How to Make Homemade Kahlúa (6 Steps)

Kahlúa is a coffee flavored liquor that is used in many cocktail recipes like a B-52, Baby Guinness, Mudslide and the Black and White Russian. Though it is readily available and easily purchased in a liquor store or super market, it is also very simple to make at home. Homemade Kahlúa makes a great gift for housewarming parties, party favors and Christmas treats. Use brown tinted bottles for an old world charm (this also helps the fermenting process) and get busy making your very own Kahlúa right at home.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 Cups Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Instant Coffee
  • 2 Cups Boiling Water
  • Vanilla bean
  • Fifth of vodka (cheap brand is fine)
  • 1/2 gallon glass bottle, preferably dark brown

Instructions

  1. Stir the boiling water, sugar and coffee until dissolved.

  2. Let stand to cool.

  3. Place one vanilla bean, split lengthwise, into the bottom of a 1/2 gallon brown glass bottle. The brown tint helps with the fermenting process.

  4. Add a fifth of vodka to the glass bottle.

  5. Pour the water, sugar and coffee mixture into the container and tightly seal.

  6. Let stand for 30 days before using.