Looking for a show-stopping, cozy cocktail to impress everyone from cocktail connoisseurs to casual sippers? The Cinnamon White Russian is the perfect blend of smooth, creamy decadence with a twist of warm, aromatic spice. This irresistible drink transforms the classic White Russian by adding a homemade cinnamon simple syrup, elevating it into pure holiday magic in a glass. Each sip delivers that dreamy balance of rich coffee liqueur, vodka, and luscious cream, but it’s the gentle, just-right cinnamon warmth that truly takes it over the top. You’ll want to make this Cinnamon White Russian recipe your signature for special gatherings, festive movie nights, or even a quiet evening in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
For the Cinnamon White Russian:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa (or other coffee liqueur)
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- Ice
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cinnamon White Russian
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Start by preparing your cinnamon simple syrup—you’ll want this to cool before mixing your cocktail! Simply combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for five to ten minutes until the flavors are infused and your kitchen smells amazing. Cool completely, remove the cinnamon sticks, and stash your syrup in a jar for cocktail hour. Pro tip: this syrup keeps well in the fridge, so you can have Cinnamon White Russian cocktails on standby anytime!
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a rocks glass generously with ice. If you want to make it even more festive, rub the rim with a little cinnamon syrup and dip it in cinnamon sugar—trust me, it’s bakery-level fantastic!
Step 3: Mix in the Boozy Goodness
Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, and your homemade cinnamon simple syrup. Stir briefly to combine all those cozy flavors, ensuring each sip gets a little of everything.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Slowly pour the heavy cream or half-and-half over a spoon just above the drink, letting it gently float for that signature layered look. If you’re a fan of a blended, milkshake-y vibe, give it a gentle stir—both ways are delicious, so pick your preference!
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish your Cinnamon White Russian with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick (or both if you’re feeling glamorous). The aroma of fresh cinnamon will have you swooning before your first sip!
How to Serve Cinnamon White Russian
Garnishes
A proper garnish takes your Cinnamon White Russian from tasty to full-on wow. Swirl in a cinnamon stick for stirring and sipping, or dust the top with ground cinnamon for a pretty, aromatic finish. Feeling adventurous? Try a tiny flourish of whipped cream or a chocolate-dipped rim for an extra treat.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with nibbles like chocolate truffles, biscotti, or cinnamon-spiced cookies. For a late-night treat, serve with a platter of soft cheeses, dried figs, or even a slice of spice cake to play up the warm holiday notes in your Cinnamon White Russian.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon White Russian in vintage glassware for a retro twist, or pre-mix a batch in a small pitcher for easy refills at a party. Want to lean into the holiday feel? Add a mini cinnamon-sugar donut on the rim—it’s the adult version of cookies and milk!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover cinnamon syrup, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week—plenty of time for another round of Cinnamon White Russian indulgence. As for the prepared cocktail, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can chill a premixed (no-cream) batch for up to a day.
Freezing
While you shouldn’t freeze the mixed cocktail (cream and alcohol don’t love the freezer), you can absolutely freeze leftover cinnamon syrup in ice cube trays. This is perfect for quickly cooling and flavoring future drinks or even coffee!
Reheating
No need to reheat anything here, but if you find your cinnamon syrup has solidified, just warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable. Room temperature syrup blends into your Cinnamon White Russian perfectly!
FAQs
Can I make a dairy-free Cinnamon White Russian?
Absolutely! Swap the cream for oat, almond, or coconut milk. Oat cream gives a fantastic, lusciously smooth texture, while coconut adds a bit of extra flavor. Just pour slowly, as plant-based creams sometimes separate more easily.
Do I have to use Kahlúa?
Nope! Any coffee liqueur works in a Cinnamon White Russian, so try your favorite. If you’d like to experiment, a splash of espresso or cold brew concentrate brings even more bold coffee flavor.
Can I make Cinnamon White Russian cocktails ahead for a party?
Yes! Mix the vodka, Kahlúa, and cinnamon syrup in advance and store chilled. When ready to serve, pour over ice, top with cream, and add your beautiful garnishes—freshness and wow factor, both checked.
How do I adjust the cinnamon flavor?
Play with the amount of cinnamon syrup in your Cinnamon White Russian to tweak the spice level. Start with half an ounce; for more punch, add up to an ounce. The syrup recipe itself can be doubled for stronger cinnamon if you like things extra toasty.
What’s the best way to layer the cream?
To get that striking, classic White Russian look, pour the cream very slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. It’ll gently float and create a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy swirl!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a memorable, dazzling holiday (or anytime!) cocktail, the Cinnamon White Russian is a must-try. There’s really nothing like that touch of warming spice against cool, creamy coffee flavors. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated—or relaxed—without it. Gather your friends, shake up a batch, and toast to the best cozy nights in!
Print
Cinnamon White Russian Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for syrup)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-Cook / Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of a Cinnamon White Russian, a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. This drink combines the warmth of cinnamon with the rich, creamy goodness of a traditional White Russian. Perfect for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
For the Cinnamon White Russian:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa (or other coffee liqueur)
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- Ice
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the cinnamon simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Let it cool, remove cinnamon sticks, and store in a sealed container.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add vodka, Kahlúa, and cinnamon simple syrup to the glass. Stir to combine.
- Slowly pour the cream over the top for a layered effect, or stir it in for a blended look.
- Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Notes
- You can use plant-based cream (like oat or almond) to make it dairy-free.
- Adjust the syrup amount for a stronger or milder cinnamon flavor.
- For an extra touch, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar.
