Recipe: Homemade Coffee Liquor {Kahlua} March 28 2012

My mom passed down my grandmother's version of homemade coffee liquor (most popularly known as Kahlua). This coffee liquor recipe seems to be a pretty standard recipe.  You let it sit for a couple of weeks which is sort of fun to wait and let your creation come to life.  The liquor turns out sweet, almost rich, and it packs a little punch. You don't need to add much to it - maybe a little milk (almond milk tastes great too) or cream for a White Russian or enjoy it on its own chilled over ice.  I was thinking it would be fun to experiment with strong coffee brews - let me know if you make this recipe or if you have another version of this recipe - I'd love to try it out.

Ingredients:

3 3/4 cups water

4 cups sugar

3/4 cup instant espresso

26 oz. vodka

1 pint of brandy

1/2 vanilla bean split

Process:

Boil water and sugar for five minutes. Remove from heat and add espresso. Bring to boil again. Remove from heat to add vodka and brandy. Pour this mixture into a large bottle (we used mason jars) with the vanilla bean. Let it sit in a cool dark spot (do not refrigerate) for about two weeks.  Enjoy!

Images: Rebecca Tollefsen