This Gingerbread White Russian is a cozy twist on the classic drink. With rich coffee flavors, creamy milk, and a hint of fragrant gingerbread spice, it’s perfect for chilly nights!
Hello, holiday vibes! I love making this drink to warm up after a long day. Just mix, pour, and enjoy a festive sip that tastes like a hug in a glass. Cheers! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Choose a good-quality vodka as the base. If you want to reduce the alcohol, consider using less vodka or substituting it for a non-alcoholic version, like a gingerbread-flavored soda.
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is traditional, but any coffee liqueur works. For a non-alcoholic twist, try coffee syrup or cold brew mixed with a bit of vanilla extract.
Gingerbread Syrup: You can make your syrup by combining sugar, water, and gingerbread spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If you’re short on time, a store-bought ginger or vanilla syrup also works well.
Heavy Cream or Milk: If you prefer a lighter drink, use almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based alternative. Whipped cream can also add a special touch.
How Do You Create a Beautiful Layered Effect?
Achieving that stunning layered look takes just a little care! Here’s how to do it:
- When pouring in the cream or milk, tilt the glass slightly and pour over the back of a spoon. This technique helps to avoid mixing the layers.
- Pour gently to maintain the separation between the darker coffee layers and the lighter cream.
- If you like a more mixed drink, feel free to stir gently after pouring!
Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup (or gingerbread-flavored syrup)
- 1 oz heavy cream or milk (for a lighter option)
- Ice cubes
- Ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg (for rimming the glass)
- Mini gingerbread cookie (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink requires about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to mix up and perfect for serving at festive gatherings or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start with your rocks glass! On a small plate, mix together ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg. To coat the rim, moisten it with a little water or gingerbread syrup, then dip it into the spice mixture. This adds flavor and a festive touch!
2. Fill the Glass with Ice:
Next, fill the glass with ice cubes. This will keep the drink nice and chilled as you mix the ingredients.
3. Pour in the Vodka:
Measure and pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice. The vodka is the base of your drink, bringing in that classic White Russian kick!
4. Add the Coffee Liqueur:
Now, add 1 oz of coffee liqueur to the glass. This ingredient gives your drink a rich, coffee flavor that complements the vodka beautifully.
5. Sweeten It Up:
Pour in 1 oz of gingerbread syrup. This will add that delicious holiday spice and sweetness—perfect for the season!
6. Create the Layered Effect:
To finish it off, slowly pour 1 oz of heavy cream or milk over the back of a spoon into the drink. This method will create a lovely layered look, separating the cream from the darker liquids below.
7. Stir and Enjoy:
If you prefer to mix the flavors together, give the drink a gentle stir. Alternatively, leave it layered for a beautiful presentation!
8. Garnish Your Drink:
Finally, top off your creation with a mini gingerbread cookie perched on the rim of the glass. It’s not just decoration—it invites you to take a bite while sipping!
9. Serve and Savor:
Serve your Gingerbread White Russian immediately and enjoy this festive treat that combines the best of creamy, spicy flavors. Cheers!
The richness of the creamy layer combined with the warm spices is guaranteed to make your holiday gatherings even more special!
Can I Use a Different Syrup?
Absolutely! If you can’t find gingerbread syrup, you can substitute it with vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, or even homemade syrup made with brown sugar and spices. Each will add a delightful twist to the drink!
Can I Make This Recipe Non-Alcoholic?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by simply omitting the vodka and coffee liqueur. Use cold brew coffee or a coffee-flavored soda as a base and add gingerbread syrup and cream for the festive flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Since this drink is best served fresh, it’s not recommended to store leftovers. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and mix them when you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Serve With This Drink?
This Gingerbread White Russian pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced cakes, or even a platter of festive desserts. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire!