How to make Kahlua coffee liqueur at home 

I made this yesterday and doubled the instant coffee with a little extra rum. Had some in my coffee this morning. It was delicious. Thank you.

I did test batches with light and dark Karos syrup separately, and using Medaglia D'oro instant esspresso. I also put the simmered ingredients in an ice bath before adding the rum so that the alcohol wouldn't evaporate away. Both were good, but when I had friends blind taste test them next to real Kahlua, they all thought the light Karos version was actual Kahlua. In the end, of the 5 different blind test occasions, everyone preferred the light Karo version. Also, after canning, the home made stuff seemed to get deliciously smooth after a about a week. So... this recipe is the winner. Make it with confidence and thanks to MHG for this amazingly easy recipe!

When Kahlua started making the "Especial" type Kahlua, I started buying it because it was 35%/70proof, instead of the lower proof ordinary Kahlua. Then, with all the different flavors Kahlua coming out, Especial suddenly became hard to find in the stores. Last year when I placed a special order for Especial at the liquor store, the Kahlua brand representative told me that decades ago (about the time I started buying Kahlua in the late 1970's), the regular Kahlua originally was 70 proof and not the lower proof we buy today. Which made a lot of sense because I recall it being stronger in those days. I thought you might like to know.

I love how u actually explain everything, not many people do that. Awesome job!

Thanks for including metric measurements as well as the US ones. It makes following your recipe in the UK so much easier. Cheers!

I just made it today and I must say! Perfect. Couldn't find corn syrup so substituted that with sugar syrup with a pinch of salt and boiled it lightly with a chunk of lemon. Also I used vanilla essence cuz extract was pretty expensive. Boy it was a delight to make it!

This is the video that got me interested in making Kahlua. I used brewed coffee instead of water and added 1tsp of instant coffee, skipped the corn syrup and used 1 can of sweetened condensed milk - Perfecto !! Thank you :-)

Thank you so much for using rum in this recipe. It so annoys me how many people are using vodka or everclear.

This video is almost 5 years old and I'm finding so much value in it, thank you so much for sharing this, I wasn't even in the drinking age when you posted this! Have a good one

This is great. I was wanting to get my son a bottle of kahlua for his birthday but I am thinking I might make him some and put it in a beautiful bottle with some extra mama love. His favourite drink is white russian.

WOW! Thanks so much for the recipe. Here in India, it's very expensive and not easily available too. Just made a batch and it looks and tastes yum. I had searched so many recipes, but the two things I loved about your recipe was one, you used RUM and second, the VISCOSITY matches the original one. The second thing made this recipe a CLEAR WINNER. I didn't have corn syrup, so made a substitute. I'll be doing a blind tasting with family members b/w this and the original tonight. Thanks

A 700 mL bottle of Kahlua is around $30 Australian- about $22.50 U. S.- so making your own is more economically viable if you can find a decent cheap rum. Vodka and Everclear would taste very thin and sharp, as they are grain alcohols, not sugar based like rum.

I use 2 cups sugar , 1 cup water, boil, to dissolve sugar, about 4 Tbs instant coffee,add 1 cup amber beehive syrup, 2 tsp vanilla , and I use Kracken rum, sooo good,

I love Kahlua. I had checked my grocery store for digital coupons and saw that they had all my shopping listed. Every item, date, price etc. Got out the calculator. Wait a minute here! I spent way too much on Kahlua over a period of 4 months. Then I remembered a gal i worked with years ago mentioned she made her own Kahlua. Here I am learning how to save some coin. When he mentions viscosity it reminds me of the old Prell commercials. I now do the following to save money. Roll my own smokes. Grow my own weed. Tonight I will add to that by making Kahlua. I don't drink for socializing. I drink to enhance my electric guitar playing. Makes it sound better. I don't get drunk anymore, but I surf the edge of it at times. All while blasting the kick ass rock from my younger days. You know what I mean. ENHANCED. Makes my guitar sound awesome!!

what a likeable and capable man, such a pleasure to watch-thank you

Standing ovation for you, your recipe is the absolute best, your secret to use Karo syrup is right on point, it has the perfect consistency, very happy camper here. I tried two other recipes but yours is the only winner...

