Homemade Kahlua has a simple and perfect balance of sweetness that is shared with coffee and rum. Doesn't it sound good already?
Table of Contents
What Is Kahlua?
Kahlua is a famous coffee-flavored liqueur made from freshly brewed dark
roast coffee, sugar, vanilla beans, and rum or vodka. It's smooth, creamy,
and delicious and goes great with coffee or vegan ice cream. Kahlua can
be served chilled or on the rocks and is often used in cocktails such as
white Russians or mudslides.
Why We Like This Homemade Kahlua Recipe
Homemade Kahlua Coffee Liqueur takes a little effort, but the rewards are huge. You combine four ingredients and let it age for two to three weeks.
The result? A perfect coffee-flavored liqueur, excellent for sipping or mixing in many recipes that call for 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 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 of this is that you can have instant gratification.
- The Kahlua will still improve with time though but the vanilla bean recipe really makes it great.
Ingredients
- Strong and hot fresh brewed coffee - gives 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 - This is necessary, 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.
They seem too special for everyday snacks. That sweetened coffee rum liqueur 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.
Want to make some homemade Kahlua?
No freezing is necessary. It will keep -almost forever- meaning until you drink it all.
Joking aside it keeps about 3 years.
FAQ's
How Long Does Kahlua Last?
Kahlua has a shelf life of about two years. The alcohol content acts as a
preservative, so the liqueur will last for a while. Once opened;
however, Kahlua will start to lose flavor after 6 months. Look at it if you're unsure if your Kahlua has gone bad. If it has changed color, is starting to
What Does Kahlua Taste Like?
Kahlua has a rich coffee flavor with notes of chocolate and vanilla. It's
sweet but not too sweet and smooth and creamy. Kahlua is also very
versatile and can be used in a variety of cocktails or enjoyed on its
own.
Where is Kahlua Made?
Have you ever wondered where Kahlua is made? You're not alone! Even
people who love the coffee-flavored liqueur don't always know its origins.
Wonder no more! Kahlua is made in Mexico and is currently owned by the
French company Pernod Ricard. Kahlua has been produced in Mexico
since 1936 and is sold in over 180 countries worldwide.
How do you make a White Russian?
More liquor is added to the finished Kahlua and a heavy splash of dairy-free unsweetened creamer is stirred in.
How do you make a Black Russian?
Just add more liquor to the finished Kahlua and pour over ice.
📋 Recipe
Homemade Kahlua Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups strong and hot fresh brewed coffee
- 4 cups sugar - organic
- 2 ¼ 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.
Jennifer
Hello! Would I have to keep coffee in the fridge so it doesn't go bad being out for 3 weeks?
Ginny McMeans
No, not at all Jennifer. Alcohol is a natural preservative and this Kahlua is fine unrefrigerated just as Irish Cream Whiskey is.
Deborah. Smith
Hi ginny ,my kaluha turned out great, i have a question?iwhat about decaffeinated coffee ,yes or no
Ginny McMeans
Wonderful! Yes, That will work great too Deborah. It's the coffee flavor that's important not the caffeine.
Dian
Can I use spiced rum?
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.
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
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.
Yvette
Any recommendations on brand of dark rum?
Ginny McMeans
I'm partial to Meyer's Original Dark Rum Yvette.
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
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. 🙂
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 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.
Rachael Poffenberger
How long does this keep?
Ginny McMeans
If stored correctly, in a cool dark place with a light lid, it will keep for three to four years.
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
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.
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
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.
Brenda
Hi, planning on making a huge amount for holiday gifts . Have you ever tried it with cold brew coffee?
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.
dm
quick question! are those old fashioned glasses, or double old fashioned glasses?
thanks!
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
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
Yes, that would work Bil!. For the measurements use 1 tablespoon.
Trish
Hi there!
I just want to know if I can use muscovado sugar in this Kahlua recipe? 😄
Thanks,
TrishRish
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.
Sue sue
What about vanilla paste? Can you use? And can you store in corked bottles?
Ginny McMeans
I have not done that Sue sue but I think it should work just fine.
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.
Abott
My family begs me each year now to make this. I start it before thanksgiving and it’s ready by Christmas
Debbie McIntosh
May I use Stevia instead of sugar, or 1/2 Stevia and 1/2 sugar?
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.
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!
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.
Trish Hansford
I made this the other night but I only used half the sugar your recipe called for. I am wondering now if I made a mistake. I do not like syrupy drinks. Your thoughts?
When I make limoncello, I always half the sugar and have been very pleased with the results.
Ginny McMeans
I really don't know how it would be changed like that Trish. It tastes just like Kahlua as is. If you leave it the way it is and you still like it I would love to know.
Mrswonderful
Thank you – thank you-thank you! I believe I finally have the perfect Kahlúa recipe. I followed your recipe exactly, but used spiced rum instead of regular room.
It is absolute perfection!
Angela
So I need exact measurements on the coffee as I’m not a coffee drinker, please and thank you.
Ginny McMeans
Please check out the recipe card Angela - it's 2 ½ cups strong and hot fresh brewed coffee.
Laura Rosenthal
After I make the Kahlua dose it always have to be stored in fridge, or can it be stored on shelf?
Ginny McMeans
It does not need to be refrigerated but keep it sealed tight in a cool dark place. You may refrigerate it if you like.
Susan
I love that this was your Mom’s recipe!
I learned to like Kahlua from my Mom. But she usually just bought the commercial brand.
I find your recipe intriguing. Thanks for sharing your Mom’s recipe. .
loren westphal
Can you use regular Sugar. If so do use the same amount?
Ginny McMeans
Yes, sure Loren. The same amount of sugar too.
Denise Bledsoe
Wondering if one can use strong coffee made in a Keurig machine from K-Cups?
Ginny McMeans
Yes you can Denise! It would work just as well.
Valerie Johnson
Hi,
I'm planning on making this but have vanilla beans that are very thin about 6 inches long. Do I only use 1 inch split down the middle? Also, can I use a light roast Costa Rican coffee or would it be better with a dark roast. My rum is white.
Ginny McMeans
Hi Valerie! So glad you're going to make the Kahlua. It really wouldn't hurt to use 2 inches of the vanilla bean. So I would do that. I'm not sure how light roast will work. It will still be flavorful but it might not have the deep rich earthy taste of actual Kahlua. Also, it won't end up very dark brown. It may be medium brown in color. I think you need to use a dark roast to get it exactly right.