Homemade Kahlua (Coffee Liqueur)

📜 Collection: GailCollection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Beverages A classic recipe for homemade Kahlua. This simple process combines a rich coffee-sugar syrup with brandy, infused with a vanilla bean, to create a smooth and flavorful coffee liqueur after a two-week aging period.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins5 mins15 daysApprox. 2 quarts

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large heatproof bowl
  • Stirring spoon
  • Two 1-quart glass bottles

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
4 cupsSugarGranulated
2 ounces (½ cup)Instant Coffee powderNone
2 cupsBoiling WaterBoiling
1 bottle (750ml)Good BrandyQuality
1 wholeVanilla BeanSplit in half

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Coffee Syrup

  1. In a large, heatproof bowl, combine the 4 cups of Sugar and 2 ounces (½ cup) of Instant Coffee powder.
  2. Carefully pour the 2 cups of Boiling Water over the mixture. Stir continuously until all the sugar and coffee granules have completely dissolved.
  3. Set the syrup aside to cool completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Bottle and Age

  1. Once cool, stir in the 1 bottle (750ml) of Good Brandy.
  2. Pour the mixture into two clean 1-quart glass bottles.
  3. Split the 1 whole Vanilla Bean in half lengthwise and place one half into each bottle.
  4. Seal the bottles and store them in a cool, dark place for at least 15 days before using until smooth and fully infused. Gently shake the bottles every few days.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store sealed in a cool, dark place for at least 15 days before consuming, and it will keep indefinitely.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card