A little vodka and you got a white Russian. This is the best recipe for Kahlua I have seen. The corn syrup will also keep the sugar from recrystallizing. I used to keep a small bottle of everclear in my tool bag when i worked as a tv and radio broadcast engineer. Its a grate cleaner and mixes well with a little soda.

Ooooh! That looks yummy! Thank you for a very well-thought out recipe. I've always wondered why some folks fling vodka about when purporting to make liqueurs. Meyers and Karo embody the Holiday spirit in my home.

Best home made kahlua video I ever seen. Thank you so much. I like the way you used rum it's more smelling and soft than vodka

I love the way he stirred the mixture before served. It reminds me of some pre-bedtime drinks my mom used to make for me when I was small.

I just found you on YT. I appreciate the way you explain things and the logical reasons for ingredients, etc. Easy to follow with no nonsense. (Funny I should say that, being nonsensical, myself.) I've subscribed and look forward to viewing more of your vids.Thanks.

Great video! 👍 It's well researched, accurate in terms of ingredients and measurements and calmly as well as clearly explained. I will try it later on tonight. Greetings from Germany! 👋🇩🇪🇺🇸

Great video! Kind of felt like I was watching Mr. Wizard's How to Make Kahlua... I will definitely try this recipe!

Best recipe I tried so far.

Great stuff! I appreciate the attention to detail and no music.

Thank you so much, Dennis. I made Kalua about 30 years ago and will love to make it again. I love mudslides.

I mentioned a Kahlua drink in a previous post. I called it a Dirty Mother (what we called it in Tahoe while hanging in the casinos after a day of skiing). If your bartender doesn't know what a Dirty Mother is, call it a Separator which is basically the same thing. The recipe is as follows: 1 part Kahlua 1 part Brandy 1/3 part creme or half and half. Basically, add the moo juice to taste... if you don't like a strong drink, just add a bit more milk. Pour over ice and GO! If you are feeling adventurous, we used to make something we called an Ivan O'Sanchez. We think we made it up... never bothered to see if it already existed. It is like a Dirty Mother, but undiluted by creme so it packs a bigger punch. Recipe goes as follows: 1 part Kahlua 1 part Vodka 1 part Baileys Over ice, and if you want to take some heat off the throat, add a bit more baileys or Kahlua. These drinks are perfect when it's cold out, perfect as a dessert drink, great holiday drink.

just made some using my homemade neutral (vodka) i dont use rum ,i make a simple syrup using brown sugar and water ,tastes very good. the brown sugar gives it a rumish taste.

Thank you - SUPER recipe very pleased with the “SMOOTHNESS, AROMA and finally TASTE” -

Thank you sir for this recipe. I just made some using some of your tips. I used some cold brew coffee concentrate I made. With some vanilla and almond extract. Demerara sugar, dark corn syrup and rum. So smooth over ice thanks!!

Great recipe, thanks for sharing! This is so simple and easy. Other recipes call for a three hour simmer of the water mix. Always love a short cut!

Well, it's holiday season of year 4. This recipe is still the best I have found... I've tried a few others that are just shortcuts, but none compare. An update to my findings of how the Kahlua ages over time are as follows: I have kept my 8 oz. canning jars full of home brewed Kahlua in a hall closet, so it is generally 65 to 77 degrees year around, dry and dark. The 3 year old brew is just as delicious as the 2 year old and 1 year old, with a very small amount of sediment in the bottom of the jar in each year's sample. I think this is just a tish of the espresso powder that never completely dissolves, but it makes absolutely no difference. At this point, I think it's safe to say that if you have the discipline to save it that long (or just forgot about it) it would still be good to drink in 5 or more years. I stick to my previous comments that waiting 6 weeks after brewing yields a very smooth and creamy product. Waiting longer will not change much at all, but if you are making it for gifts, give it at least 6 weeks to rest before. I did my last batch on Halloween, and sampled them all last night... so damned good. As always, thanks to Mobile Home Gourmet for this awesome recipe!!!

