The first time I made this cocktail, it wasn’t even planned. It was a late night at the bar, and a regular came in, one of those guys who always asked for something “different but smooth.”
He had a habit of dunking biscotti in his coffee liqueur, and that night, he was going on about how he wished he could have a drink that tasted like a cinnamon roll.
I figured, why not? I grabbed some cinnamon schnapps, mixed it with the classic White Russian base, and stirred it.
When I slid the glass over to him, he took one sip, set it down, and just nodded—slow, approving. Then he ordered another.
That was all the confirmation I needed. Over time, I fine-tuned it, swapping the schnapps for RumChata now and then, adding a cinnamon-sugar rim, and even trying it warm for the colder months.
But at its core, this drink is about comfort. It’s rich, smooth, and nostalgic—like sipping on dessert at the end of a long day.
Flavor Profile
The Cinnamon Roll White Russian delivers a rich, smooth, indulgent experience.
Taste: Sweet, spiced, creamy
Texture: Velvety and thick
Sweetness: Moderately sweet with a hint of spice
Food Pairings
I’d pair this with desserts that enhance its cozy, spiced notes.
Cinnamon Sugar Churros – The crispy, sugary coating plays perfectly with the creamy richness of the cocktail.
Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake – The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the drink’s sweetness, while the spices complement the cinnamon.
Pecan Pie – The nutty, caramelized pecans and brown sugar flavors blend seamlessly with this cocktail’s dessert-like warmth.
Brioche Bread Pudding – Soft, buttery, and baked with cinnamon, this is an ideal match for the drink’s rich, comforting nature.
Similar Drinks
If you like this, here are some other creamy, dessert-style cocktails worth trying:
Snickerdoodle Martini – A vanilla vodka and cinnamon schnapps blend that tastes just like the classic cookie.
Spiked Horchata White Russian – A take on horchata with cinnamon-infused rum and cream.
Salted Caramel White Russian – A sweet and salty twist with caramel vodka and a pinch of sea salt.
Toasted Marshmallow White Russian – Features marshmallow vodka and a torched marshmallow garnish.
Maple Pecan White Russian – A nutty, autumn-inspired version with maple liqueur and pecan-infused cream.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian – A fall-themed variation with pumpkin spice syrup and nutmeg.
Vanilla Chai White Russian – A spiced version infused with chai tea and vanilla bean.
Cinnamon Roll White Russian
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (vanilla-flavored for extra sweetness)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar)
- 1 oz cinnamon schnapps (or RumChata for a creamier version)
- 2 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ tsp cinnamon (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Cinnamon sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
Instructions
- Rim a rocks glass with cinnamon sugar if desired. Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour vodka, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon schnapps over the ice.
- Gently pour in the heavy cream and stir lightly to combine.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
FAQ
Can I make this without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely. Swap it for a splash of espresso or cold brew if you still want some coffee flavor, or just increase the cinnamon schnapps.
What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well, but if you want a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or oat milk for a slightly lighter feel.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes! Heat the ingredients gently and serve in a mug for a winter-friendly, boozy cinnamon latte experience.
What’s the best vodka to use?
Vanilla vodka enhances the dessert-like flavors, but a quality unflavored vodka works just fine.