Some things you eat or drink will always remind you of someone in your life. Do you all have those recipes that are connected with a friend or family member? It's been a bit of a whirlwind year (where has it gone!?) and Asheville played a big part in my travels this year. On the second trip there, for the National Gingerbread Competition, Helen and I had a cocktail at The Grove Park Inn that we talked about for days and days afterwards. It embodied everything about our long weekend there: sweet, imaginative, and a wee bit over the top: The Gingerbread White Russian.
I served this cocktail the other night at a holiday dinner party. While many people give a sideways look to the frou-frou "girly drink", this was happily consumed by everyone at the party – for some people, that meant multiple times. Be as fancy and embellished as you want – crush up gingersnaps or peppermint candies for the rim. Grate chocolate on top or dust with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon. I used a candy cane as a swizzle stick in mine – the candy melts away and infuses the drink with minty flavor. This drinks is all about the just-a-tad-too-glitzy-but-who-cares-ness of the holiday season.
Gingerbread White Russian – recipe makes one drink – based on a drink from The Grove Park Inn
– Measure all ingredients into a shaker filled 1/3 of the way with ice. Shake vigorously and strained into your rimmed martini glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon, cocoa or shaved chocolate. Serve immediately.
Comments
Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits Dec 22, 2009 05:12 am
You could use Gingerbread Liqueur
as a substitute for the syrup
or as a variation of the recipe.
Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits Dec 22, 2009 05:12 am
You could use Gingerbread Liqueur
as a substitute for the syrup
or as a variation of the recipe.
tamih Dec 22, 2009 05:12 am
I’ve never heard of such thing! Thanks for the suggestion – will edit the post to suggest that when I have a chance this evening :)
-t*
Jen Blehm Dec 22, 2009 06:12 am
Sounds delish and that’s a beautiful photo!
The Teacher Cooks Dec 22, 2009 10:12 am
My!My! This could be a Christmas special! Looks so good!
Peasepudding Dec 23, 2009 12:12 am
I have just made ginger bread ice cream but I think I like this much better, that’s if I can find the gingerbread syrup. Thanks for the recipe
janelle Dec 23, 2009 02:12 am
I love the idea of this drink! I am so excited!!!
Merry Christmas!
The Broke Socialite Dec 23, 2009 05:12 am
Yes. (as in “Yes. I will have one”) No shame in my game.
Katharine Dec 27, 2009 02:12 pm
That’s gorgeous! Do you have a particular vanilla vodka that you prefer in it?
Tina Dec 29, 2009 06:12 pm
I made this on Sunday-fantastic! I think I just might make another one right now…
Madame Fromage Dec 31, 2009 12:12 pm
These look brilliant. I can’t wait to try them…what did you serve them with at the party? Salty stuff…I’m thinking, almonds?
RolliCannoli Nov 18, 2010 10:11 pm
I’ve had this drink at Grove Park and it is delish!! Can’t wait to serve it over the holidays