This fun twist on the classic White Russian brings warm gingerbread flavors to your glass! Made with coffee liqueur, vodka, and a splash of creamy goodness, it’s perfect for cozy nights.
Who knew gingerbread could be a drink? I love curling up with one of these after a long day. Just mix, sip, and let the holiday vibes take over! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is your base spirit. Any quality vodka will do, but I recommend using a smooth one to keep the drink balanced. If you want a lower-proof option, consider using flavored vodka for an extra twist.
Coffee Liqueur: Kahlúa is the classic choice, but you can use any coffee liqueur you like. For a non-alcoholic version, opt for a coffee syrup or a rich espresso instead.
Gingerbread-flavored Creamer: If you can’t find gingerbread creamer, you can mix heavy cream with your favorite gingerbread spices. Typically, I use ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to get that festive flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar: For the rim, you can make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and ground cinnamon. If you want something different, crushed gingerbread cookies work great too!
How to Float Cream Perfectly?
The key here is to pour your cream gently. Pour the cream slowly over the back of a spoon. This helps the cream float above the other ingredients, creating that pretty layered look.
- Prep by holding the spoon at the edge of the glass.
- Carefully pour the cream so it glides down the spoon into the glass. This technique makes a beautiful presentation!
With the right pouring angle and a steady hand, you’ll impress your guests with this lovely drink. Cheers!
How to Make a Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz gingerbread-flavored creamer or spiced cream (you can mix heavy cream with ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- Ice cubes
- Ground cinnamon and/or ground nutmeg for garnish
- Optional: gingerbread cookie for garnish
- Optional for rim: cinnamon sugar or crushed gingerbread crumbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Gingerbread White Russian takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy drink to whip up, ideal for those cozy evenings or festive gatherings with friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass Rim:
If you want to add a special touch, start by preparing the glass rim. Moisten the rim of your Old-Fashioned or rocks glass with a little gingerbread creamer or water. Dip it into some cinnamon sugar or crushed gingerbread crumbs for a sweet, festive finish. Set the glass aside.
2. Fill the Glass with Ice:
Next, fill your glass with ice cubes. This will keep your drink nice and cool while you mix the ingredients together.
3. Mix the Spirits:
Now, pour in 1 1/2 oz of vodka and 1 oz of coffee liqueur over the ice. The combination of these two will create a rich, flavorful base for your drink.
4. Add the Creamer:
Take your gingerbread-flavored creamer or spiced cream. To create a layered effect, slowly pour it over the back of a spoon. This way, it will float on top of the alcohol, giving your drink a beautiful, creamy layer.
5. Garnish with Spice:
Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cream layer to add an extra festive flair. These spices will enhance the gingerbread flavors beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your Gingerbread White Russian immediately, and don’t forget to add a gingerbread cookie on the side for a delightful treat. Now sit back, sip, and enjoy this cozy holiday drink!
Cheers to warm flavors and festive cheer! 🍹
Can I Use a Different Type of Creamer?
Absolutely! If you can’t find gingerbread-flavored creamer, you can easily mix heavy cream with spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to mimic the flavor. Adjust the spice amounts based on your taste preference!
How to Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, consider adding a splash of vanilla syrup or using a sweeter coffee liqueur. Alternatively, reduce the amount of coffee liqueur slightly if you find it too sweet.
Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! You can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting vodka and coffee liqueur with an equal mix of strong brewed coffee and a splash of coffee-flavored syrup. Then, use the gingerbread creamer as usual for a delightful treat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover mix (not recommended for the layered aesthetic), store the ingredients separately in the fridge. However, it’s best to mix and serve immediately for the freshest flavor. If already combined, consume within a day and give it a good stir before serving!