Kahlúa Liqueur is a beloved coffee liqueur from Mexico. The unique flavor of this alcoholic drink has made it a bar staple worldwide.
Contents
Kahlúa liqueur recipe
Kahlúa liqueur is a well-known coffee liqueur. It’s made from rum, sugar, and arabica coffee beans. It has a rich coffee flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. The finish is smooth, sweet, and pleasantly lingering.
The name “Kahlúa” means “House of the Acolhua people.” The classic version of this liqueur has 20% ABV, while Kahlúa Especial is stronger at 36% and less sweet.
Kahlúa’s rich coffee and caramel flavors make it a star in classic cocktails. You can check out these best Kahlua drinks here. The drink is also used in desserts like brownies and Kahlúa cheesecake, and even savory dishes like beef or pork marinades. You can enjoy it neat, over ice, or drizzled on desserts.
After opening, Kahlúa can last for about 18 months. Homemade Kahlua is best enjoyed within a year. Store it in a cool, dark place with the bottle tightly sealed to preserve flavor. Refrigeration helps it last longer after opening. While it doesn’t spoil like milk, its taste and aroma may fade over time. Watch out for a sour smell, discoloration, separation, or a stale taste—these are signs it’s time to toss it.
Here is how to make the Kahlúa liqueur at home:
(Kahlúa) Coffee Liqueur Recipe
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup instant coffee granules
- 2 cups vodka
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water, sugar, and instant coffee granules. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Stir in vodka and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into clean bottles and seal tightly.
- Let the liqueur sit for at least 2 weeks to develop flavor, shaking the bottles occasionally.
Notes
- Store in a cool, dark place. Homemade Kahlúa has a shelf life of about one year.
- Swap some sugar for a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar.
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to pair
Here are some popular food and drink pairings for Kahlúa:
- Complementary spirits and liqueurs
- Vodka is the classic pairing. You can see them in the White Russian.
- Rum enhances the existing rum notes in Kahlúa.
- Irish cream liqueur creates indulgent, dessert-like cocktails.
- Tequila creates a Mexican-inspired twist on coffee cocktails.
- Non-alcoholic pairings
- Almond or oat milk can create interesting flavor combinations with Kahlúa.
- Kahlúa enhances the flavors of both hot and iced coffee.
- Hot chocolate creates a mocha-like beverage with added depth.
- Food Pairings
- Dark chocolate’s bitterness complements the sweetness of the liqueur beautifully.
- A Kahlúa float creates a delightful adult dessert.
- The coffee notes in Kahlúa enhance the flavors of coffee-rubbed steaks or pork.
- Kahlúa complements the creaminess of cheeses like brie or camembert.
- The sweetness of Kahlúa complements the tartness of berries and stone fruits.
Kahlúa liqueur Products
Kahlúa is one of the best-selling liqueurs globally. It ranks sixth in sales as of 2020, with over 1.6 million cases sold. It has received multiple awards, including medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Here are some key Kahlúa liqueur products:
- Original Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur is known for its rich coffee flavor and sweetness. It is commonly used in cocktails like the Espresso Martini, Mudslide, or White Russian. Its alcohol content is 20%.
- Kahlúa Especial is a premium version with a higher alcohol content (36%) and less sweetness than the original. It is made with select Arabica coffee beans.
- Flavored Kahlúa Liqueurs
- Kahlúa Mint Mocha is a unique and interesting flavor.
- Kahlúa Vanilla Coffee Liqueur combines the classic coffee liqueur with hints of vanilla for a creamy touch to cocktails.
- Kahlúa Salted Caramel blends the traditional coffee taste with caramel and a hint of salt. It’s a sweet option for dessert cocktails.
- Kahlúa Chili Chocolate combines coffee with chocolate and a spicy kick, ideal for adventurous drinkers.
- Kahlúa Blonde Roast Style is a lighter version with a different coffee profile. It’s perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor.
Alternatives and substitutes
If this coffee liqueur is not available, you can use one of these alternatives:
- Other coffee liqueurs
- Tia Maria from Jamaica has a similar flavor profile to Kahlúa but is generally less sweet.
- Mr. Black: Australian cold brew coffee liqueur offers a more intense coffee flavor and higher alcohol content.
- Sheridan’s is a unique two-part liqueur with separate coffee and cream components.
- Patrón XO Cafe: This tequila-based coffee liqueur provides an interesting twist on traditional coffee liqueur flavor.
- Non-alcoholic alternatives
- Coffee syrup provides a similar flavor without alcohol.
- Espresso with simple syrup can approximate the taste of coffee liqueur.
- Non-alcoholic coffee extracts mimic the flavor of coffee liqueurs.
| Brand | Origin | Alcohol Content | Flavor Profile |
| Kahlúa | Mexico | 20% ABV | Sweet, coffee, vanilla |
| Tia Maria | Jamaica | 20% ABV | Less sweet, coffee |
| Mr. Black | Australia | 25% ABV | Intense coffee, less sweet |
| Sheridan’s | Ireland | 15.5% ABV | Coffee and cream |
| Patrón XO Cafe | Mexico | 35% ABV | Coffee, tequila |