The Gingerbread White Russian is a festive twist on a classic cocktail, combining creamy indulgence with the warm spices of gingerbread. This recipe offers a balanced, flavorful drink perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s surprisingly easy to make, whether you’re crafting a single serving or preparing a batch for guests.
Зміст
Why This Cocktail Stands Out
The key to this drink is the homemade gingerbread syrup. Unlike many store-bought syrups, this version uses real spices, molasses, and a touch of espresso powder for a deep, nuanced flavor that complements the coffee liqueur without being overly sweet. The result is a velvety, comforting cocktail that’s both impressive and approachable.
Core Ingredients & Their Role
- Gingerbread Simple Syrup: The foundation of the drink, providing rich caramel notes, warming spices (ginger, cinnamon), and a touch of coffee depth.
- Vodka: A neutral spirit that lets the gingerbread flavors take center stage.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious texture and balances the sweetness. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa): Enhances the flavor profile with a deep coffee sweetness that complements the gingerbread notes.
Gingerbread White Russian Recipe
This recipe yields one cocktail but is easily scalable for larger groups.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 1
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1559
- Fat: 20.9 g (26.7%)
- Carbs: 302.0 g (103.1%)
- Protein: 2.6 g (2.2%)
Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Simple Syrup (yields about 1 1/3 cups):
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses (avoid blackstrap)
- 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Rim (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For 1 Cocktail:
- Ice
- 3 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces Gingerbread Simple Syrup
- 2 ounces heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
- Cinnamon stick and/or gingerbread cookie, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Gingerbread Simple Syrup: Combine water, sugars, molasses, ginger, cinnamon sticks, espresso powder, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugars dissolve. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool completely (about 1 hour), then strain into an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Prepare the Rim (Optional): Combine sugar and cinnamon on a plate. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a damp paper towel, then dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Fill the glass with ice. Add vodka, gingerbread simple syrup, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. Stir well. For a layered presentation, gently float the cream on top.
- Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick or gingerbread cookie for an extra festive touch.
Batch Preparation
For a larger batch (serves 5-6), combine 2 cups vodka, 1 1/3 cups gingerbread syrup, 1 1/3 cups heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons coffee liqueur in a pitcher. Refrigerate until serving time. Pour 7-8 ounces into each ice-filled glass and garnish as desired.
The Gingerbread White Russian offers a delightful balance of flavors and simplicity. With its rich spice profile and creamy texture, it’s a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
