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This creamy Christmas White Russian can be made pitcher-style to serve a crowd this holiday season. It consists of homemade cinnamon-vanilla simple syrup mixed with vodka and Kahlúa. And the secret twist? A splash of hazelnut liquor adds a hint of sweet almond and vanilla, making this cocktail even more special. Add a dollop of cream and some crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive holiday drink that’s a delicious December treat!
The Christmas cocktails have arrived, and I could not be more excited to share them this season! I have some fun drinks coming up, and this is just the beginning. And they’re so delicious!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are spending this weekend decking the halls and getting into the holiday spirit. That’s what we’ve been doing. I’m in Austin today, but I’m already excited to get back home after a week of book signings to my cozy, cute Christmas tree!
I wanted to share something fun and sweet today to kick off the Christmas season. If you’re decorating, shopping, or just having a low-key weekend at home, definitely make this.
It can also be made pitcher-style to serve ALL this holiday season!
Here are the Details
Ingredients
- honey
- cinnamon
- vanilla
- vodka
- Kahlua
- hazelnut liquor
- coconut cream or milk, or cream
For the mocktail
- honey
- cinnamon
- vanilla
- espresso
- hazelnut syrup
- cream or milk
Steps
Step 1: the cinnamon syrup
A mix of honey, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla. Simmer the honey with the cinnamon to infuse the honey with a rich cinnamon flavor, then add vanilla.
You can make this syrup ahead of time, and then it’s ready to go for easy cocktail mixing.
Step 2: Mix and chill
Now it’s time to mix. In a pitcher, combine ALL the ingredients: vodka, Kahlua, hazelnut liquor, canned coconut milk or cream, or regular cream (really any thicker milk will do) and the cinnamon syrup.
Add a small amount of water to dilute the drink since we’re not shaking it up over ice.
Chill for 2 hours or until you want to serve. It will keep 2 days in the fridge!
Step 3: serve
Next serve! Here is what I do.
Add a single rock ice cube to each glass. Pour the drink over the ice. Then a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of lightly crushed gingerbread cookies. Tis’ the season!
For a Mocktail
I use espresso mixed with hazelnut syrup, cinnamon syrup, and whole goat milk, and then a little water to replace some of the vodka. It’s a little sweeter but still so delicious! You can dilute it down with extra water, too.
If you’re looking for a fun drink to make this December while watching yet another holiday movie, this is it.
Looking for other Christmas drinks? Here are my favorites:
Creamy Coconut White Russian
Lastly, if you make this Christmas White Russian, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Christmas White Russian
Servings: 5 drinks
Calories Per Serving: 369 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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1. To make the cinnamon syrup. In a pot, combine 1/2 cup water, the honey, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.2. In a pitcher, combine the vodka, Kahlua, hazelnut liquor, 1/2 cup cinnamon syrup (or to taste), 1/4 cup water, and the cream. Stir to combine. Chill for 2 hours. Stir well before serving. Pour over ice. Dollop with whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies, if desired. 3. To Make A Mocktail: In a pitcher, combine 1 cup espresso, 1/2 cup hazelnut syrup, 1/4 cup cinnamon syrup (or to taste), 1/2 cup water, and the cream. Stir to combine. Chill until ready to serve. Stir to combine. Chill for 2 hours. Stir well before serving. Pour over ice. Dollop with whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies, if desired.
Christmas White Russian (single drink)
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 369 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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1. To make the cinnamon syrup. In a pot, combine 1/2 cup water, the honey, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.2. To make the White Russian. Fill a glass with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlua, hazelnut liquor, and cinnamon syrup. Stir. Add the cream and stir to combine. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies, if desired. 3. To Make A Mocktail: Fill your glass with ice. Add 2 shots of espresso (about 2 ounces), 1/2 ounce of hazelnut syrup, and the cinnamon syrup. Stir. Add the cream and stir again to combine. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies, if desired.
