How to Make Coffee Liqueur With Glycerin

Make homemade coffee liqueur with fresh, frothy espresso.

Coffee liqueur is an essential ingredient for a wide range of beverages, including Bahama Mamas, Mississippi Mud, coffee-flavored eggnog, espresso martinis and Black Russians. Make homemade coffee liqueur to gain control over the type of coffee used and the strength of the coffee flavor. Amongst the standard, requisite ingredients for coffee liqueur, glycerin is optional. Choose to add glycerin to thicken your homemade coffee liqueur and give it a rich, syrupy texture and to make it suitable for sipping.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 to 2 1/3 cups espresso
• 4 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 4 cups vodka
• 2 tbsp. food-grade glycerin
• Bottle with lid

Instructions

1. Measure out 2 cups each of sugar and water to make 32 oz. of liqueur.

2. Bring the water to a boil, stirring in the sweetener. Simmer and reduce for one hour.

3. Remove the sugar solution from the stove and add your favorite type of brewed espresso. Use 1 3/4 cups espresso for a mild coffee flavor. Use 2 to 2 1/4 cups for a stronger coffee flavor.

4. Add 4 tbsp. vanilla extract and 4 cups vodka. Lastly, add 2 tbsp. glycerin.

5. Leave the liqueur to cool. Pour into a sealable glass bottle and allow the liqueur to mature for at least two weeks before using.

Tips & Warnings

• If seeking an alternative to sugar, use brown sugar, honey or stevia. For brown sugar, still use 2 cups. Use 1 1/4 cup of honey. For stevia, use 2 tsp. liquid stevia.

• If brewed espresso is not available, use 1/2 to 3/4 cup instant coffee.

References

• Food Worldwide: How to Make Liqueurs
• Gunther Anderson: Sweetening Your Liqueurs