just above the drink’s surface to create a beautiful layered effect with the cream floating atop the cocktail.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Garnish with a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim or serve alongside. Stir the cocktail before drinking to blend the layers for a smooth, rich experience.

Notes

Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat oat milk, canned coconut cream, or a quality dairy-free coffee creamer for a creamy vegan twist.
Spirit Variations: Replace vodka with spiced rum to amplify warm spice notes, or use brandy for a smoother, velvety finish.
Enhance Spice: Add extra whole spices like star anise or cloves to the syrup during boiling for deeper, complex flavor layers.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Create a mocktail by mixing 1-2 ounces of gingerbread syrup with 3 ounces of chilled strong coffee or cold brew. Top with cream for holiday cheer without alcohol.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 40mg