This fun twist on a classic White Russian brings the warm spices of gingerbread to your glass! It combines smooth vodka, rich coffee liqueur, and gingerbread syrup for a festive treat.
Who wouldn’t want a little holiday cheer in their drink? I love enjoying mine while wrapped in a cozy blanket, picturing snowy days—even if it’s just a regular Tuesday! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use your favorite vodka for this cocktail. If you’re looking for something smoother, go for a higher-quality brand. A flavored vodka, like vanilla, can add a nice twist, too!
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is a classic choice, but you can also try other coffee liqueurs like Tia Maria. If you want a non-alcoholic version, use cold brew coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup instead.
Gingerbread Syrup: Making your own gingerbread syrup is easy and so rewarding! If you’re short on time, look for store-bought gingerbread syrup or use molasses mixed with brown sugar instead.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For a lighter option, you could use milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream to add a hint of tropical flavor.
How Do You Create the Perfect Layered Look?
The layered effect in this drink is visually stunning and fun to make! To achieve this, follow these steps carefully:
- Use a spoon to pour the cream slowly over the back of it, allowing the cream to float on top of the darker liquids.
- Make sure your glass is filled with ice first; this keeps the liquids cooler and helps prevent mixing.
- If you stir too vigorously, you’ll lose that beautiful layered look, so be gentle!
This technique not only adds a pretty touch but also lets you enjoy the contrasting flavors with each sip.
Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- Ice cubes
- Ground gingerbread spice (a mix of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) for rimming the glass
- Optional: mini gingerbread cookies for garnish
For the Gingerbread Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp molasses
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail will take about 10 minutes to prepare. Plan for some extra time if you’re making the gingerbread syrup from scratch, which takes about 5 minutes of simmering and cooling. So overall, it’s a quick and easy recipe that packs a festive punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gingerbread Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir this mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. Next, add the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and molasses. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens. Once done, take it off the heat and allow it to cool. Remember, you can store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator for your next beverage!
2. Rim the Glass:
Take your rocks glass and rim it with a bit of gingerbread syrup or just plain water. Dip the rim into the ground gingerbread spice mixture, making sure it’s nicely coated. This little detail adds tons of flavor and a beautiful touch to your drink!
3. Mix the Cocktail:
Fill your rimmed glass with ice cubes. Now, pour in the vodka, followed by the coffee liqueur, and then the gingerbread syrup. Stir the mixture gently just to combine all the flavors harmoniously.
4. Add the Cream:
For a spectacular layered look, slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon. This technique will help it float on top of the darker liquids instead of mixing right away, creating an eye-catching effect.
5. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle a dash of gingerbread spice on top for that finishing touch. If you like, you can also add a mini gingerbread cookie on the side for a bit of fun! Serve your Gingerbread White Russian immediately, sit back, and enjoy the warmth of the holidays in a glass.
This Gingerbread White Russian is a delightful combination of holiday flavors that brings the cozy spirit of gingerbread cookies right into your drink. Perfect for festive gatherings or snuggling up by the fire!
Can I Use Pre-Made Gingerbread Syrup?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can find pre-made gingerbread syrup at many grocery stores or online. Just make sure to check the ingredients for the right balance of spices to mimic the homemade taste!
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and coffee liqueur. You can replace those with extra brewed coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup, and keep the gingerbread syrup for sweetness and spice.
How Can I Store Leftover Gingerbread Syrup?
Store any leftover gingerbread syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about two weeks, so you can enjoy it in beverages, desserts, or even drizzled over pancakes!
Can I Adjust the Spice Levels?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spices in your gingerbread syrup to match your taste preferences. If you love extra cinnamon or ginger, add a bit more, or if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the quantities. This recipe is flexible!
