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Homemade Kahlua

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Homemade Kahlua has a simple and perfect balance of sweetness that is shared with coffee and rum. Doesn’t it sound good already? Aged for 2 to 3 weeks.

Homemade Kahlua is poured into a glass and has two giant ice cubes. Sitting on a bamboo stick coaster in front of a decanter with more Kahlua and clear snowflake topped swizzle sticks on the side.

 

Homemade Kahlua takes a little effort and the rewards are huge. All you do is put 4 ingredients together and then let it age for about two to three weeks.

The result? A perfect coffee-flavored liqueur that is excellent for sipping or mixing in many recipes that call for a celebration. 

It makes a wonderful sipping cocktail.

The holidays are coming up and if you get this Homemade Kahlua recipe going on time you could pour it into beautiful small bottles and give it as gifts.

You could even tell them that it has to stay bottled another week or so for the aging to complete.

Glass of sweet liquor sitting on a woven coaster with a vanilla bean.

What Liquor Can I use to Make Kahlua?

  • Rum is the tradition and you can use dark rum or white rum. I like dark rum as I think it gives it more warmth.
  • Sometimes vodka is used and that makes a nice Kahlua too. It is easier on some people and doesn’t smell as strong. It makes a good cocktail.
  • There’s a liquor called Everclear. It’s powerful stuff and often used in creating liqueurs.
  • Brandy has also been used but that one needs to age about a month.

Sweet coffee liqueur is sitting on bamboo stick coasters in front of a decanter with more Kahlua and a vanilla bean in front.

Homemade Kahlua brings back warm memories for me. Not that I got to drink it but I got to share the time with my mom while she made it.

Well, don’t get me wrong. I did get a sip and even at 16, I knew Kahlua was a special drink.

I have mom’s original recipe that is written on scratch paper – it is a bit dirty and I cherish it.

That recipe is now this recipe for everyone to have. Believe me, it’s been tried and tested many many times.

For about 50 years. It’s that good and a real family tradition.

Do You Have To Use a Vanilla Bean to Make Homemade Kahlua?

  • You don’t have to but it gives an aged quality but you only have to use an inch of the whole bean.
  • They are usually 5″ to 6″ long so that means you can make a lot of Kahlua with one bean. That’s at least 2 gallons!
  • So the vanilla bean doesn’t sound so expensive when you look at it that way.
  • You can use a super good organic vanilla extract instead. The plus on this is that you can have instant gratification.
  • The Kahlua will still improve with a little time though but the vanilla bean recipe really makes it great.

 

Homemade Kahlua is poured into two glasses and are filled with two giant ice cubes. Sitting on a bamboo stick coaster with a vanilla bean on the side.

Go ahead and double or triple the recipe for even more gift-giving. Or heck, for your own cupboard.

Keep this liqueur sealed tight and it will stay good three to four years. I kid you not.

Of course, it wouldn’t last even a year in my house. Maybe a season?

Ingredients for Homemade Kahlua!

  • Strong and hot fresh brewed coffee – gives a depth to the sweetened rum
  • Organic sugar – is the perfect addition to sweeten the alcohol
  • Rum – is my favorite for Kahlua. Some people use Vodka.
  • Vanilla bean – is a necessity but vanilla extract may be used. See the notes above if you use vanilla extract.

This Kahlua can also be used in any of your dessert recipes that call for Kahlua.

If the word Kahlua is in the title of a dessert it just sounds like something special. One recipe I have on the blog is called Kahlua Truffles.

 

Kahlua Truffles are easy decadence. Unusual ingredients are mixed together and turned into a chocolaty delight.
They just seem too special for everyday snacks. That sweetened coffee rum liqueur really puts that treat over the top.

You can tell I really like Kahlua. In fact, I really like making homemade liqueurs too.

I mentioned the holidays so my Copycat Baileys Irish Cream Whisky recipe could be a recipe you’d like to try too.

You’ve probably heard of the cocktail, a White Russian. That is made with one-ounce of Kahlua and a splash of cream. In our case dairy-free cream. 

It’s that easy and is very very popular too.

 

Fresh cocktail is in a a clear fat footed glass and is filled with ice and sitting on a pine needle woven mat.

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Want to make some Homemade Kahlua?

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Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes!

