{"id":2013260,"date":"2024-07-10T20:07:06","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T05:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&p=2013260"},"modified":"2024-09-11T02:35:18","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T07:35:18","slug":"homemade-kahlua","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/homemade-kahlua\/","title":{"rendered":"Homemade Kahlua"},"content":{"rendered":"
Whether you enjoy it as a sipper on the rocks or as part of a decadent cocktail, Kahlua’s rich flavor is surprisingly versatile. But its flavor is deeper and more nuanced when you make the coffee liqueur at home. Our homemade Kahlua recipe is less syrupy than the name brand, with a sweet (but not too sweet) character, some notes of vanilla and a buttery, caramelized flavor from dark rum. It’s one of the best\u00a0food gift ideas<\/a>\u00a0when the holidays roll around.<\/p>\n Some coffee liqueur recipes require several weeks of steeping, or call for shortcut ingredients like instant coffee. Our easy Kahlua recipe falls somewhere in between. We start with real brewed coffee from our favorite coffee brands<\/a> for the purest coffee flavor. But instead of steeping, we turn the brew into coffee syrup so the liqueur is ready to drink as soon as the syrup cools. Of course, the flavors really round out if you can wait a week (or longer), so feel free to let it age before enjoying it.<\/p>\n Kahlua is a brand of coffee liqueur founded in 1936 in Veracruz, Mexico, by four friends who wanted to infuse rum with coffee (specifically, Arabica coffee). Years later, the liqueur was used to create the black Russian<\/a> cocktail (and later, the lighter and creamier white Russian<\/a>). Its name\u00a0derives from an Arabic slang word for “coffee.”<\/p>\n The key to crafting a truly great homemade Kahlua comes down to the quality of the ingredients used. You can make it with instant coffee granules, but we prefer to make our homemade coffee liqueur the old-fashioned way: with fresh-brewed espresso, sugar, vanilla and rum. The liqueur shines in everything from classic cocktails to desserts and boozy milkshakes like mudslides<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a large saucepan, bring the espresso and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely.<\/p>\n Stir the rum and vanilla into the cooled espresso mixture until they’re combined.<\/p>\n Pour the homemade Kahlua into glass bottles and seal them tightly. Store the Kahlua in a cool, dry place. Shake the bottles before serving.<\/p>\n Store Kahlua in a large jar with a tightly fitted lid, or transfer it to smaller glass bottles for gifting. Either way, it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, but it’s best to keep it in a cool, dry place.<\/p>\n If stored properly, homemade Kahlua will maintain its flavor and potency for three to four years. Kahlua that has gone bad will smell off and have a watered-down taste.<\/p>\n We make our homemade Kahlua recipe with rum, but you can make this coffee liqueur with almost any spirit base. Rum has a nice sweetness and produces a sweeter Kahlua than recipes made with vodka or grain alcohol (aka Everclear). You can even use whiskey, bourbon or rye to give yours a unique spin.<\/p>\n Sip homemade Kahlua on the rocks, add it to coffee or shaken espresso<\/a>, or use it to make mixed drinks and desserts. Try it in your favorite Kahlua drinks<\/a> like white Russians or espresso martinis<\/a>, or use it instead of sugar cubes for a fun twist on the\u00a0old-fashioned<\/a> cocktail. You can also use it to make desserts like\u00a0Kahlua dream bars<\/a> or Kahlua fudge<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You only need four simple ingredients for this homemade Kahlua recipe. It’s great for cocktails, baked goods, and gifting friends and family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7954,"featured_media":2013261,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[305513,304523,304528,304423,304428,305522,305521,304328,305271,304993,305487,304430,306171,304515,304433,303966,305003,304435,304988,304408,304368,303887,306848,304348,305383,304455,304458,305374,304549,304558,324623,304005,304560,303883,304468,304473,307609,304565],"categories-v2":[310840,308888,308893,308821,308825,310849,310848,308984,308481,309216,308940,310796,308830,312036,308880,308833,308495,308949,308837,308935,308813,308745,308478,309603,309000,309391,308860,308865,309381,308910,309177,308549,308915,308476,308875,308876,310587,308920],"coauthors":[50034],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Tanghulu","post_link":"\/recipes\/tanghulu\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Tanghulu_EXPS_FT24_276063_JR_0229_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kulfi","post_link":"\/recipes\/kulfi\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Indian-Kulfi-Ice-Cream_EXPS_FT23_242404_ST_0824_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"15 Delicious Kahlua Drinks","post_link":"\/collection\/kahlua-drinks\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Pumpkin-Spice-White-Russian_EXPS_PBZ21_244256_E05_05_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Polynesian Kabobs","post_link":"\/recipes\/polynesian-kabobs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps11992_GI163846D11_19_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"How to Make Homemade Kahlua","post_link":"\/article\/kahlua-recipe\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_8b_HomemadeKalhua-scaled.