Recipe

Kahlúa

Kahlúa

Photo by lapadia

  • Chef

    lapadia's Notes: This homemade Kahlúa is dense, syrupy and sweet; a distinct taste of Mexican espresso coffee with a mixture a grain alcohol, rum and brandy. I literally stumbled onto this recipe, years ago...

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Makes about 5 fifths. This recipe easily doubles.

  1. **SPECIAL NOTE: The Everclear, mentioned in this recipe is a brand of pure grain alcohol that sometimes attracts controversy due to its high alcohol content. "Real" Everclear is 190 proof and is illegal in many states including my state, WA. However, there is a lower alcohol version of Everclear that is 151 proof. An additional substitute for this grain alcohol would be any of the 100 proof vodkas.

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  2. Combine the sugar, syrup and water, heat until clear, take off heat.

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  3. Combine the instant espresso and boiling water, add to the syrup and cool to 70 degrees.

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  4. Add the vanilla to the syrup, stir.

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  5. Add the grain alcohol, rum and brandy to the syrup.

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  6. Stir let set 24 hours.

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  7. Bottle.

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25 Comments on Kahlúa

Me Reply

I am getting going on this for the holidays! Thanks for posting!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, wssmom...Woo-hoo, I am thrilled you will be trying it, was sure you probably had a recipe of your own! Happy Holidays!

Oldies_joemare_bd Reply

So glad you added the clarification on the everclear its good to know that vodka would be a good substitute. Thanks this sounds amazing.

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, again, and that was what this recipe was missing the added clarification. Hope you will get a chance to try, and enjoy this!

Oldies_joemare_bd Reply

I am going to try a half recipe for myself, and plan on making a full recipe once I do a little leg work find the right sort of bottles to put this in for gift giving.. I have to look online to see whats available. Fantastic recipe!

Copy_of_me Reply

FYI update = I added a "special note" , additional information re: pure grain alcohol.

Img00019-20100929-0432_1_ Reply

wow-thanks. this would make a festie, boozy holiday gift.

Copy_of_me Reply

Your very welcome, SLC, Enjoy!

Img00019-20100929-0432_1_ Reply

Everclear seems dangerous! What's it like?

Copy_of_me Reply

Hi! Everclear is a brand of pure grain alcohol that can attracted controversy due to its high alcohol content. "Real" Everclear is 190 proof (95% alcohol) and is illegal in many states.
There is a lower alcohol version of Everclear = 151, that is 151 proof. If you're looking for a substitute for grain alcohol, your best bet would 100 proof vodkas. But, really Kahlua is usually never consumed in great quantities (well I have never seen anybody do that), so the pure grain mixed with all additional recipe ingredients really ends up being just a great combination of flavors, with the coffee flavor being foremost…oh and of course whatever you mix the Kahlua with, the drink will warm you up. I like it with a little cream on the rocks.
PS - speaking (not from personal experience) but watching peers in college - you would never want to just drink Everclear like you would Vodka...trust me. Hope that helps :) Have a nice evening!

Dscn3274 Reply

My sister-in-law and I used to make kahlua, but nothing as glamorous as this one. I'm saving! Thanks for sharing!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks and you are welcome, IPK! Cheers!

Profile Reply

How long do you recommend that the kahlua sit before imbibing?

Copy_of_me Reply

Hi Bevi, we have tasted as soon as a couple days later, although I like to give it a good month...enjoy!

Profile Reply

This looks serious. How long do you recommend the kahlua sit before imbibing? A few months?

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, Bevi :)

Shamrock-medal Reply

Whoa! this is awesome. You could also package it in the swing-top bottles you can get at homebrew supply stores.

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, hla! Yes, I have some of the bottles from the homebrew shop, too, but I use those for the Irish Cream recipe...posted on F52 last year.

Oldies_joemare_bd Reply

Love this I really like Kahlua, homemade is amazing. I t will make a truly memorable gift.

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks, sdebrango! I hope you will get to try it:)

Img_2764 Reply

Love it, love it! This would make lovely Christmas gifts. And there's our Medaglia d"Oro!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thanks! Yes, excellent gifts, can't wait to be able to get a photos uploaded ;)

Img_2764 Reply

Ok, I've got it. I've been collecting some lovely small-ish bottles and corks, and I'll give your lovely Kahlua along with how to incorporate it into a couple of recipes: Brownies to the Power of 4 and Belle Foley's Chocolate Cake. Thank you, thank you! I love it when gifts just fold together!

Copy_of_me Reply

Thrilled about your plans with this recipe...enjoy!

Copy_of_me Reply

Had a photo to submit, but kept getting a server erroe...fyi

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