That being said; I struggled with doing a post this week before Thanksgiving that had any mention of Christmas. But…no make that a big BUT; I’m really doing this for you! I decided it was worth jumping the gun a few days than waiting until it’s too late to share this recipe that is the perfect gift for you to give friends and family over the holiday gift giving season.
Cigars and Kahlua Shooters – A Tribute to My Uncle Eddie
I don’t make my holiday gifts because I’m cheap (promise!) but because I want to put an effort into them that makes the giving personal in a very real sense. Don’t laugh but this year…recipients are getting this coffee liqueur, my version of Biscoff cookies (I’ll share them soon!) and my home cured Maple Bourbon Bacon. Yes, bacon. I want them all to experience how amazing home cured bacon is so yesterday I bought 10 lbs of pork belly which I’ll be curing and smoking and wrapping in one pound packages for gifts. Go on, tell me now if that’s crazy; I’m happy to hang on to all of it for myself!
There are a variety of methods I’ve seen for making home brewed Kahlua coffee liqueur. The primary difference in methods is using either coffee grounds in the brew or instant coffee. I’ve done both and personally prefer going the instant coffee route; the year I tried grounds there was no way to remove every bit of them; even pouring it through cheesecloth didn’t completely work if only because some of the heavenly elixir was lost in the cheesecloth. I also like to cook down the sugars and water to get a syrupy consistency before adding the vodka. Is it totally necessary? Not really; just my personal preference.
I’ve found that my favorite concoction includes some of my own revisions. I use dried espresso instead of instant coffee; I just think it’s a bit richer as a result. And beyond the standard water, sugars and vodka I add just a touch of chocolate liqueur to the mix. I often use espresso in a chocolate recipe because they are so compatible with each other so I’ve just done ‘opposite day’ and added a bit of chocolate to this espresso based liqueur. It’s subtle but it’s there and it’s a good addition.
By the way; I don’t recommend that you use either Everclear or your best vodka for this. Everclear is often recommended but it’s grain alcohol that has such a high proof that many liquor stores won’t even carry it. Using great sipping vodka is also not required; save that for your favorite cocktails. Once you mix the vodka with sugars and coffee and let it age a bit; the vodka will mellow out. I usually ask a liquor store for a recommendation and spend around $15 for a 750 ML bottle.
If you’re now in the mood to make your own Coffee Liqueur; you might want to check out my post for Cranberry Liqueur; it’s also amazing and currently aging in our brewing facility (you might call it a garage).
| Better than Kahlua Coffee Liqueur |
|
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup dried espresso
- 3 cups vodka
- 2 vanilla beans, split
- 2 shots of chocolate liqueur
- Combine the water, both sugars and dried espresso in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil; turn the heat to low and simmer for a minimum of 1 hour.to reduce the mixture and make a more syrupy consistency.
- Watch constantly and stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add vodka, vanilla beans and chocolate liqueur.
- Pour everything into a storage container.
- Age for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark location; stirring once or twice a week. (Note…it’s absolutely drinkable earlier; so if you have less time to age it than that; gift it and make a note on the gift tag to wait just a bit).
- When ready to bottle, remove vanilla beans, bottle mixture and store.
NOTE: No, I don’t smoke cigars but my Uncle Eddie did. He and my aunt both passed away this year after a long life together and my cousin sent me some of their possessions. I didn’t want much; all I asked for were a few things that I could use in photos; as a reminder of them. The funny thing is I didn’t think of cigars when I made that request, but one of the things Pat sent me was this old cigar box and it brought back a flood of memories of my Uncle Ed and his cigars. I can see him smoking one now with a coffee liqueur shooter so this one’s for you Ed!
{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
This recipe sounds absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to try it. I have a bag of whole bean espresso gourmet coffee that tastes great and I’d like to use that if possible. Please explain to me exactly how I would use this in place of your ground up espresso.
Would I brew a rather strong pot of coffee and use that in place of the water or directly use the ground up Espresso?
Since I’ve never made it using coffee beans Anthony I can only suggest that you brew some espresso with your beans and use that in lieu of all or some of the water and dry espresso. You can certainly tell from a taste after adding everything together if it will be strong enough.
How much does this recipe yield? Would it be ok to bottle it right away and let it age in the bottle? Would i use a corked bottle or just a screw on top?
