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) Kahlua; 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 cozy and festive about a cocktail that warms you from the inside out—and that's exactly what the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe does. With spicy ginger, sweet molasses, and creamy decadence, it’s a holiday classic with a playful twist you’ll want to savor all season.

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've made this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe more times than I can count during the holidays, and it never fails to impress guests or cozy up quiet nights. It's that perfect balance of spice and sweetness that makes the classic White Russian new and exciting.

Festive Flavor Combo: The ginger and cinnamon syrup brings seasonal warmth that pairs beautifully with coffee liqueur and cream.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps and ingredients turn this drink into a holiday star.
Customizable Sweetness: You can tweak how much gingerbread syrup and cream you add, so it’s just how you like it.
Perfect for Entertaining: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to scale up for a party as it is for sipping solo.

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 magic in this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is how each ingredient complements the others. The ginger and cinnamon infuse the honey and molasses with such festive spice, which marries beautifully with the smooth vodka and rich Kahlúa. Perfect for grabbing at your local store or blending up fresh!

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 a lovely floral depth that softens the spices.
Molasses: Deepens the gingerbread flavor with its rich, almost smoky notes.
Fresh ginger: Gives sharp, zesty brightness that wakes up the taste buds.
Cinnamon sticks: Classic warming spice that’s essential for that holiday vibe.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice with smooth sweetness.
Vodka: The clean spirit base that lets the gingerbread flavors shine.
Kahlúa: Coffee liqueur brings that signature dark, rich kick in a White Russian.
Gingerbread syrup: Key to that festive twist—make your own or find a good quality brand.
Heavy cream: Lush and velvety, perfect for balancing the spices and alcohol.
Cinnamon sticks & gingerbread cookies (for garnish): Because presentation is everything, and these little touches add charm and extra 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 joys of this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it stronger, creamier, or with a little extra spice kick, it all comes down to what flavors you want to shine through.

Spice It Up: Once, I added a pinch of ground clove and nutmeg to the syrup, and it turned this into a bolder holiday flavor bomb.
Milk or Non-Dairy Cream: For a lighter or dairy-free version, I sometimes swap in oat or almond milk creamers — and it still feels indulgent.
Sweetness Levels: Adjust the gingerbread syrup between 1-2 ounces depending on how sweet and pronounced you want that gingerbread taste.
On the Rocks or Blended: While the classic is served over ice, I love trying it blended with ice for a creamy, frothy treat on busy winter mornings.

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

Step 1: Make Your Gingerbread Syrup

This step is really where the warm holiday magic starts. Simmer honey, molasses, sliced fresh ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a small pot with a splash of water. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes—this extracts all those spicy notes beautifully. Then strain out the solids and let it cool. It’s better to make this ahead so the syrup thickens and flavors meld.

Step 2: Mix Up Your Cocktail

In a rocks glass filled with ice, pour the vodka and Kahlúa, then add 1-2 ounces of your homemade gingerbread syrup (or store-bought). Give it a gentle stir to mingle those flavors.

Step 3: The Creamy Finish

Top your drink with heavy cream by pouring it slowly so it cascades over the coffee liqueur mixture. You get that classic layered effect which looks gorgeous and tastes rich and dreamy — it’s the perfect finish to this cozy cocktail.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Add a cinnamon stick for stirring and a little gingerbread cookie on the side. It’s these simple touches that turn an everyday drink into something festive and special.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at perfecting this Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe, here are some tips that save time and improve flavor every single time.

Make Syrup Ahead: Prepare your gingerbread syrup a day or two in advance for a richer, more blended flavor.
Don’t Overdo the Cream: Pour the cream slowly and in moderation to keep that signature layered look and prevent the drink from becoming too heavy.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh ginger and good-quality cinnamon sticks make a big difference in achieving the authentic gingerbread taste.
Chill Glasses: Try chilling your glass before serving—it keeps your cocktail cooler longer without watering it down too fast.

How to Serve Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Gingerbread White Russian - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a classic cinnamon stick for stirring—it infuses a subtle extra spice as you sip. And placing a cute gingerbread cookie alongside your glass not only ups the holiday charm but also gives a delicious nibble that pairs perfectly with the creamy cocktail.

Side Dishes

For me, this cocktail pairs wonderfully with lightly spiced nuts or a small plate of dark chocolate truffles. The contrast between creamy drink and salty or bitter bites is downright addictive. Plus, gingerbread cookies or biscotti make sweet companions that echo the flavors in your glass.

Creative Ways to Present

The last holiday party I hosted, I served the Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe in mini mason jars with tiny cinnamon stick stirrers and a dusting of nutmeg on top. It felt rustic and festive, and guests kept asking for the recipe. Little presentation details can make a huge impression, so don’t be shy about getting creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have some gingerbread syrup left after making your cocktail, keep it chilled in an airtight jar or bottle. It should stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, so you can whip up another round whenever the mood strikes without remaking the whole batch.

Freezing

The cocktail itself doesn’t freeze well because the cream can separate. But you can freeze the gingerbread syrup in small portions if you want to prep in advance, then thaw as needed. This way, you’ll have a quick shortcut come party time.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating isn’t really applicable. However, if you want to warm up leftover gingerbread syrup, just heat it gently on the stove or microwave. Be careful not to boil—it should be just warm enough to pour easily into your next drink.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the gingerbread syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The gingerbread syrup actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two because the flavors continue to meld. Just keep it in a sealed container for up to two weeks.

What can I substitute for Kahlúa in this recipe?

If you don’t have Kahlúa, a coffee-flavored liqueur or even cold brewed coffee with a splash of vanilla extract can work as a substitute. The key is that rich coffee flavor to complement the gingerbread notes.

Can I make this cocktail dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or plant-based creamers like oat or almond milk creamers. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious.

Is the gingerbread syrup complicated to make?

Not at all! It’s simply simmering honey, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon sticks together for a few minutes, then straining it. The syrup comes together quickly and infuses your drink with all those classic holiday flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail Recipe isn’t just a drink—it’s a little moment of holiday magic in a glass. Every time I make it, I remember cozy nights by the fire and laughter-filled gatherings. I truly encourage you to try this recipe out, tweak it to your taste, and make some warm, delicious memories of your own. Cheers to festive flavors and delicious traditions!