Homemade Kahlua
This Homemade Kahlua is a fabulous copycat recipe for the classic Coffee Liqueur. A terrific holiday or hostess gift that’s easy to make! Just attach a recipe for your favorite Kahlua cocktail.
If you’re looking for a special gift that doesn’t take much effort, this Coffee Flavored Liqueur made with freshly ground coffee beans and vanilla beans will be a hit!
Why You Must Make
- Kahlua is the liqueur I use most. It’s very versatile.
- It’s perfect for adding a subtle coffee taste to baked goods. Anything with a coffee flavor will enhance a chocolate dessert!
- And who doesn’t like a nice bottle of booze as a holiday gift? You can include a recipe for my Kahlua Cake, my Kahlua Brownies, or even a Kahlua and Cream Cocktail. You need to start this homemade Kahlua one month ahead of gift-giving for the best results. So get going now. Your friends will love this!
Expert Tips
Note: mine had only been aged about a week when I took the photos. Just imagine how much darker and richer this coffee liqueur will be when it reaches its one-month maturation date.
Another simple gift I’ve made is Homemade Vanilla, but you need to allow 6 months for the best flavor development.
- To make this Homemade Kahlua, you need a large pot to combine the sugar, freshly ground coffee beans, and water. After it comes to a boil, remove from heat and add vanilla beans, vodka, and brandy.
- Next is the waiting game. Pour into a large container with a lid and be patient. I give it a swirl every few days and in four weeks, your Homemade Kahlua is ready to strain.
- Be sure to use cheesecloth to strain as you want every bit of the coffee grounds removed.
- Decant into individual bottles, each with half a vanilla bean, to give as gifts. Add a cute label tied on with raffia plus a recipe for a delicious cocktail!
I have more ideas for Gifts From the Kitchen from some blogger friends. Perfect for holiday gifts, hostess gifts, or even something you might want to make for yourself! They’re listed at the bottom of this post.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 1936, the Pernod Ricard Company started making Kahlua liqueur in Veracruz, Mexico. It contains rum, sugar, and Arabica coffee.
There are only 5 ingredients in this Kahlua from scratch plus water. Just mix and wait a month for the flavors to infuse into the alcohol!
Ground coffee
Sugar
Vanilla beans
Liquor (both vodka and brandy)
Kahlua can last 3-4 years. Just make sure to toss it if the aroma changes or if it tastes watered down. Those are clues it is past its prime.
Keep the liqueur in a container with a tight lid in a cool, dry location. It does not need to be refrigerated.
You May Also Like:
- All-in-One Beer Bread Kit – girlichef
- Homemade Vanilla Extract – Flour on my Face
- Maple Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars – Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Turtle Pretzels – The Messy Baker
- M&M Cookies in a Jar – Damn Delicious
- Cookie Cutter Fudge – Chocolate Moosey
- Holiday Tree Cake – Noshing with the Nolands
- Homemade Vanilla Extract
- Homemade Limoncello
- Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.
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Homemade Kahlua
A homemade version of the classic coffee liqueur
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground coffee (fresh ground beans are best)
- 16 cups sugar
- 8 cups water
- 4 vanilla beans, split
- 1/2 gallon vodka
- 1 fifth of brandy (750 ml)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, stir together coffee, sugar, and water.
- Heat just till it comes to a boil.
- Turn off heat and add vanilla beans, vodka, and brandy. (You may want to let the mixture cool a bit before adding liquor to avoid evaporation of the alcohol).
- Transfer mixture to a glass jar with a lid and let stand for one month to develop flavors.
- After one month, strain the mixture through a few layers of cheesecloth until all the coffee grounds clear.
- Pour into glass jars and add a piece of vanilla bean to each.
- Add a decorative label or hang a tag if desired for gifts.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
76Serving Size:
1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 219Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 0gSugar: 42gProtein: 0g
12 Comments on “Homemade Kahlua”
I love that I can now make this at home! It’s so easy!
I had no idea that I make my own kahlua! This is so easy and it’s wonderful!
I really loved it!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! So easy to make, too!
What kind of brandy
Hi, Michelle,
Your brandy does not need to be top of the line, but just a decent brand. I’d watch for what’s on sale and ask at the liquor store/retailer for advice. There is enough flavor from the coffee and vanilla to mask the flavor, but a “smooth” brandy will give the best results. Hope you enjoy!
Am I reading this right? 16 cups of sugar to 8 cups of water?
Yes! This is a big batch. Remember, you’re also adding 8 cups of water, 3 cups of brandy and 8 cups of vodka. I know it looks like a ton of sugar 🙂
Should you let the hot liquid cool before adding the liquor? Seems like adding it right after boiling would cause quite a bit of the alcohol to evaporate away. Just curious.
Yes, definitely! I’ll add a note to the recipe. Thanks!
I made this recipe last year and LOVED it so much that I’m coming back for round two! It’s the best recipe out there, the instant ones are not as sweet/coffee flavored. Definitely worth the time! The recipe makes a LOT of Kahlua. Last year I had two large bottles for myself, and gave out about 15 mini bottles as gifts. Everyone loved it!
Aren’t you sweet for letting me know! I’m going to make homemade Bailey’s Irish cream for my friends this year…fingers crossed it will be just as successful!
Today was bottling day for my batch of Kahlua.
I used 375ml (1/2 wine bottles) & Zork closure. I filled 17 bottles, enough for holiday gifts!
I ran it thru cheese cloth 2X’s and added a couple of shots of espresso to enhance the coffee flavors . The vanilla is very prominent, this is going to be great on vanilla ice cream!
Cheers!