HomeMade Kahlúa

Sweet and smooth coffee that’s flavored with vanilla liqueur.

Kahlúa was originally made in Mexico and is now a world wide liquor that is added to dozens of cocktails and used in baking and cooking. It has a lovely warm and vanilla coffee flavor. I have been making my own and giving it as holiday gifts for 20 years. I love that it can be kept at room temperature and does not go bad. I also try to keep some on hand for a last minute hostess gift.

The holidays are the perfect time for a cocktail and friends and family will love adding it to holiday baking!

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What ingredients do you need for homeMade kahlúa?

• Sugar
• Water
• Instant Espresso
• Vanilla Bean Pod or Vanilla Extract
• Vodka Ron Rum
• Glass bottles for storage

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The Recipe…

Slice a vanilla pod open. Place sugar and water in a large sauce pot and bring to a simmer. Stir to mix the sugar and water together until dissolved completely.

Let simmer for 4 minutes, then remove from heat and add espresso and vanilla. Fill glass bottles half way with vodka and half with coffee syrup. Let sit in for at least a week. I usually like to let it sit for 4 weeks but it is ready in a week.

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Recipe Tips:

• I love to use this Kailua to bake with or add to coffee drinks.
• This Kailua is great as a Holiday or hostess gift that you can make way ahead of time.  I like to keep bottles on hand just in case I need a last minute gift.
• One of my favorite things to do is thrift so I’m always on the lookout for interesting bottles for this recipe. They do not have to match so you can get a little crazy!

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Make Ahead:

• This recipe needs to sit for at least a couple of weeks so the flavors can marry. So it is the perfect make ahead gift that you can get out of the way early.

Storing tips:

• Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

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