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Homemade Kahlua

Published: . Last Updated: January 12, 2019

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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.

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.

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 liqueur.

Brandy has also been used but that one needs to age about a month.

Homemade Kahlua is poured into two glasses and are filled with two giant ice cubes. 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 moms original recipe that is written on scratch paper – it is a bit dirty and I cherish it.

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

You don’t have to but it gives an aged quality and 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 1/2 gallons!

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.

 

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?

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.

 

Homemade Kahlua is ina a clear fat footed glass and is filled with ice and sitting on a pine needle woven mat.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Want to make some Homemade Kahlua?

PIN IT to your Drinks or Christmas board to save for later!

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.

Homemade Kahlua has a perfect balance of sweetness.
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5 from 5 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 set for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool place.
  • Strain, remove beans and bottle.
  • or
  • If you are using the vanilla extract then stir in and it is ready. It won't have quite the depth of flavor but it is good.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Kahlua
Amount Per Serving (1 Cup)
Calories 424
% Daily Value*
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrates 90g 30%
Sugars 83g
Iron 0.4%
* 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

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

  3. 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.

  4. 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?

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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

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

  11. 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!

  12. 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.

  13. 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!

  18. I have created recipes for liquor as holiday or hostess gifts too. I like what you created for kahlua and will have to try it.

  21. Can you suggest what kind of rum? White or dark? Does it matter if it is an expensive brand or not?

  23. omg this stuff is amazing, i love it. i made this kahlua for white russians, and it was great

  27. 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!

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

  29. 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

  33. 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 🙂

  34. 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.

  38. 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.

  57. 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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