Cocktails With Kahlua

I love cocktails with Kahlua, especially a White Russian. I have been drinking them well before I was old enough to do so legally, but they are so good, I could not resist.

Wikipedia defines Kahlúa as "a Mexican coffee-flavored liqueur. It is dense and sweet, with the distinct taste of coffee, from which it is made. Kahlúa also contains sugar, corn syrup and vanilla bean."

Currently it comes in 7 varieties including the Original, Mocha, French Vanilla and Hazelnut flavors. Oh, the cocktails you can mix with these liqueurs. This list is practically endless!

Let's start with a recipe for How To Make Kahlua at home and then move onto some classic recipes for mixed drinks with Kahlua.

How To Make Kahlua Coffee Liquor

• 2 cups dry instant coffee, unprepared
• 7 cups sugar
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups 80 proof vodka
• 1 whole vanilla bean

First, do not use freeze dried coffee or vanilla extract. To make Kahlua the right way you need quality ingredients.

Bring the water to a full boil and add coffee and sugar. Stir until dissolved and then cool.

Add vodka and stir. Pour into 2 quart size containers. Mason jars are perfect for homemade Kahlua. Cut the vanilla bean in half and place a piece in each jar and seal tightly.

Put jars in a cool, dark place and allow to sit undisturbed for at least 30 days and you have just learned how to make Kahlua at home! Easy right?

Four Cocktails With Kahlua Coffee Liquor

As I said above I am a huge fan of cocktails with Kahlua, in particular White Russians. If they weren't so high in calories, they would be my drink of choice most of the time, especially around the holidays. Even when I'm just hanging out at home watching movies, like last weekend when I took the picture below, Kahlua is on my short list.

If you are hosting a holiday get together, offer your guests a couple of mixed drinks with Kahlua, like those cocktails below, and suddenly your party moves to a whole different level of sophistication.

Kahlua White Russian Cocktails

• 1 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liquor
• 2 oz. vodka
• 2 oz. heavy cream

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in Kahlua and vodka. Mix well. Gently pour cream over top but don't stir. Serve it so you can see the layers and let your guests stir to combine. Makes one cocktail.

Optional: Add chocolate or vanilla ice cream and blend.

Kahlua Brandy Alexander Cocktails

• 1 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liquor
• 1 oz. brandy or cognac
• 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream

Mix all ingredients in a blender and serve. Makes one cocktail.

If you like frozen drinks, you may also like this recipe for a Kahlua Hummer Cocktail. There are a few other cocktails with Kahlua there too.

Kahlua Toasted Almond Cocktails

• 1-1/2 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liquor
• 1 oz. amaretto
• 1-1/2 oz. heavy cream

Same process as White Russian. Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in Kahlua and amaretto. Mix well. Gently pour cream over top but don't stir. Serve it so you can see the layers and let your guests stir to combine. Makes one cocktail.

If you are a fan of Amaretto almond liquor, you will love this recipe for Chocolate Amaretto Cake served with raspberries and whipped cream.

Kahlua Coffee Martini Recipe Cocktails

• 1 1/2 oz Kahlua Coffee Liquor
• 1 oz. cold espresso
• 1-1/2 oz. vodka
• 1-1/2 oz. white creame de cacao

Put all ingredients into a martini shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Pour the frothy mixture into glasses.

In addition to this coffee martini recipe, many of our Best Martini Recipes can be found here.