No freezing is necessary. It will keep -almost forever- meaning until you drink it all.

Joking aside it keeps about 3 years.

Extra long photo of a cocktail with text at the top for pinning.

 

What Do You Think?

If you take a photo of your beautiful deep rich Kahlua, follow me over on Instagram and tag me on your photo @vegan_in_the_freezer. I’d love to see it!

And if you’d like to leave a star rating along with a comment for this recipe, it would really be appreciated.

Glass of sweet liquor sitting on a woven coaster with a vanilla bean.
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5 from 15 votes

Homemade Kahlua

Homemade Kahlua has a perfect balance of sweetness that is shared with coffee and rum.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Cocktails
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 Cups
Calories 424kcal
Author Ginny McMeans

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups strong and hot fresh brewed coffee
  • 4 cups sugar - organic
  • 2 1/4 cups rum
  • 1 inch vanilla bean - cut in half lengthwise for aged quality or 1 tablespoon of a good quality vanilla extract for instant gratification

Instructions

  • Stir sugar into hot coffee and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
  • Add the rum and vanilla pieces, stir.
  • Cover and let sit for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool place.
  • Strain, remove beans and bottle.
  • or
  • If you are using vanilla extract then stir in and it is ready. It won't have quite the depth of flavor but it is good.

Notes

Sugar loses a lot of its measurement when it turns to liquid so you will end up with about 46 ounces of Kahlua.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Kahlua
Amount Per Serving (1 Cup)
Calories 424
% Daily Value*
Sodium 1mg0%
Carbohydrates 90g30%
Sugar 83g92%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Homemade Kahlua has a perfect balance of sweetness that is shared with coffee and rum. Doesn't it sound good already? Aged for 2 to 3 weeks.

Homemade Kahlua in filling a fat footed clean glass and is sparkling with all of the ice in the glass. Swizzle stick are sticking out the left side.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ginny McMeans

    I haven’t Brenda but I think it should work. It has to be hot when the sugar is added though so that the sugar dissolves. Just make sure it’s a strong flavor coffee that you like when you drink it.

  2. Brenda

    Hi, planning on making a huge amount for holiday gifts . Have you ever tried it with cold brew coffee?

  3. Russell Volz

    Great recipe.

    Here’s a twist on this great recipe. Try making Kahlua with white coffee. White coffee is super smooth with a strong nutty flavor.

    The challenge is finding really good, really smooth whole bean white coffee. My suggestion is to just search the internet for “Whole Bean White Coffee”.

    Thanks for the recipe.

  4. Kristal

    I just discovered your blog, looking for a kahlua. 🙂 cleaning out freezer found several bags of coffee beans.
    I made it 3 wks out and tried it Sunday. Yumm! Ive always had it made with vodka. This is much better. I used what I had around some white, some Myers spiced and then bought Bacardi Black. Next round ill make with brandy.

    I look forward to trying more recipes

  5. Ginny McMeans

    Hi Taylor, It would work but it will taste different. You know, more of a maple taste with the brown sugar. I haven’t made it this way but it might be really delicious. It will work but it will taste a bit different.

  6. Taylor S.

    Hi Ginny, do you think brown sugar could be substituted? I have plenty of that but not much white sugar right now (with no ability to really get more at the moment)

  9. Ginny McMeans

    It is brewed coffee not instant coffee. So make the coffee with your favorite coffee grind. I’m not sure how much water will cook away in your coffee pot so go ahead and start with 3 cups water and then just measure out 2 1/2 cups when the coffee has finished brewing.

  10. Shybin

    How much water did u take to dissolve the coffee ?
    Is the water should be 2.5 cups
    Or
    The coffee should be 2.5 cups.
    Is my question

  12. Sara

    Trying vanilla extract and everclear since that’s all I had on hand. I know it’s not traditional, but this is more out of curiosity sake. Would it do better to sit for a while or should I just use right away?

  15. Ginny McMeans

    Hi Jade, I can’t wait for you to make it either. Yes, you can use the plastic jugs but make sure the liquid is very cool so that it doesn’t help BPA (any chemicals) from the plastic to leak into the Kahlua. Glass is safer and it can go into smaller containers such as canning jars if you have those.

