Kahlua Coffee

Kahlua coffee works anytime: use it as a pick me up for morning brunch or top it with whipped cream for a boozy dessert! Anything goes here.

Does Kahlua go in coffee? The answer: A resounding Yes! This sweet coffee-flavored liqueur is at it’s best in a cup of joe, and it works any time of the day. Add it to morning coffee for a brunch pick-me-up, or serve it as a dessert drink topped with whipped cream like the popular Irish coffee. Anything goes, here! Add a hint of cream or just serve it black like a Black Russian: it’s delicious whatever variation you choose.

What’s Kahlua coffee?

Kahlua coffee is hot coffee spiked with a shot of Kahlua liqueur. You can add a drizzle of cream if you like, and top with whipped cream if you’re serving after a meal. You can serve it as a brunch drink as an alternative to the mimosa or Bloody Mary. Or it’s perfect as a dessert drink for a sweet ending to a meal. The ingredients for Kahlua coffee are:

• Kahlua
• Coffee, brewed using any method
• Cream (or oat milk)
• Whipped cream (or dairy free whipped cream)

Coffee brewing methods!

The better the coffee, the better the Kahlua coffee! Use your favorite coffee brewing method for this drink. Of course, run of the mill coffee beans won’t taste nearly as good as high quality coffee. A more thoughtful coffee method tastes better than a coffee maker. Here are a few coffee making options:

• Chemex (pour over): This is our top choice for a great cup of coffee. There’s a bit of equipment involved, but it’s our preferred method we’ve been making every morning for years. Go to How to Use a Chemex to Make Coffee.
• Americano (espresso): This Kahlua coffee is fantastic with a good Americano. You’ll need an espresso maker for this one: go to How to Make an Americano.
• Aeropress: The Aeropress makes a great cup with a quick and easy method. Go to How to Use an Aeropress

Cream options…for all diets

There are a few options for Kahlua coffee, depending on how you want to serve it! You don’t have to add dairy…but it adds a nice touch. Here’s what to know:

• Black: Serve this Kahlua coffee straight up with no cream: it’s seriously tasty.
• Cream: Add a drizzle of cream to make it taste a little richer. It’s not necessary, but we like the look of it (especially that swirl look!).
• Whipped cream: Serving it as a dessert drink like an Irish coffee? Top with homemade whipped cream! Homemade tastes infinitely better than store-bought, trust us. Try our Homemade Whipped Cream or Vegan Whipped Cream using coconut milk.

More about Kahlua

Kahlua is a type of coffee liqueur: the most popular brand, in fact. But what actually is it?

• Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Mexico with rum, sugar and coffee. Contrary to what you might think, there’s no dairy at all! Kahlua is naturally dark brown in color; many of the drinks made with it have cream or other dairy added.
• Does Kahlua have caffeine? Yes. Kahlua does have caffeine, but it’s only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee.
• How much does Kahlua cost? It costs about $15 to $20 for a large 750 ml bottle.
• What other cocktails can you make with it? Try Kahlua drinks like the White Russian, Mudslide, B-52, Bushwacker, Mind Eraser, Colorado Bulldog, and more.

More coffee cocktails

Are you a coffee lover? (We assume so.) There are so many coffee-flavored cocktails to try! Once you’re done with this Kahlua coffee, line these up in your queue:

• White Russian, Baileys White Russian, or Black Russian Try these classic cocktails! Black Russian was the original with Kahlua and vodka; the White variation adds a slash of cream.
• Espresso Martini or Baileys Espresso Martini A modern classic cocktail made with coffee, Kahlua, and vodka! It’s ideal as a pick-me-up or after dinner drink.
• Amaretto Coffee Another gem! This spiked hot drink is part cocktail, part dessert: and you won’t be able to stop sipping it.
• Spanish Coffee This showy after dinner drink features Kahlua, rum, orange liqueur, and a caramelized sugar rim.
• Mexican Coffee A spin on Irish coffee with tequila, Kahlua and triple sec.
• Baileys Coffee Add Baileys Irish Cream for a creamy, mellow drink.
• Carajillo (Mexican Spiked Coffee) The mix of bitter coffee and sweet vanilla notes of Licor 43 is perfection.

When to serve Kahlua coffee

Kahlua coffee is sweet and creamy! It works for brunch, after dinner, or anytime in between. Serve it as a:

• Brunch drink
• Happy hour drink
• Afternoon cocktail
• Late night drinks drink
• Girls or guys night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

Print