Thank you for the recipe im excited to try it.
Jimmy
jimmy Most Recent Post: Jalapeno Pepper Patty Melt for National Grilled Cheese Month
I realized after I made mine I should have measures the final output but I was giving it for gifts and had it bottled before I thought of that. Still I would guesstimate the recipe made about 8 cups of final product; I think I doubled my batch since I was making holiday gifts…we had coffee liqueur everywhere!
I think it would be OK to bottle right away…make sure everything is very well combined before you do though. I think better with a screwtop or something like I use which has a plastic type insert that is rimmed with a washer to keep the liquid contained. Good luck; please let me know after you make it.
All your fault that I want to go back downstairs and make a Kahlua and Cream!
I’ve been looking for this recipe for a long time! Thanks for posting it!
You are most welcome…I’ve enjoyed making liqueurs; not just for me but they are great gifts too!
Hi, I’m new to your site, and I’m loving it!
How would you go about making this recipe with regular coffee?
Would you brew a strong batch, and use that in place of water and espresso powder?
I’m a bit picky when it comes to coffee, and I’d like to try making this with my favorite kona coffee. And suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Absolutely switch out the espresso with your favorite coffee. I did that for my taste but it would be perfect to add your own personal favorite; makes the effort even that much more yours.
Thanks for visiting and welcome!
Can we use mostley white sugar?
Yes, you can use all white sugar if you prefer. That’s more standard; I just prefer the bit more robust sugar so that’s why it’s in my recipe.
Hi-
So I’m one week in to having my homemade coffee liqour sit and it just seems very syrupy. Is this normal? Should I thin it out? And how/with what?
Thanks
Nikki
If it seems too thick Nikki it might have been cooked down a bit too much in the beginning process. You can thin it down with a bit of water or add a bit more vodka. Liqueurs should be thicker than water but if it seems to thick for your tastes, certainly thin it out a bit. Just add some more liquid now and stir well.
Coffee Liquor is always a great way to start a night!!
Rich Most Recent Post: Pike Place K-Cups by Starbucks
It might also make a special way to start the day! I won’t deny I might have a cup of joe on Saturday morning with a touch. Just a touch, promise. :)
Ok, I just made this and my apartment smells soooo good now! My roommates and I are so stoked for it to be ready in a few weeks! One question about storing it for the three weeks though….does it need to stay in a sealed container, or is it okay to open it every once and a while to smell it when I stir it?
It’s fine to open it and stir it and of course you must do a taste test! The time element is really to mellow out the vodka; in a pinch Luke you can try it sooner than three weeks!
Awesome, thanks! I’ll give it at least a week before doing a taste test, but after my taste test (or a few smaller tests) while I was cooking it, it was amazing!
Love that Luke…nothing I like more than someone making and enjoy one of my recipes. I’ve got a group meeting here in the morning…they’ll get some in their coffee if they want. Bet you they want! :)
This is perfect! Ever since I visited my family over the holidays I’ve been wanting a good coffee liqueur recipe I could try out that was a bit more than the basic water, sugar, vanilla, coffee, vodka combination (my family is obsessed with Kahlua, as am I). I’m excited to try out your recipe, however the dried espresso might be a bit of a hunt! I’m sure it will be very well worth it though.
Meaghan Most Recent Post: An attempt at procrastination.
It’s great Meaghan…I ‘think’ I love it more with Espresso and I have yet to see another recipe that cites cooking down the brew a bit either. It won’t ever be real thick but I do like a bit more than having it be the consistency of water!
I could only get dry espresso from Whole Foods but last year asked my local market to try and get some and they now stock it. This is what I use if a name and visual will help. BTW…I now make my chocolate liqueur first and then use it to make the Kahlua. I’m on a role too!
http://www.amazon.com/Medaglia-Oro-Instant-Espresso-2-Ounce/dp/B001E5E24A
What do you mean by “dried” espresso? I would like to try to try to make this.
angela@spinachtiger Most Recent Post: Get Organized in 2012 with Framed White Boards and Horizontal Stripes
Your recipe looks to taste far better than one I was going to make. I have all the ingredients…with instant coffee. Where do I find dried expresso?
