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Kahlua is everyone’s favorite coffee liqueur! Here’s what to know about this Mexican liquor and the best ways to use it.
It’s rich, bittersweet, and it tastes like sweetened coffee. It’s everyone’s favorite coffee liqueur: Kahlua! This Mexican liquor stems back to the 1930’s, and is the key to famous drinks like the White Russian and Mudslide. What’s it made of, and what are the best ways to use it? We’ve got answers. Here’s what you need to know about this popular coffee liqueur!
What is Kahlua?
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Veracruz, Mexico with rum, sugar, vanilla bean, and coffee. It was invented in 1936 by Pedro Domecq. Contrary to what you might think, there’s no dairy! Kahlua is dark brown in color and not creamy at all, though many popular drinks that use it add cream.
Kahlua became popular after the invention of the Black Russian in 1948, and then the spin on it the White Russian in 1955. These classics catapulted Kahlua into the spotlight throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. In 1980, it became the number one selling coffee liqueur worldwide.
Note: While it’s dairy-free, Kahlua is not 100% vegan; one of the company’s suppliers uses a sugar refining process that is not vegan friendly.
What does Kahlua taste like?
Kahlua has a full-bodied, rich and sweet flavor. It tastes strongly of coffee, with notes of vanilla and caramel on the finish.
How much alcohol is in Kahlua? Kahlua is 20% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it is relatively low in alcohol. Compare it to 40% ABV like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.
Are there any substitutes?You can substitute any other coffee liqueur: the most popular substitutes are Tia Maria and Sheridan’s.
Why we like it
Kahlua is part of the historical co*cktail lexicon, and we’re here for it! It’s very sweet, so use it sparingly. Famous for after dinner drinks like the White Russian and Mudslide, it’s also great as a shot in Kahlua coffee.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Kahlua ismid-priced. It costs about $20 per 750 ml bottle. The shelf life of Kahlua is 4 years, so you’ve got a long time to use it.
Most popular Kahlua co*cktails
Kahlua can be drunk on the rocks, but it’s best known for its use in drinks! It features in many great co*cktails, most of themafter dinner drinks.
Black Russian
The Black Russian is theoriginal Kahlua co*cktail: just vodka and Kahlua! It's lesser known than the White Russian, but we might even like it a little better.
History:Invented in 1949, it was created in a hotel bar in Brussels for the American ambassador to Luxembourg. The drink is not Russian: it was named for the vodka and the dark color of Kahlua.
White Russian
This classic hits the spot in any season: theWhite Russian! This co*cktail mixes vodka with Kahlua and cream in a decadently creamy, searingly sweet beverage. Perhaps you know it from the 1990’s movie The Big Lebowski.
History: Adding cream to a Black Russian started in 1955 in Oakland, California.
Mudslide
The classic Mudslide isn't a boozy milkshake! It's shaken with Kahlua and Irish cream and served up in a co*cktail glass.
History:The Mudslide was invented in the mid-1970’s on Grand Cayman Island at a bar called Wreck Bar.
Espresso Martini
Here’s a classic Kahlua drink for coffee lovers: the Espresso Martini!Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua.
History: Invented in 1983. A bartender at the Soho Brasserie in London named Dick Bradsell created the drink for a patron who asked for a drink to wake her up.
Other co*cktails
This Mexican coffee liqueur is also included in the following drinks:
- B-52 co*cktail: Layer it with Irish cream and Grand Marnier
- Bushwacker: Mix it with ice, rum, coconut, and creme de cacao for a chocolaty pina colada
- Mind Eraser: A Black Russian with a layer of soda water
- Colorado Bulldog: A White Russian with a splash of cola
- Spanish Coffee: Add coffee, orange liqueur, rum and a caramelized sugar rim
- Kahlua Coffee: Add a shot in coffee and a drizzle of cream
Kahlua Mudslide
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- Author: Sonja Overhiser
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Here’s how to make a mudslide: the real way! This mudslide recipe makes the classic drink starring vodka, Kahlua and Irish cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ounce* vodka
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- 1 ½ ounces Irish cream (like Baileys)
- 1 ½ ounces heavy cream (or 2 scoops vanilla ice cream and ½ cup ice*)
- For the garnish: Shaved chocolate (optional), chocolate sauce for the rim (optional)
Instructions
- Classic Mudslide: If desired, spread the chocolate sauce on a plate and carefully dip in the co*cktail glass rim. Place the vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream, and heavy cream in a co*cktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into a co*cktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired.
- Frozen Mudslide:Place the vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream, vanilla ice cream and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
Notes
*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: co*cktails
- Diet: Vegetarian
More co*cktail guides
Here are a few more guides to liqueurs, spirits and mixology:
- Grenadine Quick GuideIt’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Cointreau Quick GuideThis popular orange liqueur is the best out there.
- Galliano Quick Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Aperol Quick Guide and Campari Quick Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Orange Liqueur Quick GuideAll you need to know about this somewhat confusing style of liquor.
- Chartreuse Quick GuideThis pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Absinthe Quick GuideThis formerly banned liquor is now in good graces.
Published on / Last updated on
Categorized In:
- Liquor Guides
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes and the joy of cooking! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.
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