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kale Smoothie","post_link":"\/recipes\/kale-smoothies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Kale-Pear-Smoothies_EXPS_FT19_165564_F_0724_1-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kahlua Dream Bars","post_link":"\/recipes\/kahlua-dream-bars\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps158193_CC153599B05_20_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kahlua Fudge Sheet Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/kahlua-fudge-sheet-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Kahlua-Fudge-Sheet-Cake_exps173530_TH143190B09_25_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kahlua Fudge","post_link":"\/recipes\/kahlua-fudge\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Kahlua-Fudge_EXPS_THCA18_37378_D09_22_4b-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mocha Java Pie with Kahlua Cream","post_link":"\/recipes\/mocha-java-pie-with-kahlua-cream\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Mocha-Java-Pie-with-Kahlua-Cream_exps143397_WTHUPC2643379A02_09_2b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kofta Kabobs","post_link":"\/recipes\/kofta-kabobs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/EXPS_TOHD24_277575_SoniaBozzo_social.jpg"},{"post_title":"Adana Kabobs","post_link":"\/recipes\/adana-kabob\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_FT24_277629_JR_1001_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sweet Kahlua Coffee","post_link":"\/recipes\/sweet-kahlua-coffee\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Sweet-Kahlua-Coffee_EXPS_SCBZ18_43484_B06_26_4b-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamed Kohlrabi","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamed-kohlrabi\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Creamed-Kohlrabi_EXPS_FT21_39872_F_0423_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kapuzta","post_link":"\/recipes\/kapuzta\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps7827_CSS1341303C224.jpg"},{"post_title":"Khachapuri","post_link":"\/recipes\/khachapuri\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps35547_HC153382B09_18_5b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kahlua Hot Chocolate","post_link":"\/recipes\/kahlua-hot-chocolate\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kahlua-Hot-Chocolate_EXPS_TOHD24_186436_ChristineMa_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Gluten-Free Kahlua Dessert","post_link":"\/recipes\/gluten-free-kahlua-dessert\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Gluten-Free-Kahlua-Dessert_exps49655_THHC1997839C05_20_6bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Croissant Pudding with Chocolate Kahlua Sauce","post_link":"\/recipes\/croissant-pudding-with-chocolate-kahlua-sauce\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps48092_HB143427A07_17_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Kahlua Truffles","post_link":"\/recipes\/kahlua-truffles\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Kahlua-Truffles_exps164492_SD142780B08_23_6bC_RMS.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Kahlua_EXPS_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_9b.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/homemade-kahlua\/","name":"Homemade Kahlua","datePublished":"2024-07-10","dateModified":"2024-09-11","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT5M","totalTime":"PT15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kahlua_EXPS_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_9b.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":"","description":"This homemade Kahlua recipe transforms four simple ingredients into a rich coffee liqueur in about 15 minutes. It's great for cocktails, baked goods and gifts for friends and family.","recipeIngredient":["4 cups brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee","4 cups sugar","4 cups dark rum","3 tablespoons vanilla extract"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the coffee simple syrup","text":"In a large saucepan, bring the espresso and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Homemade-Kahlua_FT24_273769_EC_0828_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine all of the ingredients","text":"Stir the rum and vanilla into the cooled espresso mixture until they're combined.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Homemade-Kahlua_FT24_273769_EC_0828_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Store the homemade Kahlua","text":"Pour the homemade Kahlua into glass bottles and seal them tightly. Store the Kahlua in a cool, dry place. Shake the bottles before serving.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Homemade-Kahlua_FT24_273769_EC_0828_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"2-1\/2 quarts","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lindsay D. Mattison"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 101 calories","fatContent":"0 fat (0 saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"0 cholesterol","sodiumContent":"3mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"16g carbohydrate (15g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"0 protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"North America, Mexican"},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"273769","romance_copy_dek":"This homemade Kahlua recipe transforms four simple ingredients into a rich coffee liqueur in about 15 minutes. It's great for cocktails, baked goods and gifts for friends and family.