Cannot wait to make it and of course….test it!
thanks
Before I asked my local grocery store to try and get it, the only place I could find it was at Whole Foods. The brand I use is on this page:
http://www.markethallfoods.com/products.php?product=Espresso-Powder-from-Medaglia-D%27oro
Worse case scenario just use a bit more instant coffee but if you can find the espresso? I think it combined with the chocolate liqueur is what take this over the top! Let me know if you make it; so far everyone has been delighted. The most important thing is to watch it closely as you make the syrup…getting it thick is important but not letting it burn even more so!
I just made it! Looks and smells like it’s going to be gooood! I also made my own chocolate liquor that I put in to this recipe. Super easy…..Boil 2c water. Add 1c to 1c of sugar (to make a simple syrup) then the other 1c of water to 1/4 c of unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality). Combine the chocolate mixture with the syrup mixture, then add 1c vodka. It says to let sit in fridge overnight and then strain, then keep in fridge. Also, I used vanilla bean paste (Nielssen Massey) instead of vanilla beans to this recipe. We’ll see how it turns out!
OK, now I’m making this. I mean NOW. Num hum.
Is the “Cook time” at the top of recipe right (5 min)? Or is it really the 1 hour minimum for cooking (simmering) that is described in the directions?
I can’t wait to get started making it! Thanks for the idea!
Oops…I am sometimes my own worst editor! I’ve revised that cook time; it’s now the one hour minimum I indicate in the recipe. Thanks Chris!
Well now, since I’ve been infusing everything but the kitchen rug lately, this is up next! By the way, Everclear reminds me of punches made in trashcans at college parties. I’m not sayin that’s a bad thing, I’m juuuuust sayin ;)
You are so right Julia; when getting drunk is more important than great taste!
This is so cool! I definitely want to try this.
So easy. So good.
I am definitely going to try this for the box!
Yeah…it is so good. If you really do it, just watch it but let the first stage get really thick cause you’ll be adding the vodka to it. Mine even had some crystallized sugar on the side of the pan. I scraped it all off and put it all in the jug; it will melt into deliciousness I promise.
LOVE THIS!! I’ll be honest, though, I’m not savvy in the kitchen and don’t want to take too many chances…so when you say ‘store in a cool, dark place’ is a refrigerator ok?
Sure the refrigerator is fine; many would not want to put something in there for a couple of weeks so it’s not a requirement at this time of year; mine is out in the garage! Summertime or in warmer locales the refrigerator is the only solution. Good luck Sarah although it’s never failed me!
That looks great! Thanks for sharing.
Laura Most Recent Post: Buenos dias para Peru!
You’re welcome Laura and if you make some you must let me know!
What sort of container do you recommend for storage during aging?
I just happen to have those big containers that I usually serve drinks from during summer parties but I’ve used any number of other things over the years. A washed out milk jug would be perfect or even an empty vodka bottle. I do recommend making sure it’s plastic and not metal.
This looks great! I am going to do this for Christmas presents! Where did you get the bottles and any idea of price on them?
I bought these at World Market; think it’s this: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4302061 – I think I paid a bit less when I bought them. They actually hold quite a bit; I’m going to bottle my gifts in the bottle that I put the cranberry liqueur into; a bit smaller and cute. I got those from The Container Store a couple of years ago but saw them at World Market when I was there 2 weeks ago. Thinking $4/bottle?
http://www.creative-culinary.com/cranberry-liqueur
Wow, my favorite liquor is Kaluha and I love Uncle Eddie so how could I not enjoy this recipe! Thanks so much Barb!
Seriously? I loved Uncle Eddie too; he was always so sweet to me and yes, one of the few that got away with ‘Barbie.’ So glad to see your comment…I never typically hear from any family. xoxo to you Judy
Since I’m such an espresso lover, this is my kind of a gift. I suppose I couldn’t convince you to come visit and give me some lessons on how to make these delicious liqueur gifts?:)Looks absolutely tasty.
Lora ~ cakeduchess Most Recent Post: Vegan Maple Pumpkin Pie
You need no lessons for these…they’re way too easy. Now if you need some helping drinking them that’s a whole different story.
Ok, so I am just kicking myself because I have never thought to make my own coffee liqueur. Thank you for showing me the light. Cannot wait to make this. :)
Jen Schall Most Recent Post: Friday Favorites – Episode 114
Better late than never right? Just make sure you let the syrup get really thick because once you add the vodka it thins a lot. Mine will get to where I have to scrape some of the sugar off the side of the pan and it’s not a worry; it will all melt together in the brew!
