Tis the season to be jolly. And to drink a Christmas-spiced White Russian because let me tell you, they’re damn delicious!
I absolutely love a good cocktail but during the festive season, they seem to taste that much more delicious, don’t they? I don’t know if it’s the stress from finding perfect gifts or just the fact that it’s the end of the year but I appreciate a good cocktail so much more when December rolls around.
And today I have a treat for you because this Christmas-spiced White Russian recipe is an absolute hit. I mean, let’s face it, White Russians are always a good idea but when you add a Christmas-spiced syrup to the mix, you know we’re in for a party.
The spiced syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance and kept in a sealed container in the fridge making the assembly of this cocktail even easier. Make a single serving White Russian cocktail when your in-laws are stressing you out or a big jug to share with friends. Either way, we’re getting jolly, right?!
Ingredients
For the Christmas-spiced syrup
- Sugar.Â
- Water.Â
- Vanilla extract.Â
- Ground ginger.Â
- Ground cinnamon.Â
- Ground nutmeg.Â
- Kahlua. Any coffee liqueur can be substituted. Add a few teaspoons of coffee to the syrup if you prefer to keep this recipe alcohol-free.
- Milk. I used whole milk/full cream milk.
- Cream. Heavy cream or whipping cream.
- Vodka. Vanilla or caramel vodka would be delicious but you can make this cocktail alcohol-free too.
How do you make a White Russian?
Add ice to a short (Old Fashioned) glass then add vodka and Kahlua. Pour in spiced syrup then top with a splash of heavy cream/whipping cream, stir and serve. You can make this in a large jug if you’re serving a crowd or shake it in a cocktail shaker over ice too if you’d prefer serving it in Martini glasses.
Christmas cocktail ideas:
- Gingered cranberry poinsettia cocktails
- Christmas Cranberry Sangria
- Cranberry and ginger mojito
- “Grown-up” hot chocolateÂ

Christmas spiced White Russian
Ingredients
For the Christmas-spiced syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Milk & Cream mixture
- 2 cups full cream/whole milk
- 2 cups whipping/heavy cream
For the White Russian
- ice
- 1 part Christmas-spiced syrup
- 2 parts Kahlua/Coffee Liqueur
- 1 part Vodka
- 2 parts Milk & Cream mixture/ Half & Half
Instructions
For the syrup, combine the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until reduced then remove from the heat and cool.
- To make the White Russian, Place ice in a glass and pour in the spiced syrup. Top with Kahlua, Vodka and the milk/cream mixture.
- Serve
Nutrition
I love White Russians and your recipe looks Simply delectable! Dangerous too, how do you only have one?!
They are very dangerous but so worth it!
I made a big jug of these White Russians for a party over the weekend and they were an instant hit. All my guests asked for the recipe!
Oh that’s so good to hear Paula! Chuffed as chips that you and your guests liked this recipe.
How beautiful are those photos? So Christmassy and festive! And I love this recipe. White Russians are so delicious.
Thanks so much Joy!
That spiced syrup sounds wonderful Alida! Cheers to the holidays!
Cheers Mary Ann!
Oh wow, I think I’m going to have to give this a go! I am an avid guzzler of White Russians at home and I generally make mine wth milk and two big spoon fulls of vanilla Haagen Dazs!
Yum! That sounds delicious. Hope you love my spiced version!
I shall definitely try it. Merry Christmas!