Description
A festive and cozy holiday cocktail, the Christmas Cocktail Gingerbread White Russian combines a homemade gingerbread syrup with vodka, coffee liqueur, and creamy heavy cream for a rich and flavorful drink that’s perfect for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Gingerbread Syrup (makes about 2 cups):
- 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 Gingerbread White Russian:
- Ice
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) gingerbread syrup (or more, to taste)
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream
Optional for Garnish:
- Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
- Mini gingerbread cookies
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Gingerbread Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, honey, molasses, sliced ginger, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring until the honey is dissolved. Allow it to boil for 3-5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger and cinnamon sticks. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the Glass: (Optional) Pour a small amount of the gingerbread syrup onto a plate and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar onto another plate. Dip the rim of a rocks glass first in the syrup, then in the cinnamon sugar to coat the rim.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Fill the prepared rocks glass with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, and gingerbread syrup to the glass. Stir gently to combine these ingredients.
- Float the Cream: Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the drink, creating a layered effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a mini gingerbread cookie if desired. Stir before drinking to enjoy the full blended flavor.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat oat milk, canned coconut cream, or a high-quality dairy-free coffee creamer for a creamy vegan version.
- Spirit Variations: Swap vodka for spiced rum to enhance the warm spice flavors or use brandy for a smoother finish.
- Spice It Up: Add whole spices like star anise or cloves to the syrup while simmering for a more complex flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Mix 1-2 ounces of gingerbread syrup with 3 ounces of chilled strong coffee or cold brew. Top with cream and enjoy as a mocktail.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
