Coffee Liqueur is an easy, affordable liqueur you can make at home! Perfect for after dinner sipping, cocktails and gifts!
There were two homemade liqueurs I grew up with my mother making: Crème de Menthe and Coffee Liqueur (we knew it as 'Kahlua' which is the name brand).
Large batches would reside in the liquor cabinet for years and be given as gifts.
Once I was of drinking age, I totally understood why. Homemade Coffee Liqueur is very easy to make, affordable and lasts indefinitely.
There are many ways to use it and it's a perfect DIY gift idea!
What is Coffee Liqueur?
If you’ve ever had Kalua this is a homemade Kahlua recipe!
A liqueur is a strong, sweet liquor usually consumed by itself after a meal or in a sweeter cocktail.
Coffee liqueur has a sweet coffee flavor and is perfect to drink by itself on the rocks or in many popular cocktails.
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Sugar. Both white granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in this recipe. The combination give great rich flavor to complement the coffee taste.
Instant Coffee. Regular instant coffee is used; not powdered espresso.
Vodka. Vodka is the liquor base for the recipe. Notes on the type of vodka are shared below.
Vanilla Beans. Vanilla beans are used over extract for the flavor infusion. The beans are slit lengthwise exposing the insides to the liquor mixture.
The warm vanilla flavor from the beans makes a big difference and continues to infuse as the liqueur sits.
Use Good Quality Instant Coffee
My original handwritten recipe card has a notation of 'good coffee' next to the instant coffee ingredients!
Since the quality of the coffee determines the ultimate flavor of the coffee liqueur choose a good quality brand for this recipe!
Use Medium-Grade Vodka
The note on my original recipe card suggests using 'cheap vodka' for making coffee liqueur; I actually don’t recommend that!
What I've learned from talking to distillers is the quality of the ingredients determines the outcome of the liquor.
My recommendation is not to use the most expensive, high end brand but a medium-grade neutral-flavored (not flavored) vodka to create a delicious homemade coffee liqueur.
How to Make Coffee Liqueur - Step by Step:
This recipe could not be eaiser or faster to make!
- Combine the white sugar, brown sugar and water and bring to a boil on the stove top. Boil up to five minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the sugar to dissolve.
- Add the instant coffee and stir to dissolve.Allow the mixture to cool.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon glass storage container with lid. Add the vodka and split vanilla beans.
- Allow to sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks before drinking so the flavor can fully develop.
How to Use Coffee Liqueur
My first experience drinking Kahlua was after a large meal when I had to order something to drink since I was at a club.
A friend suggested ordering it on the rocks. It was perfect.
Just the right amount of sweetness and easy to drink.
How to Store it
To store it long terms store in a cool dark area (a pantry is perfect) in a sealed jar or bottle. It will stay good indefinitely.
Bottle Ideas for Gifting
Homemade liqueurs are a perfect and affordable gift idea! They are inexpensive for you to make.
Your recipient also doesn’t have to buy the liqueur at the store.
For a more decorative option to give the homemade Kahlua for gifts select a bottle that seals securely.
Also selecting a bottle that is more narrow toward the top is easier to pour from.
Here are a number of great choices of homemade liqueur bottles on Amazon.com.
Coffee Liqueur Cocktails
There are many delicious cocktails using coffee liqueur too.
The most popular cocktails are probably a White Russian cocktail and a Black Russian cocktail.
White Russian Cocktail Recipe
- In an Old Fashioned glass with ice,
- add 2-ounces vodka, and
- 1-ounce coffee liqueur
- Finish with a splash of heavy cream and stir.
Black Russian Cocktail Recipe
A Black Russian is a White Russian without the cream!
- Combine 2-ounces Vodka, with
- 1-ounce Coffee Liqueur
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass with ice.
More Coffee Liqueur Cocktail Ideas
Colorado Bulldog (a version of a White Russian with a fizzy twist!)
Gingerbread Brandy Milk Punch (cold weather spices make this cocktail delicious for the winter)
Eggnog and Coffee Liqueur: Combine prepared Eggnog and coffee liqueur in a 50/50 ratio. Pop in a cinnamon stick for good measure.
More Homemade Liqueurs and Infusions You’ll Love!
If you've made this Coffee Liqueur recipe please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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Recipe
Homemade Coffee Liqueur
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 4 cups water
- 2 ounces powdered instant coffee ‘good coffee’
- 750 ml vodka
- 2 vanilla beans split lengthwise
Instructions
- Combine white sugar, brown sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally and do not allow to boil over (reduce heat if needed).
- Add instant coffee to sugar syrup while syrup is still hot. Stir to dissolve. Let cool.
- Pour liquid into glass storage jug or container. Add vodka and vanilla beans. Let stand in a cool, dark location for 2 weeks before drinking.
Nutrition
Originally published: November 7, 2011
rosemarried says
'Sisters…and Chef Dennis'! Ha. I love it. That is a fitting description of our group. As always, I love your recipe and cocktail pairing. So thoughtful and so delicious. Upside down pear cake? Yes, I would like to eat that right now. You're an amazing blogger, and I'm so glad you joined us (second swap!). I've made some great friends in this recipe swap, and you are most definitely one of them. Happy to be swapping with you, Toni!
DiannG says
Fun story, great looking cake, wonderful photos!
Jacqueline - The Dusty Baker says
You are such a rock-star with your homemade spirits – you'd fit in VERY well in Brooklyn. So if ya ever wanna come visit… I'll pretend I live in Brooklyn and we'll crash with a friend with a big kitchen and an awesome rooftop! 😉 I find you so inspiring and delightful – another great swap! I need to flip some fruit in a pan soon… this recipe looks like too much fun!!!
Alli Shircliff says
What a funny and memorable dance club story! And your caramelized pear upside down cake sounds so good..especially with the almond meal addition. Your picture are so beautiful!
Rachel says
Ah pears, delicious to eat and beautiful on a cake! Thanks for sharing your reflections on the recipe swap – I'm loving it so far and am truly looking forward to my future months of recipes.
I didn't realize the cocktail pairing was your signature! So cool!
handcraftedwithaltitude says
The cake looks yummy! I'll definitely be putting this one on my list.
-the redhead-
Our Eyes Eat First says
wonderful of you to bring a nostalgic vintage recipe back – looks light and rich all at the same time!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
Love this cake; I've actually only started baking with pears in the past couple of years and each time I wonder what took me so long to realize how amazing they are…love the idea of caramelizing.
Kahlua? Great minds? We should do a taste test; I'm got some brewing now! Can't wait to try it.
Alex says
great swap. Your photos are gorgeous and I love how you always add a fantastic beverage…another success!
ping says
LOL!!! What a hilarious story! Love it! I was trying to imagine the scenario … Haha! Got me in stitches! I'm sure you must have made 3'6″ Grandpa Johnny real happy that night. Well, happy anniversary, as well. I'd never knew one could make Kahlua at home. I shall definitely try this out. Thanks for sharing.