To enhance the viscosity try using Dark Brown sugar.

May not be the most popular video but definitely the most informative, great video

First of all people who use %96 alcohol, is also adding water to drop to level to the %20 just like you add water to the rom. Second instead of granulated sugar, you should use candi sugar (special sugar you use for whiskey and beers) for that caramelised aroma. What I use is instant coffee, coffee beans, and filter coffee all together with %96 alcohol and water and 1ml of rum aroma. Corn syrup is really great idea!! Will definitely use that for the next batch.

I made this the other day and it turned out perfect!!

Excited to try this. But what do you think about using honey instead of the karo syrup? I have bees and love to use it whenever I can. Great Video, by the way.

Doubled the ingredients poured it into a jug then added a bottle of Kahlua to it. Oh Boy! Lotsa Black Russians!! Thanks.

Instead of corn syrup, you could use sorghum molasses, which has a very distinct taste.

I used substituted light rum, agave nectar, and a shot of esspresso. .... Tastes fantastic mixed to a white Russian.

I just made this, and my man! Great tasting kahlua! My black russian has never been this balanced.

Dang! Another piece of gold!! My Grandma used to make this (she was a mean and very prejudice imbecile, mean to my Momma too, but she made great kahlua). Fantastic episode as always, thank you for sharing this Dennis! Gonna try this recipe for the upcoming holiday! Hey, PLEASE do an episode for taquitos. My last attempt would have made the record book of failures. LOVE to see a favorite Master nail it and show me. Cheers to you Mr. Awesome! :-)

Thank you for this fantastic tutorial! I am sure this will prove useful as I always have these ingredients around the house!

I like your style, Dude

Just like my Mom used to make.. That and Baileys every Christmas! :)

Kalua is at least $22 for a 5th here. Bought Copa de Oro for about $9. Not quite as good, but good enough for me! Definitely would try making my own - might try making a simple syrup of coconut sugar and Gosling's Black Seal for my rum. Would be thinner, but the flavor would definitely make up for it!

I made it in one batch, it's really good 👍. Today I made it the 2nd batch.

I use a mix of clear corn whiskey and honey bourbon as alcohol source for my coffee liqueur 😉☕️ honey is a good way to increase viscosity but you have to do it right otherwise the honey will separate from the mix, and now matter how much u heat and shake it will separate over and over again. To prevent this pour your alcohol into the jar (or whatever) where u mix ur coffee liqueur. Then add the honey, and shake. Shake really thoroughly until there is absolutely no more honey left on the sides and bottom of the jar. And then shake some more until it's almost creamy/foamy. Then mix in the other stuff and finish ur coffee liqueur. Like this you can store this in the fridge and the honey will never separate. It's magic ;)

I've always wanted to make my own but it was the cost of vanilla that killed the idea. I found a good source for the vanilla beans and so I will make my own when it gets here. Thanks for the how to video.

Thank you.

Great video :) I make mine little bit different, I cold infuse vodka with espresso beans for couple of hours till its get nice coffee taste and not to bitter. Then i simply cut it with simple syrup two 20% :) works very well and has long shelf life.

Haha, I love your reaction to the other videos on youtube. I too, watched several before yours....Your video, to my knowledge (which was acquired all of...2 hours ago) is the best on the subject! I just tried the recipe out (sans the corn syrup, 'didn't have any), it's cooling a bit in the fridge before I try it. Thanks!

i think i never subscribed that fast, the bob ross vibes are insane here :))) keep it up

Hi,glad i found ur channel,I tried your recipe,it’s so yummy,doing another to have for Xmas. Tanx for this,Happy thanksgiving and Merry Xmas and a wonderful New Years!!

Does it work in layering cocktails?

I use a similar method adding homemade chocolate syrup, simple syrup instead of Karo and dark RUM. I guess mine is more like Tia Maria. It does make a nifty hostess gift!

awesome recipe and i how you explain everything wich makes it easy, i tried this and it's so close to real kahlua, here in sweden were i live it's stupid expensive for a bottle of kahlua.

this video is so calming

Thank you - six years later that bottle cost me 24 dollars. I will be making this.

