Homemade Coffee Liquor Recipe
Kahlua and Tia Maria are Easy to Make, and are Versatile Liqueurs
May 23, 2007
Coffee liquor is enduringly popular. It's a tasty drink to serve at the end of a dinner party: When a Kahlua style beverage is available, guests don't have to choose between coffee and an after-dinner drink. Kahlua and Tia Maria-type drinks give a mellow buzz of alcohol and caffeine (when imbibed responsibly). This recipe for great tasting homemade coffee liquor is sure to spark conversation.
While traditional Kahlua and Tia Maria use fresh, caffeinated coffee as a featured ingredient, it's fine to use decaf for this recipe. However, make sure that the brand of decaf coffee is one with an agreeable flavor; if it's not tasty with hot water, it's not going to be much better served cold - even as a liquor.
Homemade Coffee Liquor Recipe:
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups alcohol (vodka for Kahlua, rum for Tia Maria)
- 1 cup dry instant coffee, or 1/2 cup fresh ground coffee (dark brew provides stronger coffee flavor) While fresh ground coffee leads to tastier Kahlua and Tia Maria later, it is also a bit more work intensive down the road.
- 1 whole vanilla bean, or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp caramel coloring, if desired
Boil the water and sugar in large pot, until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir.
Remove from heat, cool for half an hour.
Slowly add in the dry instant or fresh ground coffee, stirring continuously.
Add vanilla to the alcohol (vodka or rum), pour into gallon jug.
Combine cooled sugar syrup and coffee mixture with the vodka or rum in gallon jug.
Cover tightly, and shake every day for three weeks. Store in cool, dark place.
After three weeks, remove vanilla bean (if used) and strain coffee grounds (if fresh ground coffee was used). Discard vanilla bean and coffee grounds.
This recipe for Kahlua and Tia Maria style coffee liquor makes approximately 20 half-cup servings. It can be enjoyed as is, or combined with other ingredients.
Popular Kahlua coffee liquor recipes:
- Kahlua Coffee: Brew coffee as usual, replace sugar with this coffee liquor (with vodka) recipe, to taste.
- White Russian: Equal parts vodka, this coffee liquor recipe, and whole milk over ice.
- Black Russian: Equal parts vodka and this recipe.
- Kahlua Mudslide: Equal parts vodka, Irish Cream Liquor, this recipe, and whole milk or cream over ice.
- Kahlua Hot Chocolate: Four parts hot chocolate, one part this recipe in mug, topped with whipped cream.
Popular Tia Maria coffee liquor recipes:
- Tia Maria Coffee: Brew coffee as usual, replace sugar with this coffee liquor (with rum) recipe in mug, topped with whipped cream.
- Tiger Tail: Equal parts Grand Marnier orange liquor, peppermint schnapps, and this coffee liquor recipe in a shot glass.
- Tootsie Roll: Equal parts dark Creme de Cacao, Frangelico, and this recipe over ice, with or without cream.
- Tia Maria and Coke: Three parts Coke (or Pepsi, if you prefer), one part this recipe in a tall glass, with ice. It's very simple, and very good.
Related, on Suite 101:
World's Best Artichoke Dip Recipe