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Kahlua","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 cups brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee","IngredientText":"4 cups brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 cups sugar","IngredientText":"4 cups sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 cups dark rum","IngredientText":"4 cups dark rum"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 tablespoons vanilla extract","IngredientText":"3 tablespoons vanilla extract"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Kahlua_EXPS_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_9b.jpg","RecipeId":273769,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Kahlua Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Kahlua_EXPS_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_9b.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Susan","Lastname":"Stetzel","City":"Gainesville","StateDescription":"New York","IsCommunityCook":false,"ContributorAttachmentFileName":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/76\/75x75\/CP_Stetzel_34653_a.jpg","TimeCallout":"Prep: 10 min. Cook: 5 min. + cooling","MinimumServingQuantity":53,"MaximumServingQuantity":53,"Yield":"2-1\/2 quarts.","DigitalTitle":"Kahlua","SubmittedTitle":"Kahlua","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":0,"WebPublishedDate":"7\/10\/2024 8:07:06 PM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_8b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":10,"CookTimeInMinutes":5,"TotalTimeInMinutes":15,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsFieldEditorRecipe":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Kahlua","OriginalSourceProject":"Kahlua","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"AboutRecipeTitle":null,"AboutRecipe":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":null,"FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"In a large saucepan, bring espresso and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cool completely.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" Stir rum and vanilla into cooled espresso mixture until combined. Pour into glass bottles; seal tightly. Store in a cool, dry place. Shake before serving.","SequenceNo":2}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Make-Ahead","ID":304348},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Mexican","ID":305383},{"Name":"North America","ID":305374},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Beverages","ID":305513},{"Name":"Cocktail","ID":305522},{"Name":"Coffee","ID":305521},{"Name":"Edible Gifts","ID":306171},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Health & Wellness","ID":304988},{"Name":"Dairy-Free","ID":304993},{"Name":"Gluten-Free","ID":305003},{"Name":"Holidays & Events","ID":304368},{"Name":"Birthday","ID":304523},{"Name":"Bridal Shower","ID":304528},{"Name":"Christmas","ID":304423},{"Name":"Cinco De Mayo","ID":304428},{"Name":"Easter","ID":304430},{"Name":"Events & Gatherings","ID":304515},{"Name":"Father's Day","ID":304433},{"Name":"Halloween","ID":304435},{"Name":"Holidays","ID":304408},{"Name":"Mother's Day","ID":304455},{"Name":"New Year's","ID":304458},{"Name":"Oscar Party","ID":304549},{"Name":"Potluck","ID":304558},{"Name":"Super Bowl","ID":304560},{"Name":"Thanksgiving","ID":304468},{"Name":"Valentine's Day","ID":304473},{"Name":"Wedding","ID":304565},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Vanilla","ID":307609},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":1,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1-1\/2 ounces: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.","NoOfRatings":0,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Kahlua_EXPS_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_9b.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Kahlua_EXPS_TOHcom23_273769_DR_08_02_9b.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43654,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":310840,"name":"Beverages","slug":"beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310775,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Quench your thirst with these delicious beverages. Learn how to master cocktails, from fruity drinks to hard liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages alike.","parent":310796,"count":2442,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/beverages\/"},{"term_id":310849,"name":"Cocktail","slug":"cocktails","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310784,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Toast the weekend with any of these cocktail recipes. From basic and classic cocktail recipes to currently popular cocktail recipes, we'll cheers to that.","parent":310840,"count":652,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/beverages\/cocktails\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Kahlua"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Is Kahlua?<\/h2>\n
Homemade Kahlua Ingredients<\/h2>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Make the coffee simple syrup<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Combine all of the ingredients<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Store the homemade Kahlua<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Homemade Kahlua Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Homemade Kahlua<\/h2>\n
How long does homemade Kahlua last?<\/h3>\n
Homemade Kahlua Tips<\/h2>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What liquor should you use to make homemade Kahlua?<\/h3>\n
How do you use homemade Kahlua?<\/h3>\n