Gingerbread White Russian

Warm Up with a Cozy Sip

Ever sipped on something that instantly whisked you away to a winter wonderland? The Gingerbread White Russian does just that! It’s creamy, rich, and adds a festive twist to the classic cocktail. You can cozy up by the fire with a mug in hand or serve it at your next holiday gathering, and you’ll quickly see why this drink is a seasonal favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

Why do we love this Gingerbread White Russian? Well, for starters, it’s super easy—we’re talking quick prep and minimal cleanup! You’ll impress friends and family without breaking a sweat. Plus, the combination of ginger, brown sugar, and a splash of vodka hits all the right notes for a festive drink. Who wouldn’t love that?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh ginger, peeled & cut into 1" cubes
• 2/3 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 1 tsp Orange Zest
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1/4 tsp Cloves, ground
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tbsp Cinnamon, ground
• 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 2 ounces Vodka
• 2 ounces Tia Maria (or any coffee liqueur)
• 1-2 ounces Gingerbread Syrup
• 2 ounces Heavy Cream
• Gingerbread Cookie (optional, but why not?)

Directions

Let’s get mixing! Follow these easy steps:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, ginger, brown sugar, molasses, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir to combine.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Sit back and let the magic happen!
3. Once boiling and sugar dissolves, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside for 15 minutes to let those flavors mingle.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh to separate the solids. Let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
5. In a shallow plate, mix ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
6. Rim your glass with an orange wedge, then dip it into the cinnamon mixture.
7. Fill the glass with ice, and add the vodka, Tia Maria, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream in that order.
8. Garnish with a gingerbread cookie, stir, and enjoy!

How to Make Gingerbread White Russian (Overview)

Making this delightful drink is a breeze! Start by creating your ginger syrup—it’s basically a holiday hug in a saucepan. After letting it cool, rim your glass with that delightful cinnamon-sugar blend. Mix all the delicious liquids, top it off with cream, and garnish. Quick tip: Don’t skip the rimming! It elevates the presentation—and tastes—like crazy.

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian

Serve this festive drink in a clear glass to show off its creamy, rich color. Pair it up with crunchy gingerbread cookies to match the warm spices in your drink. The aroma wafting from your freshly mixed cocktail will have everyone in the room longing for a taste. 🍪✨

How to Store Gingerbread White Russian

Got leftovers? No problem! The gingerbread syrup keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just remember, mix the drink right before serving to keep that creamy goodness intact. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the syrup ahead of time for stress-free hosting!

Tips to Make Gingerbread White Russian

Here are a few snazzy tips to up your gingerbread game:

• Swap the vodka with rum for a deeper flavor.
• Need it dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Adjust the gingerbread syrup to your preferred sweetness; more for a sweet tooth, less for a balanced flavor.
• Make the syrup in batches to always have it on hand during the holiday rush!

Variation

Want to switch it up? Try adding a splash of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist! You could even leave out the alcohol and turn it into a family-friendly mocktail—just sub with some fizzy ginger ale.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the ginger syrup can be made up to 2 weeks in advance!

What can I substitute for Tia Maria?
Any coffee liqueur works, or you can use chocolate syrup for a sweeter flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep the gingerbread syrup in the fridge and mix a fresh drink whenever you’re ready!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Gingerbread White Russian

A creamy, rich twist on the classic White Russian, infused with gingerbread flavors, perfect for cozy winter nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Beverage, Cocktail

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Ginger Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh ginger, peeled & cut into 1" cubes
• 2/3 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 1 tsp Orange Zest
• 2 sticks Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Cloves, ground
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

For the Cocktail

• 2 Tbsp Cinnamon, ground For rimming the glass
• 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar For rimming the glass
• 2 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Tia Maria (or any coffee liqueur)
• 1-2 oz Gingerbread Syrup Adjust sweetness to taste
• 2 oz Heavy Cream Can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free
• 1 ea Gingerbread Cookie Optional garnish

Method

 

Making the Ginger Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, ginger, brown sugar, molasses, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Stir to combine.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer until the sugar dissolves.
3. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh to separate the solids and let it cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Preparing the Cocktail

1. In a shallow plate, mix ground cinnamon and granulated sugar.
2. Rim your glass with an orange wedge, then dip it into the cinnamon mixture.
3. Fill the glass with ice, and add vodka, Tia Maria, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream in that order.
4. Garnish with a gingerbread cookie, stir gently, and enjoy!

Notes

For a deeper flavor, you can swap vodka with rum. For a lighter drink, add a splash of peppermint extract. You can make ginger syrup in advance for convenience.