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 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 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.
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.
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.
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Want to make some Homemade Kahlua?
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No freezing is necessary. It will keep -almost forever- meaning until you drink it all.
Joking aside it keeps about 3 years.
Homemade Kahlua
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Yes! Definitely Bob! It’s just for the flavor.
Hi. Ginny, I have to drink Decaf Coffee. Can I use Decaf to make this?
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.
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!
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.
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 🙂
Hi Nocole, it should actually make about 46 ounces. The dissolved sugar loses quite a bit of its measurement when it turns to liquid.
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
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.
Hi! Thank you for the recipe! Can it be made without rum?
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.
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
You are so welcome Polly. It really is basically my mother’s recipe so this makes me very happy. ❤️
Ginny, thank you for sharing this! I have made this so many times. Everyone that tries it, loves it!
A glass jar or decanter Julie. Not plastic. They have glass jars with screw lids at Target that I use for many things.
What do you store it in while it’s sitting for a couple of weeks?
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.
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
Ginny, it’s awesome! I cannot wait to try this. I bet it makes the house smell divine and tastes incredible!
Ginny, thank you very much! Wonderful combination of ingredients. It look so yummy!
Ginny, thanks! Made this last night so quick, easy and tasty!
I really don’t think so John. Sugar is such a large part of it and I think the flavor would be quite different.
Do you think I can use Truvia instead of sugar to cut down the calories? Diabetic, but still love Kakuah! Thanks
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.
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?
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.
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!
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
Tight fitting Henry. Just like you would store any liquid.
Great recipe and look forward to making ,my question is do you use an air tight container or loose fitting top?
You’re going to love it Nicole! It is one inch of vanilla bean and then sliced lengthwise.
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!
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.
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!
😀
Made it with some moonshine…I’m a little dizzy
Oh nice. I’ll have a glass of that. No actually make it two, one will never be enough. Shared!
I had no idea you can do this homemade! Sounds like a required project now.
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.
This looks really great! I love that it takes just a little effort! Thanks, for sharing! 🙂
Either white or dark Connie. I used white and the quality should be something you like. It can be a cheaper product but 80%.
Can you suggest what kind of rum? White or dark? Does it matter if it is an expensive brand or not?
That is just great Dana! Thanks for letting us know!
omg this stuff is amazing, i love it. i made this kahlua for white russians, and it was great
Fantastic Marla!
Wow! Thanks Mary!
You are very welcome Maxie! Enjoy!
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!
Taramisu martini: equal parts: kahlua,vanilla vodka and creme de cocoa, shake with ice,chocolate syrup piped in martini glass,pour and enjoy.
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
Love this!!
Thanks so much for your reply. I will give that a go with the mext batch. 🙂
Hi Nina! I would go with maple syrup first but I have not tried it. I think I will try that too. I would much rather use maple syrup.
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 🙂
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.
Yum!
How does the consistency compare to store bought? I like my Kahlua to have some weight to it…
Mix this with a home-made chocolate bark recipes for adult candy gifts this year.
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.
Sounds yummy. Where do you find the vanilla bean?
Great memories for you too! That is cool Kirsten.
Great Andi! I am right there with you!
Cool Angie! I also put almond milk in mine with lots of ice. Yeah, make it with your mom! 🙂
I need to make some more too Laura! Yu will love it!
Thanks! Yes, I really do Nancy!
That is a good one to start with. 🙂
Amy – They have nice bottles, in all sizes, with clamp lids at places like World Market and Home Goods. Mason Jars with a ribbon would work in a pinch.
I think people really love to get it as presents Lana 🙂
It does seem so festive Ashlyn! Love it!
I used a white rum but gold would work great too. As far as the brand, I have used Bacardi and Captain Morgan.
You are very welcome Geetha! You will love it!
I love making my own booze, but I have never made kahlua! Crazy because I always have rum. Kahlua, here I come!!
What a great hostess/holiday gift this would make!
Aww! Love this! My mom made Kahlua every year for Christmas gifts. My job was to split the vanilla beans to add to the mix.
What did you put yours in to give as gifts?
OMG! I never thought of making homemade Kahlua. This is genius!
I love Kahlua but have never tried making my own. This sounds so easy I’ll have to give it a go, Ginny!
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!
This is such a versatile recipe, perfect for the holidays. 🙂 I’m going to try this the next time I throw a party!
This looks completely amazing! Don’t you just love those recipes that are passed down and have so many memories that come with them!
I never made Kahlua from scratch but I remember it was one of my first introductions to the boozy world. 🙂
I made Kahlua years and years ago and gave it for Christmas gifts to friends. It was just delicious! Thanks for reminding me – I just might need to make some this year.
Mmm – I feel like I can smell the vanilla bean in this drink from here!
I had no idea you could make Kahlua so easily! I love it, especially this time of year!
What kind of rum did you use?
Thank you for sharing mom’s recipe.It looks lovely.shall make it soon.