The Christmas White Russian.

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: 

White Christmas Mojito

The North Pole Cocktail

Santa’s Nightcap

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!