Fabulous! I’d love to be a recipient on your gift list this year :-) So great that you make your hits-I’m hoping to make some this year myself. Your cranberry liqueur looks amazing too! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
The same back to you…and you should try the liqueur; it’s really easy. I’m re-posting it next week with new pics. Makes a lovely cocktail with a sparking wine.
This looks beautiful Barb. If your daughter works in the Denver store, I must say she does a fabulous job. Their displays are works of art and I always enjoy them. What a great gift. I too have started making holiday gifts and am going to post a recipe today. GMTA. :) Even if it’s before Thanksgiving.
Lea Ann Most Recent Post: Homemade Hashbrown Potatoes…Take Three
She in the Park Meadows store but they have corporate guidelines for how everything has to look and stores are very similar. I know the woman who is the manager of that department in Cherry Creek; she is absolutely talented and driven; has won numerous awards.
Boo hoo I want to be on your holiday gift list? Un-secret Santa? What tremendous, fabulous coffee liqueur! Wow I am impressed! And it does look so rich! Beautiful and lucky gift recipients!
Jamie Most Recent Post: CROSTATA DI MARMELLATA (JAM TART)
I’ll send you some if you’ll come as far as Florida; how about that? :)
Home made is definitely fun, but I’ve got so many bottle sitting around now with odd things floating in them that it’s starting to look frightening. Not that I’m going to stop any time soon. Oh, no…
Donna Most Recent Post: Whole Foods Friday: Cranberry Liqueur (aka Infused Booze)
What a great homemade gift idea (for myself!) ;)
What a lovely post – and home cured bacon is an awesome gift. I am going to try out the coffee liqueur.
Lynn Most Recent Post: Food Network Virtual Thanksgiving: Blue Cheese and Rosemary Celebration Potatoes
Thank you Lynn for your vote of confidence; it’s going into the cure today; they better like it right?
I am going to have to try this especially if its better than Kahlua….would be a great addition to my jello shots! Seems easy enough too ;)
Karriann Graf Most Recent Post: Ancient Grains for Modern Meals – Cookbook Giveaway
I think it is…and it is easy and while not what I want to call cheap since I don’t make gifts for that reason…I’m thinking I’ll get about 4 or 5 bottles of this for less than the cost of one bottle of Kahlua. Really can’t beat than can you? My biggest dilemma…wish gift recipients would return the bottles for refill!
I made it today!!! Love the way it turned out. The only thing I will do when I make it again is to reduce it for more than the 1hr. I thought it was thick enough but then when I added the vodka it thinned it out so I would cook it for longer to get it a bit thicker! Can’t wait to try it in my coffee!!!
Judy Most Recent Post: Sweet and Sticky Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
So excited and glad you love it. Tastes amazing doesn’t it? The syrup does have to get thick because the vodka will then it again but I’ll tell you want. Better to have not cooked it quite enough than to have burned it. Many recipes don’t even thicken the syrup so I’m sure yours will be fabulous!
I made an ice cream with Kahlua recently and a reader sent me a recipe for homemade coffee liqueur like this…but in my case, low carb. I definitely need to give this a try with my alternative sweeteners!
If you get one developed that you like; be sure to let me know so I can include a link on mine, OK?
P.S. I keep forgetting to tell you how much I like your Fall blog header! It is new(ish) isn’t it or am I just not very observant?
Paula Most Recent Post: Gingerbread Christmas Cookie Wreath
Thank you Paula…one reason I loved the new header I made when I switched to CC is that not only is it easy to switch out photos when I feel like it but it’s also easy to change that top banner and some colors. I’ll be like Nordstrom’s; look for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving!
I hope you have that brewing facility locked up tight. With bottles of this in there I’m sure if any of your neighbours read this there may just be some late night boot-leggers lurking about :)
I used to make home-made Bailey’s every Christmas (it’s great in your coffee too) and your recipe for this Coffee Liqueur is wonderful. Alone it would be a beautiful gift Barb but you adding it to your own home cured maple bourbon bacon and Biscoff cookies…now that makes for an awesome present that anyone would be a fool not to be overjoyed to receive.
