
Homemade Kahlua Recipe: Using Vanilla Extract and Everclear
Kahlua is a beloved coffee liqueur known for its rich flavor and versatility in cocktails and desserts. Making your own homemade Kahlua is not only easy but allows you to customize the flavors to suit your taste. In this article, we'll guide you through a simple homemade Kahlua recipe that uses vanilla extract and Everclear, a high-proof grain alcohol.
Kahlua is a sweet coffee liqueur originating from Mexico. It combines the flavors of coffee, sugar, and alcohol, making it a popular choice for cocktails like White Russians and espresso martinis. By making your own Kahlua, you can control the sweetness, coffee strength, and overall flavor profile, ensuring a unique beverage tailored to your preferences.
To make your own Kahlua, you will need the following ingredients:
Start by brewing 12 cups of strong coffee. The flavor of the coffee is crucial, so choose a dark roast for a bolder taste.
In a large pot, combine the brewed coffee and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This syrup will provide the sweet base for your Kahlua.
Once the coffee syrup has cooled, stir in the Everclear and vanilla extract. The vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the coffee beautifully.
Pour the mixture into clean bottles, seal them tightly, and label them. Your homemade Kahlua can be stored at room temperature for several months, thanks to the high alcohol content which acts as a preservative. However, refrigerating it can enhance its flavor and keep it chilled for serving.
The alcohol content of your homemade Kahlua will depend on the proof of the Everclear used. For instance, using 190 proof Everclear will yield a final alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 20%, while 151 proof will result in an ABV of around 14%. If you opt for a lower proof vodka instead, the ABV will drop to about 7% (source: Wholefully).
Homemade Kahlua can be enjoyed in various ways:
Making your own Kahlua at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a personalized liqueur perfect for sipping or mixing. With just a few simple ingredients—strong coffee, brown sugar, Everclear, and vanilla extract—you can craft a delicious homemade Kahlua that rivals store-bought versions. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or create a thoughtful gift, this homemade coffee liqueur is sure to be a hit. Cheers!
Kahlua is a sweet coffee liqueur from Mexico, made from coffee, sugar, and alcohol. It's popular in cocktails like White Russians and espresso martinis, and making it at home allows you to customize its flavor and sweetness.
To make homemade Kahlua, you'll need 12 cups of strong brewed coffee, 2 cups of brown sugar, 2 cups of Everclear (190 proof recommended), and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
To make homemade Kahlua, brew strong coffee, dissolve brown sugar in the coffee to make a syrup, cool it, then mix in Everclear and vanilla extract. Finally, bottle and store the mixture.
The strength of homemade Kahlua depends on the Everclear used. Using 190 proof results in about 20% alcohol by volume (ABV), while 151 proof yields around 14% ABV. Lower proof vodka will decrease the ABV to about 7%.

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