How about using spiced rum for this? Will that work?

the best one I have ever made!!!

U can use ground coffee , but then u just need to filter the mixture 1st , best to use 2 filters after u let the mixture seep , u also might want to add other notes like cinnamon or the peel of citrus

Great choice apron for making Kahlua. Rum is the way to go.

I feel relaxed after watching this.

Great video thanks. It looks like you filmed this in the 90's which is awesome!

Thank you so much for the recipe

Your recipe's are all right on point.

Try living in Australia it starts at $40 and upwards you are lucky to get it so cheap.

Hi there First time seeing your channel for me.... Question is what is the savings dollar wise? A big thank u!!!

I'm curious if you were satisfied with the viscosity of the finished product. I wondered if it wouldn't have had a bit more if you used more Karo and less white sugar in the recipe. I would think the Karo is essentially sugar syrup.

Pls teach us how to make homemade creme de cacao! Pls!??

Hi, Can it be consumed immediately or does it need to be refrigerated and stored for a certain period before consuming.

I like to drink Kalua with chamomile tea honey and a little cream.

Great recipe, can you keep these bottles at room temperature? Can they last long? I want to make a big batch for ''myself''.......

Everything in America comes in big batches, including the honey! For some reason, the way this man conducts himself resembles that of a governor, senator or cabinet secretary who also makes 'how to' liqueur guides on RU-vid. But I like it!

I totally appreciate this! I am thinking of making homemade Kahlua to give as a gift but all recipes call for letting it steep for weeks. This is more of what I’m seeking! Have you ever used dark corn syrup instead of light? Just wondering about the taste difference.

2 cups of water and 4 cups of sugar reduced down to the thickness of Karo syrup, if you don't have Karo syrup

Great job. Thanks

Hi love it. can you use honey or maple syrup .

Thanks for this. I'm definitely going to try this recipe at home :)

Cheers...this is good.

He doesn't specify in his recipe whether to use light rum or dark rum. Can anyone tell me which is better?

You nailed it buddy best recipe out there you! The old ladies getting drunk on rattlesnakes tonight

I don't know why I do these things. this isn't available in my country, so I came here to find a recipe, to make it, so I can try it... there's no way for me to know if I made it right, and if it tastes right, but there we go - that said, what could I use instead of corn syrup? I know it's available in my country in some sweets, but I avoid eating those anyway, and besides, I have no idea where I could find it, as a consumer. We have honey, agave, maple syrup.. I saw you said no to maple, what about agave? or something else? we have granulated fructose, can I just make syrup using that? would it affect the taste too much?

Wonderful!!!

Do you have a recipe on how to make corn syrup as I can’t get that here?

Great video. Thanks! Some questions: Can you use brown sugar? Should you wait to let it develop flavors? I saw on Ramseys Uncharted from India this woman ages it 2 months. ??

Today's market value is around 34 dollars for 750 ML bottle

Really great video, you got that nice white man charm too.

Thank-you so much

Could you use molasses instead of corn syrup?

Shouldn't we add the rum after the liquid has cooled?

I have that same pressure cooker pan!!

So, did this have the thicker texture ?

make a video on the best burger

Cool video. How long will this keep?

Your watch cloaking device failed momentarily Dennis! Love to do the "Where's Waldo in the Pick-Up?" when you mention them on the blog. But hey... at least I wasn't distracted by your hair this time :) Will definitely be making this when I make my annual batch of Christmas in a bottle next week. The store bought I like, but it is way too sweet.

Hi Dennis.. thanks for the recipe. If I want to make a more delicious coffee liqueur than Kahlúa, what ingredients should I add/change? Do I need to use a good (expensive) dark rum and a freshly brewed real espresso? Please kindly advise. Thanks.

Hello Sir! In Turkey it's pretty cheap to get ready distilled liter of sugar beet %96 alcohol . Is there any way i can turn that to Vodka/Gin/Whiskey/Liquor or more important for me that Rum? Thank you in advance :)

Oooooooooo ..... i like your channel!