  16. Jade

    HI, Ginny
    I have nice heavy plastic gallon jugs from my Arizona ice-tea. Can I use them for the Kahlua or do I need to use glass?
    I don’t drink coffee, so I really don’t know how to make some that’s good. I’ll be heading next door to Dunkies for some professional hot coffee.
    I’m going to make it with the dark rum.
    I can’t wait to try this. 🙂

  20. Deborah. Smith

    Hi ginny ,my kaluha turned out great, i have a question?iwhat about decaffeinated coffee ,yes or no

  23. Ginny McMeans

    That’s great Rachelle! It can have a screw lid and it will not explode Rachelle. It can be kept in the garage – just not in the hot summer. The refrigerator isn’t necessary. So glad you made it!

  24. Rachelle

    Can it need to be sealed as in a bottle with a screw on lid? Just asking bc I don’t want it to explode if I seal it in a 2L bottle. Also re: cool place- does it need to be refrigerated or can it keep in our garage during winter…(avg 30°). I’m so excited to try this recipe, just made it today so will post results in about 3 weeks 😀

  26. Melissa

    Hi! Making 4 batches of your recipe and just want to confirm the sugar content. 16 cups of sugar seems like a lot – Thanks for your thoughts!!

  28. Vlo

    Hi Ginny,

    This recipe looks great.
    Would it work if I just use instant coffee? I know quality would be different but that’s all I have right now.

    Thanks!

  30. Morgan

    I don’t quite have enough granulated sugar, could I use 1/2 brown sugar? Or do you think that will alter the taste or consistency too much? I don’t bake/cook very often so I’m not familiar with the differences between the two sugars

  32. Bob

    I’m on a roll. In the past 45 days I’ve made 4 gal of this Kahlua recipe with dark rum, 3 gal of Baileys Irish Cream, and a 5th of Ameretto. I have many people raving about your recipe, they love it.

  33. Ginny McMeans

    I don’t think that would work Kane but I found what to use for rum substitute. For this recipe 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of each water, white grape juice, pineapple juice, apple juice or apple cider. You could substitute rum extract for one of the tablespoons of water for the taste. I have not done this so I really don’t know how it will taste in the end. If you end up trying it I would really love to know how it went. Thanks!

  34. Kane I W

    Would you find it possible to make this with a rum extract instead ?? I dont drink alcohol but I do love and miss this taste.
    Im assuming for 1/2 cup I need 4 tablespoons of extract..so for your receipe I would be using well over 16 tablespoons ..what say you??

  39. Ginny McMeans

    I apologize Rebecca. You didn’t do anything wrong. Sugar loses a lot of its measurement when it’s turned to liquid so you get closer to 46 ounces. I need to add that to the recipe card. Thanks so much for your heads up.

  40. Rebecca

    Hi! I just made this and it smells wonderful. Can’t wait to indulge in a few weeks! One question, mine didn’t even fill up the 64 oz container I have. In the comments you mention it’s closer to 72 oz. Could I have done something wrong? 2.5 cups of coffee, 4 cups of sugar, one inch vanilla bean and 2.25 cups of rum!

  41. Ginny McMeans

    Hi Jennifer, I used regular coffee and made it strong but you can use a strong coffee as it brews normally. Whichever you have. I also used dark rum but then again, you can use white and it will be delicious.

  42. Jennifer Theriot

    Hi Ginny!
    Quick question….on the strong brewed coffee – would you suggest a brew like Cafe Du Monde or just regular coffee?

    Also, did you use white or dark rum?

    Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you 🙂

  44. Nicole

    Hello maam,
    I have not yet tried this, but im going to make it for christmas gifts and was wondering roughly how many fluid ozs this single recipe will make?
    Thank you kindly.
    Nikki

  45. Ginny McMeans

    I am thinking you mean with no alcohol. Not really. It is an alcoholic drink that needs to age a bit. If you mean an alcohol besides rum then yes you can use vodka or everclear.

  47. Ginny McMeans

    You are so adventurous Joanne! All three versions sound like they’ll be good. I’m mostly curious about the brandy. I will absolutely try you club soda and fresh lime recipe. Thanks so much for your kind words. Your neighbohood is going to love you.

