a festive twist on a classic: this gingerbread white russian blends lemon juice, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream with warmly spiced homemade gingerbread syrup for a creamy cocktail that drinks like a gingerbread cookie in a glass. perfect for holiday cocktail hours, Special Occasion cocktails, and winter cocktails when you want festive drinks without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of gingerbread syrup and coffee liqueur creates a rich, warm flavor profile that is perfect for the holidays.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this delightful drink in no time.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste by modifying the amount of gingerbread syrup or spices.
- Festive Presentation: Rimming the glass with cinnamon and sugar adds a charming touch that makes this drink visually appealing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s aSpecial Occasion party or a cozy night in, this cocktail fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your gingerbread white russian effortlessly, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing glass
- Strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Cocktail shaker: This tool helps to mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring your drink is well-blended for optimal flavor.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in cocktail making. Accurate measurements guarantee the right balance of flavors.
- Mixing glass: Ideal for combining ingredients before serving; it allows you to see the layers and presentation.
- Strainer: Ensures that your cocktail is smooth without any unwanted solids, enhancing the drinking experience.

Ingredients
To create your delicious gingerbread white russian, gather these ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Syrup
- 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
For the Cocktail
- Ice
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) lemon juice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste)
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream
- Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
- Mini gingerbread cookies
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
How to Make gingerbread white russian
Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine water, honey (or maple syrup), molasses, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain out solids before using.
Step 2: Assemble Your Cocktail
- Rim your glass with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar by wetting the rim with lemon juice and then dipping it into the mixture.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in lemon juice, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream.
- Shake well until chilled.
Step 3: Serve Your Drink
- Strain your mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with mini gingerbread cookies on the rim or inside the drink.
- Dust with ground cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.
Enjoy your delightful gingerbread white russian! Perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing at festive gatherings.
How to Serve gingerbread white russian
Serving a gingerbread white russian is all about creating a cozy and festive experience. This delightful drink pairs wonderfully with seasonal treats, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
With Mini Gingerbread Cookies
- Serve the cocktail alongside mini gingerbread cookies for a sweet pairing. The flavors complement each other, enhancing the gingerbread taste.
Garnished with Cinnamon Dust
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the drink for an aromatic finish. This simple garnish makes your drink look as good as it tastes.
In Festive Glassware
- Use holiday-themed glasses to elevate the presentation. Clear glasses showcase the creamy texture and rich colors of the cocktail beautifully.
Rimming the Glass
- Rim your glass with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before pouring in the drink. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a touch of sweetness to every sip.
How to Perfect gingerbread white russian
Perfecting your gingerbread white russian can elevate this festive cocktail from good to great. Here are some tips for achieving that perfect balance of flavors.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and quality coffee liqueur make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Experiment with sweetness: Adjust the amount of gingerbread syrup based on your preference for sweetness.
- Chill your glass: A chilled glass keeps your cocktail cool longer, enhancing its refreshing qualities.
- Blend flavors well: Stir or shake the cocktail thoroughly to ensure all ingredients meld perfectly together.
- Don’t skimp on garnishes: Creative garnishes add flair and enhance the overall drinking experience.
Best Side Dishes for gingerbread white russian
Pairing side dishes with your gingerbread white russian can enhance the festive atmosphere. Here are some delicious options that work well together:
- Cheese Platter – A selection of sharp cheeses balances the sweetness of the cocktail, offering a savory contrast.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and warm flavors that complement the drink’s spices.
- Fruit Skewers – Fresh fruit skewers add a refreshing touch, brightening up each sip with their juiciness.
- Chocolate Truffles – Rich chocolate truffles pair beautifully with the creamy elements of the cocktail, creating indulgent bites.
- Caramel Popcorn – Sweet and salty caramel popcorn adds fun and crunch, making it an enjoyable snack option.
- Ginger Snap Cookies – These cookies echo the flavors in your drink, creating a cohesive tasting experience that guests will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- It’s easy to overlook the importance of fresh ingredients. Always use fresh ginger and high-quality honey or maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Don’t forget about proper measurements. Precision is key; using too much or too little syrup can alter the drink’s sweetness and texture.
- Avoid skipping the glass rimming. Rimming your cocktail glass with cinnamon and sugar not only looks great but adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Be cautious with adding ice. Too much ice can water down your gingerbread white russian, so use just enough to chill without overwhelming the flavors.
- Don’t miss out on personalizing your drink. Experiment with different spices or add a bit more gingerbread syrup for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the gingerbread syrup separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing gingerbread white russian
- Freezing is not recommended for this drink as it can affect texture and flavor.
Reheating gingerbread white russian
- Oven: Preheat to a low temperature (around 200°F) and warm in an oven-safe container, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gingerbread white russian?
A gingerbread white russian is a creamy cocktail that combines coffee liqueur, lemon juice, heavy cream, and homemade gingerbread syrup, giving it a festive flavor reminiscent of holiday cookies.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of gingerbread white russian?
Yes! Substitute the coffee liqueur with a coffee or espresso mixture combined with additional gingerbread syrup for richness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or almond milk as alternatives to heavy cream while still achieving a delightful texture.
How should I serve my gingerbread white russian?
Serve it chilled in a festive glass, rimmed with cinnamon and sugar, garnished with mini gingerbread cookies for added flair.
Final Thoughts
The gingerbread white russian is a delightful twist on classic cocktails that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. Its creamy texture and spiced sweetness make it perfect for festive occasions. Feel free to customize it by adjusting the sweetness or adding more spices according to your taste!

Gingerbread White Russian
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this delightful Gingerbread White Russian cocktail. This creamy drink combines homemade gingerbread syrup with lemon juice, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream for a rich, warming beverage that tastes just like a gingerbread cookie in a glass. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, it’s sure to impress your guests while being easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1 cocktail 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- Ice
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) lemon juice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste)
- 1–2 ounces (2–4 tablespoons) heavy cream
- Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
- Mini gingerbread cookies
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Gingerbread Syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, honey (or maple syrup), molasses, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain out solids before using.
- Assemble Your Cocktail: Rim your glass with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar by wetting the rim with lemon juice and then dipping it into the mixture. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in lemon juice, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream. Shake well until chilled.
- Serve Your Drink: Strain your mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice. Garnish with mini gingerbread cookies on the rim or inside the drink. Dust with ground cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg