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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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 sit for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool place.
- Strain, remove beans and bottle.
- 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.
Maria S
I originally used this recipe to get rid of some horrible black rum that I had. Now I wouldn't make homemade Kahlua any other way. This is perfect! Thank you.
Ozzy Taylor
Prepared exactly according to the recipe, with turbinado sugar, Don Q Cristal rum (smooth flavor compared to most rums), and pure vanilla extract. I found that the sugar would not dissolve easily so I gently heated the mixture on the stove while stirring. The results are SPECTACULAR. It's truly amazing how bad store-bought kahlua tastes compared to homemade. Yes, including the original "Kahlua". Best white Russian I've ever had. And I saved at least $20 because this recipe filled two 750 ml bottles to the top. Well done and thanks!
Ginny McMeans
I am not sure how Stevia is subbed for sugar in measurements. You can if you get the right measurement. I know liquid is different than the powder. But no matter how you substitute it will not taste just like Kahlua. It will have that Stevia taste. I can really tell the difference but if you don't mind it you can sub for sure.
Debbie McIntosh
May I use Stevia instead of sugar, or 1/2 Stevia and 1/2 sugar?
Abott
My family begs me each year now to make this. I start it before thanksgiving and it’s ready by Christmas
Jim
I found this while combing the internet for the Kahlua recipe we made during college, which wasn't quite as interesting as this. It was 2 qts water, 1 bottle of French Vanilla Taster's Choice, some vanilla extra, 6 cups of sugar, and grain alcohol. At the time, it was good, but this sounds intriguing with the fresh vanilla bean and rum.
Thanks for posting. Can't wait to try.
Ginny McMeans
I have not done that Sue sue but I think it should work just fine.
Sue sue
What about vanilla paste? Can you use? And can you store in corked bottles?
Ginny McMeans
Yes, I think it would work fine. The taste would change a bit though - more like brown sugar/maple but I think it would be delicious.
Trish
Hi there!
I just want to know if I can use muscovado sugar in this Kahlua recipe? 😄
Thanks,
TrishRish
Ginny McMeans
Yes, that would work Bil!. For the measurements use 1 tablespoon.
Bill
Say I have some homemade vanilla with an entire vanilla bean in it. Would that be a good substitute for the vanilla bean?
Ginny McMeans
Well, I think they might be double old fashioned glasses as the glass holds six to eight ounces. The glasses are buried at the moment so I can't check if it's 6 or 8 ounces
dm
quick question! are those old fashioned glasses, or double old fashioned glasses?
thanks!
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.
Brenda
Hi, planning on making a huge amount for holiday gifts . Have you ever tried it with cold brew coffee?
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.
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
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.
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)
Ginny McMeans
If stored correctly, in a cool dark place with a light lid, it will keep for three to four years.
Rachael Poffenberger
How long does this keep?
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.
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
Ginny McMeans
It will taste better to wait a while but go ahead and taste it yourself. If you like it go ahead and have some more. 🙂
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?
Ginny McMeans
I'm partial to Meyer's Original Dark Rum Yvette.
Yvette
Any recommendations on brand of dark rum?
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.
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. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
You actually can Dian. It won't be the classic Kahua taste but I have seen a spiced Kahlua out there. It should be really good.
Dian
Can I use spiced rum?
Ginny McMeans
Wonderful! Yes, That will work great too Deborah. It's the coffee flavor that's important not the caffeine.
Deborah. Smith
Hi ginny ,my kaluha turned out great, i have a question?iwhat about decaffeinated coffee ,yes or no
Ginny McMeans
No, not at all Jennifer. Alcohol is a natural preservative and this Kahlua is fine unrefrigerated just as Irish Cream Whiskey is.
Jennifer
Hello! Would I have to keep coffee in the fridge so it doesn't go bad being out for 3 weeks?
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!
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 😀
Ginny McMeans
Yes, a lot. Especially when you look at it for four batches but the volume does decrease when the sugar is dissolved.
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!!
Ginny McMeans
Hi Vio, yes, you can use instant. It would work but your right about the quality. It should still taste very good though.
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!
Ginny McMeans
I think you could try up to a cup. The less the better. It will change the taste a bit but because of the actual final product I think it might go quite well.
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
Ginny McMeans
Ha! I have to say I love you Bob! You are on a roll and Tis the Season to be Merry. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing with your friends too.
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.
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!
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??
Ginny McMeans
Yes Sarah, you sure can!
Sarah
Can I reuse the rum bottle for storage?
Ginny McMeans
Yes! Definitely Bob! It's just for the flavor.
Bob W
Hi. Ginny, I have to drink Decaf Coffee. Can I use Decaf to make this?
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.
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!
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.
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 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Hi Nocole, it should actually make about 46 ounces. The dissolved sugar loses quite a bit of its measurement when it turns to liquid.
