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Homemade Kahlua Recipe

Homemade Kahlua Recipe: A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion

Looking for a homemade Kahlua recipe that’s both easy and delicious? You’ve come to the right place! While this version may not be the exact recipe Pedro Domecq first created in 1936, it’s a fantastic alternative that you’ll love. Whether you’re sipping it over ice or mixing it into your favorite cocktails, this homemade Kahlua is sure to impress.

What is Kahlua?

Did you know that “Kahlua” means “House of the Acolhua people” in an ancient language? But to me, it simply means, “This stuff is good!”

This versatile liqueur can be used in countless ways. From cocktails to desserts, the possibilities are endless!

 

Ways to Enjoy Homemade Kahlua

There are so many delicious ways to use this homemade Kahlua recipe:

  • On the Rocks: Pour it over ice and add a splash of cream for a smooth, creamy treat.
  • Mixed with Coffee or Cocoa: Add a shot to your morning coffee or evening cocoa for an extra kick.
  • As a Dessert Topping: Drizzle it over ice cream, cakes, cheesecakes, and more for a rich, decadent flavor.
  • In Savory Dishes: Use it in recipes like pork roast, BBQ sauce, or slow cooker Kalua pork for a unique twist.

We love making a big batch of Kahlua during the holiday season. It’s become a family tradition to bottle it up, create custom labels, and gift it as part of our “Homemade Christmas” theme. Trust me, it’s always a hit—and now it’s the gift everyone requests year after year!

Two mason jars filled with homemade Kahlua, perfect for cocktails, desserts, and gifting

 

Cocktails to Make with Homemade Kahlua

This homemade Kahlua is also the star ingredient in some pretty spectacular drinks:

  • B-52
  • Baby Guinness
  • Black Russian
  • Mudslide
  • White Russian
  • Espresso Martini
  • Caribbean Mudslide
  • Kodiak

No matter how you enjoy it, this homemade Kahlua recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Pouring homemade Kahlua from a jigger into a rocks glass for a DIY Kahlua cocktail recipe

Recipe Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes (including cooling time)
  • Servings: Makes approximately 8 cups of Kahlua

Homemade Kahlua Ingredients

  • 4 cups sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • ⅔ cup instant coffee
  • 2 cups vodka
  • 3 tablespoons vanilla

How to Make Homemade Kahlua

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the sugar, water, instant coffee, vodka, and vanilla.
  2. Bring to a Boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Cool: Allow the Kahlua to cool completely.
  5. Bottle: Pour the cooled Kahlua into bottles or jars for storage or gifting.

Pro Tip: Store your homemade Kahlua in a cool, dark place, and it will continue to improve in flavor over time.

 

Cream poured into a glass over homemade Kahlua, showcasing an easy, affordable way to make Kahlua at home

FAQs

Q: How long does homemade Kahlua last?
A: Stored in a cool, dark place, homemade Kahlua can last for several years.

Q: Can I use fresh coffee instead of instant?
A: While instant coffee is recommended for consistency, you can experiment with fresh-brewed coffee, but the texture and flavor may vary.

Q: What kind of vodka should I use?
A: A mid-range vodka works best; there’s no need to splurge on top-shelf since the other flavors in the recipe will mask any slight imperfections.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and creative recipes? Dive into my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re eager to make meal prep even simpler, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s brimming with quick and easy recipes designed to elevate your cooking game. Grab your copy today and start transforming your meals!

Please remember, this recipe contains alcohol. Enjoy responsibly, and I cannot be held responsible for the outcome of this recipe or the actions taken afterward. Drink responsibly, and savor every drop of your homemade Kahlua!

Spoonful of rich homemade Kahlua, perfect for cocktails and desserts

Homemade Kahlua Recipe

Yield: about 12 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This Homemade Kahlua recipe may not be the same as the one Pedro Domecq produced in 1936, but it's pretty darn good.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • ⅔ cup instant coffee
  • 2 cups vodka
  • 3 Tablespoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Over medium-high heat bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  3. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Allow Kahlua to cool.
  5. Bottle in containers and drink or gift!

Notes

Store your homemade Kahlua in a cool, dark place, and it will continue to improve in flavor over time.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 cups Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 354Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 0gSugar: 67gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information may not be accurate

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About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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