Paula Most Recent Post: Gingerbread Christmas Cookie Wreath
I admit; I have a very select list. Sister, dad, best buds and a couple of neighbors. I love that they so look forward to their basket each year. The bacon might be a shock…until they try it!
This is brilliant. I’m glad you shared early so I can get a head start to give it some time to age. Thanks. I’m hoping I’ll get at least a sip (or two) of yours.
Andrea @ Fork Fingers Chopsticks Most Recent Post: Kale: Caldo Verde – Portuguese “Green” Soup
Of course; I’m brewing more base even as I type. Anytime for you my dear.
Oh my this drink looks amazing! I want one right now. Is it too early to have this for lunch? Great recipe, Wendy! Thanks for sharing!
Not too early; I might have put some in my coffee this morning. :)
I am SO thankful you posted this recipe. I think this will be a must for holiday gifts and I think my family and friends will adore it. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos Most Recent Post: Fab Friday — Thanksgiving Edition
Aly…your response and delight is exactly why I do share things from my kitchen; let me know if you do this…and enjoy!
Ummm….Barb….can I get on your Christmas gift list?? I would love doing homemade gifts but it wouldn’t work for the folks on my gift list.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme Most Recent Post: Thanksgiving Menu Planning
Made me chuckle…people anxiously wait for my basket of goodies; except for my own kids. You would think I was trying to give them cow feed to suggest I give them a basket as a gift. Funny I guess but shows what they’re used to huh?
Barb,
This recipe is fantastic – I love that you have done all the experimenting for me!! I seriously need to make some of this – so much nicer to take a bottle of this than a boring bottle of wine!!
Nancy@acommunaltable Most Recent Post: Pear Tart with Ginger and Vanilla
Absolutely Nancy. I have to say I have never heard one complaint.
Oh this is definitely close to my heart! Coffee love all the way and I loved reading your rec’s on what vodka to get!
Nelly Rodriguez Most Recent Post: Organic Oikos Drinkable Greek Yogurt + Giveaway!
I’ll toast you with some Nelly…so happy for you!
Oh awesome gift. I make my holiday gifts too but they are always baked good. I would rather have eatable gift then more junk in my house – so i definitely do not consider it cheap. I think this is a great gift idea.
Delishhh Most Recent Post: Pumpkin Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
I prefer giving edible gifts; I don’t have to worry about sizes or colors or even returns! Each year they get a bit more complicated though…I mean it used to be a dozen cookies!
Barb, this sounds fantastic – we don’t have many cold nights here in SoCal, but I can always pretend:)
I made several fruit liqueurs during the summer, using the loot my father brought daily from his ranch and it just made me want to make more and more:) I have your Cranberry Liqueur bookmarked and I’ll gladly add this one to the list!
BTW, lucky are your friends and family to receive such thoughtful gifts!
Lana Most Recent Post: Ice Harvest
You don’t need a cold night…Kahlua is good no matter the temp. Glad you’re back home I bet huh? Must be so hard to worry about your Mom and still want to be home. Have a good Thanksgiving Lana; you deserve a break.
I was wondering what this Friday’s cocktail would be and this doesn’t dissapoint. I love Kahlua in my coffee on a frosty winter day. It is just good for the soul.
Your homemade Christmas presents make me feel like I may need to kick up my cheese straw offerings a bit. They are good, but they’re not Kahlua or your delicious bacon.
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: New Found Freedom and Fantastic Festival Food: Natchitoches Meat Pies
I now have some in my coffee. Just a bit cause it is morning and all…but oh my is that good. All your fault and I thank you for that!
This sounds so fabulous!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray Most Recent Post: Spiked Irish Cream Latte Buttercream Frosting
Absolutely fabulous..and a great price to boot. I should figure it out, but I know this. One batch makes two bottles. I could do two batches from a 750ML of $15 vodka. Sugars and all…couple of bucks? Compared to $30+ for one bottle of Kahlua? Absolutely worth making.
Totally making this today!!!
Well, I totally put some in my coffee this morning; so there! Hope you enjoy as much as we do.
Thanks for the reminder – I made some of this months ago and have never tried it!
Cooking with Michele Most Recent Post: Veritas – New York City
I promise to not forget mine; actually making more today; the orders are coming in. :)