How to Make Kahlua From Coffee Beans

Kahlua, a coffee-based liqueur flavored with vanilla and chocolate, makes a fine after-dinner beverage and is used as an ingredient in desserts. Originally a Mexican beverage, it's long been a favorite in many countries. The original Kahlua--and several less expensive imitations--are staples in any well-stocked bar. You can make your own at home with inexpensive ingredients and just a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 lb. dark roast coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• Coffee filters
• Coffeemaker
• 4 cups distilled water
• 3-quart saucepan
• 2 cups brown sugar
• Dash salt
• Dash white pepper
• Dash cinnamon
• 2 quart-size canning jars with lids
• 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
• Rubber spatula
• 2 vanilla beans
• 1 pint vodka
• 1 pint brandy

Instructions

1. Divide the coffee beans into two equal portions. Use the coffee grinder to grind half the beans very fine.

2. Place a coffee filter in the basket of the coffeemaker and add half of the ground coffee beans. Pour in 2 cups of water and let it drip through the grounds.

3. Pour this strong coffee into the saucepan. Repeat with a fresh coffee filter, the other half of the ground coffee beans and the remaining 2 cups of water. Add this coffee to the saucepan---this is the base for your homemade Kahlua.

4. Add the brown sugar, salt, pepper and cinnamon, and the remaining whole coffee beans to the saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture, with the whole coffee beans, into the two glass canning jars, dividing it evenly.

5. Melt the chocolate in a saucepan or microwave oven. Using a rubber spatula, pour half of the chocolate into each canning jar with the coffee.

6. Slice each vanilla bean diagonally into three pieces and divide the pieces between the two canning jars. Add the vodka and brandy in equal measure to the jars, pouring slowly until the jars are filled to within 1/8 inch of the top---you may not need the full two pints of liquor.

7. Seal the jars tightly and set them in a cupboard where it's dark and cool. Shake the homemade Kahlua jars gently each day for a month.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a mesh strainer lid over the tops of the jars to filter when pouring; you can buy these with sprouting jars at a natural foods store.

• Serve over ice with heavy cream for a "White Russian" cocktail---one of the Top 100 requested cocktails on the online Bartending Guide (Webtender.com).

• For extra flavor, let the Kahlua age for another month.

• Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.

Resources

• Online Bartending Guide