  48. Joanne Carley

    I just made this recipe to try out for this year’s neighborhood Christmas gift giving. I doubled the recipe then broke it into three batches. One with vodka, one rum, and one brandy. I will let you in a few weeks which we like the best, but just by a few “samples” this recipe is a keeper. I know most people like kahlua on the rocks or with milk/cream but you should try this lighter version that is perfect in the summer time. Kahlua, club soda and a generous squeeze of lime.. It is yummy. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Joanne

  53. Ginny McMeans

    You can use any kind of coffee Judith. You can even buy a medium sized cup at McDonalds. They say they are 2 cups. You can buy a large to be sure. It is 21 ounces and they have good coffee. Buy it black. You could use a market brand of instant coffee too. You just want that coffee mix in there.

  54. Judith

    I am wondering what kind of coffee to use. Can a local market brand of instant coffee work if it is made string? ( I don’t drink coffee myself so I dont know) or do I need to use a “famous” brand of coffee?

    Thanks

  59. John m dixon

    Do you think I can use Truvia instead of sugar to cut down the calories? Diabetic, but still love Kakuah! Thanks

  60. Ginny McMeans

    Well, you really do need to follow any recipe to have it come out right. I don’t know how much sugar you added but the recipe is perfect after aging. It will become smoother and deeper in flavor. That part is important.

  61. CMJ512

    So I made this with pure vanilla extract, am I supposed to wait 2 weeks to drink it? I tried some and it’s good but, however, it is sooo sweet! Did i do something wrong?

  62. Ginny McMeans

    I was actually meaning a dark roast. I’ll explain that more in the directions in the recipe card. If you mean a drip-maker being something like a Keurig and you use a dark roast use the middle size cup if you have medium roast then I would use the small size cup on the Keurig.

  63. Heidi Hood

    Hi Ginny, I’m going to make this for gifts this year. I’ve made kahlua in the past years ago using vodka, whole vanilla beans, and instant coffee. This time I’ll try the dark rum, vanilla bean paste (I’m addicted to this stuff) and the strong coffee. Tell me what is considered strong coffee for this (proportions brewed in a drip maker)? Thanks!
    I’ll post up the results later!

  64. becky

    i used 151 Rum and it was scrumptious. i like 3 ozs with 2 ozs heavy whipping cream. it goes down so SO good! especially on cold winter evenings

  66. Henry

    Great recipe and look forward to making ,my question is do you use an air tight container or loose fitting top?

  68. Nicole

    I’m in the midst of making this and had a question… is that one inch of a vanilla bean or a whole bean cut into one inch pieces then sliced lengthwise?? I’ve been wanting to make homemade Kahlua for YEARS and finally remembered to get the stuff to do it. Can’t wait to try it!

  69. Ginny McMeans

    I always use glass Rose. It can be a pitcher, cleaned out jars, canning jars, or those store bought glass containers in the kitchen area from Target. I just feel safer with glass.

  70. Rose

    What type of container do you make it in and let it sit for 2-3 weeks? is glass best or would plastic be Ok? thanks!

  84. maxie

    I found this recipe via theberry. Am in the uk. And am about to go shopping to get coffee and vanilla to give this ago. Thank you for sharing. I never dreamed I could make my own!

  85. mary

    Taramisu martini: equal parts: kahlua,vanilla vodka and creme de cocoa, shake with ice,chocolate syrup piped in martini glass,pour and enjoy.

  86. Mary Sheets

    I’ve made it for years but with instant coffee and it will bite you even though you don’t realize it at first…its yummy

  90. Nina V

    Hello Ginny,
    I don’t think I shall ever buy Kahlua again. What a brilliantly simple recipe. 🙂
    I was wondering, do you think I could use rice syrup (or maple), instead of the sugar? I realise it would probably change the flavour somewhat.
    Many thanks,
    Nina 🙂

  91. Ginny McMeans

    Well Beth, you would be amazed how much the sugar adds to weight as it becomes a syrup. I was thinking it was identical. I need to make it again and tell you exactly. Report coming soon.

  95. Ginny McMeans

    Hi Ella, They have them in the regular grocery store on the spice aisle. One vanilla bean in one jar. They are a little pricey but well worth it. One bean gives a lot of flavor.

  114. Angie

    I am a seasoned Kahlua and almond milk drinker yet I had no idea that I could make it myself. How did I not know this?! I need to tell my mom, who also introduced me to Kahlua, about this like ASAP!

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