DIY Coffee Liqueur Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long will homemade coffee liqueur last? ›

Storage. I store all of my homemade liqueurs and infusions in the refrigerator for a prolonged shelf life. This Coffee Liqueur can be stored for up to 1 year refrigerated in an airtight container.

Coffee liqueur typically contains coffee, sugar, and alcohol. The base is often a distilled spirit like vodka or rum. Additional flavorings may include vanilla, chocolate, or various herbs and spices. Popular brands include Kahlúa and Tia Maria.

Coffee liqueur combines two of many people's favorite drinks: coffee and alcohol. Plenty of sugar is added to balance out the alcohol's sharp taste, usually. While Kahlua is the most well-known and widely sold, it is hardly the only option available.

Originating in Mexico in 1936, Kahlúa is a rum and coffee liqueur loved all around the world. Used in a range of different drinks—from coffees to co*cktails—it goes hand in hand with many occasions.

Yes, homemade Kahlua can go bad just like any other Kahlua. If it is not stored properly, the beverage will become off and lose its flavor over time. After making your Kahlua at home and having enough, you should store it in the fridge or put it back inside the freezer.

Liqueur should be stored in a cool, dark place and ideally upright. Once opened, the bottle should be tightly closed and consumed within a year. Ensure clean and sterile working conditions to extend the shelf life of your liqueur. This also includes the use of sterilized bottles and equipment.

The core recipe is fairly straightforward: Infuse a base spirit with ground coffee or coffee beans (or add coffee extracts and flavorings), spice with vanilla, chicory or other highlights, and sweeten to taste, usually with a simple syrup.

Traditional Baileys is not a coffee liqueur like Kahlua. It's a liqueur made from a unique blend of Irish cream with a subtle hint of cocoa and vanilla. However, Baileys' product line includes a coffee-flavored Irish cream made with espresso.

The Difference Between Kahlua and Baileys

There are many differences between these two drinks and they're all pretty important to take into account! Taste; Kahlua has a very intense coffee flavor, while Baileys is creamier and sweeter. Origin; Kahlua is made in Mexico while Baileys comes from Ireland.

Tia Maria tends to have a slightly more complex and smoother flavor profile compared to Kahlúa, with hints of chocolate and citrus.

What are the ingredients in Kahlua coffee liqueur? ›

Made with 100% Arabica coffee beans and rum, Kahlúa coffee liqueur is one of the main ingredients in many of the world's favorite co*cktails.

Homemade Kahlua is made with white rum, but you can substitute it with another spirit if you like. Vodka works, but the taste will be slightly different. No matter what spirit you use, choose a good brand—here are some of the best rums for co*cktails, sipping and making recipes like homemade Kahlua.

Baileys and Kahlua both complement a freshly brewed cup of coffee, but there are distinct differences between the two liqueurs. Baileys is creamy and derives its taste from cream, cocoa, and Irish Whiskey. Kahlua is dark without the creaminess of Baileys and is made with 100 percent arabica coffee, rum, and sugar.

You can opt for something like Grand Marnier or RumChata, but if you do, your drink will taste a little off with the fruity notes of those and similar liqueurs. For a suitable surrogate, you just need three ingredients — coffee, sugar, and vanilla extract. You will need to make sure the coffee is strong.

Irish whiskey is the classic choice for Irish Coffee, but any member of the whiskey family pairs well with an espresso-based coffee drink. Try cinnamon whiskey for a spiced-up option or maple whiskey for a seasonal note.

Still, your bottle of Kahlúa or homemade coffee liqueur recipe begins to deteriorate after six months after opening, even when kept in the refrigerator. So, even though it may not be as urgent or time-sensitive as other items on the list, refrigerate in the interest of getting the most out of every bottle you buy.

The liqueurs will have the best flavor after a few months of sitting on the shelf (aging). They will begin to lose their bright color and some flavor after one year but they will not “go bad” because the alcohol is the preservative. I usually have no problem using them up within one year.

Bottling and Storing

Carefully pour the coffee liqueur into clean, airtight bottles for storage. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place, like your liquor cabinet or pantry.

If stored properly, homemade Kahlua will maintain its flavor and potency for about three to four years. Kahlua that has gone bad will smell off and have a watered-down taste.