Cocktails with Kahlúa
Kahlúa is a coffee-flavored liqueur from Mexico, essential for White Russians, Espresso Martinis, and B-52s. Its sweet, rich coffee flavor is iconic.
- Type
- Liqueur
- Strength
- 16–25% ABV
- Aroma
- Coffee, Vanilla, Caramel, Chocolate hints
- Taste
- Sweet coffee, Vanilla, Caramel, Rum undertones
- Finish
- Sweet, Coffee, Moderately long
16 drinks with Kahlúa
- Amaretto Espresso MartiniVodka, Amaretto, Espresso
- B52Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Marnier
- Baby GuinnessBaileys Irish Cream
- Black RussianVodka
- Blow JobBaileys Irish Cream, Amaretto, Whipped Cream
- BushwackerDark Rum, Brown Crème de Cacao, Coconut Cream
- Dirty BananaWhite Rum, Crème de Banane, Cream
- Duck FartBaileys Irish Cream, Crown Royal
- Espresso Eggnog MartiniVodka, Espresso, Cream
- Espresso MartiniVodka, Simple Syrup, Espresso
- Espresso Martini SlushVodka, Espresso, Simple Syrup
- Mind EraserVodka, Soda Water
- MudslideVodka, Baileys Irish Cream, Cream
- Pumpkin Spice White RussianVodka, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, Cream
- RevolverBourbon, Orange Bitters
- White RussianVodka, Cream
History
Kahlúa was created in 1936 in Veracruz, Mexico, using local Arabica coffee beans and rum. The name comes from the Nahuatl word for 'house of the Acolhua people.' It gained global popularity through the White Russian cocktail, famously featured in 'The Big Lebowski.'
How it’s made
Made by combining rum with Arabica coffee grown in Veracruz, Mexico, along with sugar and vanilla. The coffee beans are roasted, ground, and brewed, then combined with rum and sweetened. Kahlúa contains less alcohol than many liqueurs due to its high sugar content.
Bottles to try
Kahlúa OriginalBudget
The original coffee liqueur, with sweet vanilla-coffee flavor from Mexican Arabica beans.
Tia MariaMid-range
Jamaican coffee liqueur with slightly drier profile and more pronounced coffee bitterness.
Mr Black Cold BrewPremium
Australian cold brew coffee liqueur with intense coffee flavor and less sweetness than traditional options.
Got Kahlúa at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.