Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this festive Christmas Cocktail Gingerbread White Russian. Combining the warmth of a homemade gingerbread syrup with the richness of vodka, Kahlúa, and creamy heavy cream, this cocktail offers a cozy and indulgent twist on the classic White Russian. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special winter treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail:
- 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 Garnish:
- Cinnamon and sugar mixture for rimming the glass
- Mini gingerbread cookies
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare 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 occasionally until the honey is fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to boil gently for 3-5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Finish and Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely. Once cooled, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger slices and cinnamon sticks. Store the syrup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator; it will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Optional Glass Preparation: To rim your glass, pour a small amount of the gingerbread syrup onto a plate and a cinnamon-sugar mixture onto another plate. Dip the rim of your rocks glass first into the syrup, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create a festive, flavorful rim.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka, Kahlúa, and gingerbread syrup. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the Cream Layer: Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon held just above the drink’s surface. This technique allows the cream to float on top, creating a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top and garnish with a mini gingerbread cookie if desired. Stir the drink before sipping to combine the layers and enjoy your festive cocktail.
Notes
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: 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 with spiced rum to amplify warm spice notes, or use brandy for a smoother, richer finish.
- Spice Enhancements: Add whole spices like star anise or cloves to the syrup during simmering for deeper and more complex flavor profiles.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Create a mocktail by mixing 1-2 ounces of gingerbread syrup with 3 ounces of chilled strong coffee or cold brew. Top with cream and enjoy a festive caffeine boost without alcohol.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
