By: Author Nicole Johnson
Posted on - Last updated:
Categories Drinks, Homemade, Recipes
Homemade Kahlua Coffee Liqueur is totally within your reach. Make a splash at your office or for your neighbors by delivering a little treat for them to enjoy.
This homemade coffee liqueur, or “Kahlua” asit’sknown by its brand name, is way easier to make than you think. Plus? It containsNO INSTANT COFFEE, which is an instant deal-breaker for me when I’m making anything coffee-related.
I am from the land of the coffee snob. No instant coffee comes around this house! There’s also no drip brewed coffee in this that’s then been chilled, which is probably worse tasting than instant coffee.
Homemade Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
The secret to getting a great coffee kick in this is to cold brew your coffee…in vodka.
Yup.
You read that right.
You are going to be essentially making a coffee extract, and its well worth the 24 hours it takes to get that done. You are left with a smooth, strong coffee flavor with none of the bitter coffee aftertastes. Use good liquor, 100 proof if you can find it, and good coffee too. It makes a difference!
You only need about 2 days to get this from an idea in your head to a gift on your best friend’s doorstep. After you cold brew the coffee, strain it through a coffee strainer and start whipping up your simple syrup.
However much coffee extract you end up with, you need about 2x’s as much simple syrup. This will allow you to adjust your batch size if you want to get really gifty with a lotof different people and not just a couple.
But, isn’t Kahlua made with rum?
Good catch! Traditional Kahlua IS made with rum. You can sub in rum in this recipe if you prefer. I like vodka best, but both options are delicious!
Try a splash in this Hazelnut Latte Recipe!
Homemade Kahlua shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Coffee
- Vodka or Rum
- Vanilla bean
- Water
- Brown sugar
Put some in my Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate!
What can you make with homemade Kahlua?
These make awesome co*cktails. Like my mudslide. Or White Russians. I’d love to have a shot of this in one of my homemade vanilla sweet cream cold brew coffees, too. Or add some of my homemade vanilla sweet cream for an iced coffee with a kick!
No matter what you make with this, the coffee lover in your family or friends group is going to love you a little more after you gift them a bottle of this!
Try this incredible Carajillo co*cktail recipe too!
Yield: 24 servings
This homemade coffee liqueur is like a kahlua lover's dream. Great for homemade Christmas gifts or thank you presents!
Prep Time1 day 2 hours
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time1 day 2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly ground coffee
- 2 cups 100 proof vodka
- 1 vanilla bean, split (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Place the vodka, coffee, and vanilla in a large covered glass jar. Shake to combine, and place in fridge for 24 hours.
- Strain the coffee through a coffee filter, and throw away grounds.
- Make simple syrup by placing the water and brown sugar into a large sauce pan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
- Combine the simple syrup and the vodka coffee. Place into individual containers, and chill.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
48Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 231Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 0g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Website
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
