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, for garnish; gingerbread cookies, for garnish

There's something irresistibly cozy about a creamy cocktail with a spicy twist — that's exactly what makes this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe stand out. The rich blend of gingerbread syrup, warming spices, and the classic White Russian base comes together like a festive hug in a glass. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to winter pick-me-up.

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

I’m honestly a sucker for cocktails that balance sweetness and spice, and this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe nails it every time. It’s both nostalgic and fresh, bringing together my love for classic drinks and festive flavors in a way that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Unique Flavor Twist: The homemade gingerbread syrup adds a warm, spicy note that transforms the classic White Russian into a holiday star.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this cocktail in under 10 minutes — perfect for last-minute guests.
Customizable Creaminess: You can adjust the amount of heavy cream to match your preference, making it as rich or light as you want.
Festive Presentation: Garnished with cinnamon sticks and gingerbread cookies, it looks as delightful as it tastes.

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 Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a starring role. The melding of sweet molasses, honey, and fresh ginger in the syrup gives the cocktail its signature spicy sweetness — classic vodka and Kahlúa bring the creamy coffee kick, while the vanilla extract rounds everything out with a delicate warmth.

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 with a subtle floral note, balancing the molasses and spice.
Molasses: Deep, rich flavor that brings that unmistakable gingerbread vibe.
Fresh ginger: Provides a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the creaminess.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuses warm, aromatic spice, both in the syrup and as a garnish.
Vanilla extract: Softens and unifies the flavors for a smooth finish.
Vodka: The classic spirit base for a White Russian, neutral but essential.
Kahlúa: Coffee liqueur that adds richness and complexity.
Gingerbread syrup: The homemade syrup that transforms this cocktail with its holiday spice profile.
Heavy cream: Creates that silky texture that makes a White Russian so indulgent.
Cinnamon sticks and gingerbread cookies (garnish): Adds visual appeal and an extra touch of seasonal flavor.

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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 best things about this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste and the occasion. Whether you want it lighter, richer, or with even more spice, there’s room to experiment and make it yours.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping heavy cream for coconut cream once, and it gave the cocktail a lovely, tropical twist that's perfect when you want the flavor but with a dairy-free spin.
Adjust sweetness: Depending on your gingerbread syrup’s sweetness, feel free to tweak the honey or molasses amounts to keep the cocktail balanced to your liking.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or even a splash of cinnamon whiskey to amplify the spice profile during holidays.
Layered presentation: Slowly pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon for that iconic layered look.

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

Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Syrup

Start by combining the honey, molasses, sliced fresh ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Heat it gently over low heat until everything melts together and the syrup thickens slightly—usually around 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; letting the spices infuse the syrup fully makes all the difference in flavor.

Step 2: Chill the Syrup and Prep the Glass

Once the syrup is ready, strain out the ginger and cinnamon sticks and let it cool. Meanwhile, fill your serving glass with ice to chill it nicely. A rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass works great here for the full White Russian vibe.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

Add vodka, Kahlúa, and your homemade gingerbread syrup to the glass over ice. Stir gently to combine all those warming, sweet, and boozy flavors. Pour in the heavy cream last — you can either stir it in or pour it slowly over a spoon for a layered effect.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy!

Finish off your Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe with a cinnamon stick and a gingerbread cookie on the side. It’s those little touches that really make it feel special and festive.

Top Tip

After making this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep it tasting fresh and well-balanced no matter how many batches I whip up.

Fresh Ginger Matters: Using fresh ginger slices in the syrup makes a world of difference compared to ground ginger. The flavor is brighter and less harsh.
Don’t Overheat the Syrup: Keep the heat low and avoid boiling to preserve the delicate honey flavors and prevent bitterness.
Layer Cream Slowly: Pouring cream slowly over a spoon creates a gorgeous swirl effect for an Instagram-worthy cocktail.
Balance Syrup to Taste: Taste your syrup before mixing — if it’s too strong or sweet, add a splash of water to balance it out.

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always keep it classic with a cinnamon stick perched inside the glass and a cute little gingerbread cookie alongside. The cinnamon stick adds a subtle aroma as you sip, and the cookie? Well, it’s just fun to nibble while enjoying the cocktail’s sweet-spicy notes.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with holiday treats like spiced nuts, dark chocolate bites, or a simple cheese board with sharp cheddar and a few dried fruits. I like to keep it light on savory snacks so the cocktail stays front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served these in mini mason jars wrapped with twine or alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an adult dessert twist. Sprinkling a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cream adds a nice visual pop, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover gingerbread syrup (and you probably will!), store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The cocktail itself is best freshly mixed, but you can keep pre-mixed portions in the fridge overnight in a sealed container for convenience.

Freezing

Freezing the cocktail isn’t something I recommend because the cream can separate and change texture. However, you can freeze the syrup if you want to prep way ahead — just thaw in the fridge overnight before mixing your drinks.

Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed chilled or over ice, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a warm version, try warming the gingerbread syrup alone to spoon over coffee or hot chocolate instead!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought gingerbread syrup instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought gingerbread syrup can be used, but making your own gives a fresher, more vibrant flavor and you can adjust the spice levels to your liking.

What’s the best vodka to use for this cocktail?

I recommend a smooth, mid-range vodka that doesn’t overpower the delicate gingerbread flavors. You don't need to splurge on the highest-end, but avoid harsher brands for the best balance.

Can I make this cocktail vegan?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer of your choice, and make sure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan-friendly version.

How long does the gingerbread syrup keep?

Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the gingerbread syrup will keep fresh for up to two weeks. Always give it a sniff and taste before using to ensure it hasn’t fermented or gone off.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites when winter rolls around. It’s that rare cocktail that feels both comforting and festive at the same time. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting friends, it’s the kind of drink that sparks smiles and cozy vibes. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy this little seasonal indulgence we all deserve.