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
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.
Joshua Howard
Hi! Thank you for the recipe! Can it be made without rum?
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.
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
Ginny McMeans
You are so welcome Polly. It really is basically my mother's recipe so this makes me very happy. ❤️
Polly
Ginny, thank you for sharing this! I have made this so many times. Everyone that tries it, loves it!
Ginny McMeans
A glass jar or decanter Julie. Not plastic. They have glass jars with screw lids at Target that I use for many things.
Julie
What do you store it in while it's sitting for a couple of weeks?
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.
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
Alyssa
Ginny, it’s awesome! I cannot wait to try this. I bet it makes the house smell divine and tastes incredible!
Olga
Ginny, thank you very much! Wonderful combination of ingredients. It look so yummy!
Anna
Ginny, thanks! Made this last night so quick, easy and tasty!
Ginny McMeans
I really don't think so John. Sugar is such a large part of it and I think the flavor would be quite different.
John m dixon
Do you think I can use Truvia instead of sugar to cut down the calories? Diabetic, but still love Kakuah! Thanks
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.
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?
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.
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!
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
Ginny McMeans
Tight fitting Henry. Just like you would store any liquid.
Henry
Great recipe and look forward to making ,my question is do you use an air tight container or loose fitting top?
Ginny McMeans
You're going to love it Nicole! It is one inch of vanilla bean and then sliced lengthwise.
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!
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.
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!
Ginny McMeans
😀
Capt Anon
Made it with some moonshine...I'm a little dizzy
Jacqueline Meldrum
Oh nice. I'll have a glass of that. No actually make it two, one will never be enough. Shared!
Matt @ Plating Pixels
I had no idea you can do this homemade! Sounds like a required project now.
Julie
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.
Meliann
This looks really great! I love that it takes just a little effort! Thanks, for sharing! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Either white or dark Connie. I used white and the quality should be something you like. It can be a cheaper product but 80%.
Connie
Can you suggest what kind of rum? White or dark? Does it matter if it is an expensive brand or not?
Ginny McMeans
That is just great Dana! Thanks for letting us know!
Dana
omg this stuff is amazing, i love it. i made this kahlua for white russians, and it was great
Ginny McMeans
Fantastic Marla!
Ginny McMeans
Wow! Thanks Mary!
Ginny McMeans
You are very welcome Maxie! Enjoy!
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!
mary
Taramisu martini: equal parts: kahlua,vanilla vodka and creme de cocoa, shake with ice,chocolate syrup piped in martini glass,pour and enjoy.
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
Marla Meridith
Love this!!
Nina V
Thanks so much for your reply. I will give that a go with the mext batch. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
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.
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 🙂
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.
Ginny McMeans
Yum!
Beth
How does the consistency compare to store bought? I like my Kahlua to have some weight to it...
ej runyon
Mix this with a home-made chocolate bark recipes for adult candy gifts this year.
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.
Ella
Sounds yummy. Where do you find the vanilla bean?
Ginny McMeans
Great memories for you too! That is cool Kirsten.
Ginny McMeans
Great Andi! I am right there with you!
Ginny McMeans
Cool Angie! I also put almond milk in mine with lots of ice. Yeah, make it with your mom! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
I need to make some more too Laura! Yu will love it!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks! Yes, I really do Nancy!
Ginny McMeans
That is a good one to start with. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
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.
Ginny McMeans
I think people really love to get it as presents Lana 🙂
Ginny McMeans
It does seem so festive Ashlyn! Love it!
Ginny McMeans
I used a white rum but gold would work great too. As far as the brand, I have used Bacardi and Captain Morgan.
Ginny McMeans
You are very welcome Geetha! You will love it!
Angela {Mind Over Batter}
I love making my own booze, but I have never made kahlua! Crazy because I always have rum. Kahlua, here I come!!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay)
What a great hostess/holiday gift this would make!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
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.
amy
What did you put yours in to give as gifts?
Connie | URBAN BAKES
OMG! I never thought of making homemade Kahlua. This is genius!
Andi @ The Weary Chef
I love Kahlua but have never tried making my own. This sounds so easy I'll have to give it a go, Ginny!
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!
Laura O @PetiteAllergyTreats
This is such a versatile recipe, perfect for the holidays. 🙂 I'm going to try this the next time I throw a party!
Nancy [email protected]
This looks completely amazing! Don't you just love those recipes that are passed down and have so many memories that come with them!
foodwanderings
I never made Kahlua from scratch but I remember it was one of my first introductions to the boozy world. 🙂
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
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.
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen
Mmm - I feel like I can smell the vanilla bean in this drink from here!
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen
I had no idea you could make Kahlua so easily! I love it, especially this time of year!
Kylee
What kind of rum did you use?
geetha
Thank you for sharing mom's recipe.It looks lovely.shall make it soon.