Alcoholic Beverage, Liqueur | N/ A

Kahlua

N/A (Branded Liqueur) Allergen-Free
Kahlua

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Processed beverage)
  • Primary Cuisine Mexican
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Coffee beans, Sugarcane (for rum), Vanilla

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A coffee-flavored liqueur originating from Mexico, made with rum, arabica coffee, corn syrup, and vanilla bean.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, strong coffee, caramel, vanilla, slightly bitter finish
TextureViscous, syrupy, smooth
AromaIntense coffee, roasted, vanilla, rum
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 1.5 fl oz (44ml)
Calories310kcal
Total Fat0g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0g
Total Carbohydrate55g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars55g
Calcium0mg
Iron0mg
Potassium0mg

Chef’s Secret

Kahlua can be used to add a rich coffee depth to chocolate desserts; its sweetness often means you can reduce other added sugars.

Substitutions

Best Match

Tia Maria

1:1

Jamaican coffee liqueur, very similar flavor profile with a slight vanilla and rum difference. Best overall substitute.

Coffee extract + Rum + Simple Syrup

Varies (taste to preference)

DIY option to mimic flavor and alcohol content, useful when Kahlua is unavailable or for custom sweetness.

Strong Brewed Coffee + Sugar

Varies

Non-alcoholic alternative, suitable for baking or desserts where only the coffee flavor is desired, not the alcohol.

Espresso Liqueur

1:1

Similar coffee flavor intensity, but often drier and less sweet than Kahlua.

Buying Guide

Available in most liquor stores. Check for promotional sizes. Store in a cool, dark place.

Flavor Pairings

Coffee cream vodka (White Russian) cocktails desserts (tiramisu chocolate cake).

Recipes Using Kahlua

3 Steps Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less Course Preparation

African Coffee Cooler

Escape the heat with this refreshing African Coffee Cooler! A vibrant blend of coffee, creamy sweetness, and exotic flavors, this 5-minute drink is the perfect pick-me-up or after-dinner treat. Easy to make and bursting with deliciousness, it's the ideal summer cooler.

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Time To Make Cocktails For 1 Or 2 Number Of Servings

Almond Cow

A creamy, dreamy coffee cocktail that blends the rich nuttiness of almonds with the bold aroma of coffee. Perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a sophisticated evening treat! This 2-minute recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker.

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Occasion Shakes For 1 Or 2 15 Minutes Or Less

Amarula Blended Shake

Escape the heat with this luscious Amarula Blended Shake! A decadent mix of creamy Amarula, rich Kahlúa, and velvety milk, this easy cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up for hot lazy days. Indulge in the irresistible blend of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla notes. Feel free to adjust the Amarula for a stronger kick – the recipe is easily customizable to your taste! This simple shake is ready in minutes!

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Stove Top Equipment Time To Make Main Ingredient

Amazing Kahlua Baked Beans

Spice up your weeknight dinner with these unbelievably delicious Kahlua Baked Beans! This recipe skips the oven for a quick and easy stovetop preparation, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a homemade flavor explosion. Sweet and savory perfection in just 30 minutes! Perfect for meal prepping – leftovers freeze beautifully, making this an ideal 'once a month' cooking (OAMC) recipe. #kahluabakedbeans #bakedbeans #stovetopbeans #easyrecipe #quickdinner #oamc #mealprep

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Preparation Cuisine North American 15 Minutes Or Less

Annemarie's Monkey La La

Escape to the tropical paradise of Roatán with Annemarie's Monkey La La! This vibrant cocktail, crafted by a chef, caterer, and flower doctor extraordinaire, is a taste of island life. A refreshing blend of exotic flavors, it's the perfect drink to sip while enjoying the sun or dancing under the stars. Will it make you sing like a monkey? Try it and find out! Easy to make in just 10 minutes.

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3 Steps Or Less Chocolate Main Ingredient Taste Mood

Aphrodisiac Martini

Unleash your inner temptress (or temptor!) with this tantalizing Aphrodisiac Martini. Is it magic? Is it science? You decide! This seductive cocktail is quick, easy, and guaranteed to ignite the senses. Perfect for a romantic night in or a sophisticated cocktail party.

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Served Cold Presentation Course Time To Make

B 52

Inspired by the classic B-52 cocktail, this recipe creates a visually stunning layered drink. Learn the secrets to perfectly layering liqueurs based on their density, ensuring vibrant, distinct layers that won't mix. This step-by-step guide, complete with helpful tips and tricks, will have you crafting beautiful B-52 cocktails in minutes. Impress your friends with this easy yet elegant cocktail recipe!

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Chocolate Dietary Main Ingredient Preparation

B 52 Cake

Indulge in the decadent B-52 Bomb Cake! This intensely chocolatey and boozy masterpiece is for adults only. Inspired by the classic cocktail, this recipe layers rich chocolate cake, creamy coffee liqueur filling, and a hint of Kahlúa for an unforgettable dessert experience. (Recipe adapted from Roxsand Scocos)

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For 1 Or 2 Preparation For 1 Or 2 Number Of Servings

Baby Elephant Walk

A whimsical and surprisingly light cocktail! This creamy, dreamy concoction, inspired by a post-Amarula experiment (it makes two servings!), is perfect for a relaxed evening. Its delicate flavor profile makes it incredibly easy to enjoy. Try it on the rocks or blended for a frosty delight!

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Equipment High In Something Main Ingredient Microwave

Baked Brie With Kahlua And Pecans

This irresistible Baked Brie with Kahlúa and Pecans is the perfect easy appetizer for your next gathering! Warm, gooey brie is topped with a crunchy pecan mixture infused with the rich flavor of Kahlúa, creating a delightful sweet and savory combination. Ready in under 15 minutes, it's sure to impress your guests.

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Healthy Copycat Cocktails Beginner Cook

Kahlua Mudslide

Skip the pricey pre-mixes! This decadent Kahlúa Mudslide recipe is ridiculously easy to make at home. Indulge in creamy, chocolatey perfection in just minutes. Learn how to create this classic cocktail masterpiece with our simple, step-by-step guide.

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