Kahlúa is a coffee-flavored liqueur made in Mexico. The main alcohol used in Kahlúa is rum. Kahlúa combines rum with sugar, coffee essence and vanilla bean to create its signature sweet, creamy flavor.
Kahlúa is one of the most popular coffee liqueurs in the world. Its rich, indulgent taste makes it a beloved ingredient in cocktails like the White Russian and Mudslide. But what is the secret behind Kahlúa’s distinctive coffee kick? The answer lies in its main alcoholic ingredient – rum.
What Alcohol Makes Up Kahlúa?
Kahlúa is made from rum, sugar, coffee essence and vanilla bean. The primary spirit used to make Kahlúa is rum. Rum gives the liqueur its robust, sugary flavor that pairs so perfectly with coffee.
Specifically, Kahlúa is made using a rum that originates from Veracruz, Mexico. The rum is distilled from molasses rather than sugarcane juice. Molasses rum tends to have a richer, fuller-bodied taste compared to light rum. This makes it an ideal choice for creating Kahlúa’s bold coffee profile.
In addition to rum, Kahlúa contains around 20-25% sugar. Brown sugar is used to complement the molasses notes from the rum. The sugar balances out the natural bitterness of the coffee. Vanilla bean adds extra depth and rounds out the flavors.
Kahlúa Ingredients
- Rum – The main spirit used to make Kahlúa is rum from Veracruz, Mexico.
- Sugar – Brown sugar makes up 20-25% of Kahlúa’s ingredients.
- Coffee essence – Adds authentic coffee flavor.
- Vanilla bean – Provides depth and smoothness.
The History of Kahlúa
Kahlúa was invented in 1936 by Pedro Domecq, the former head of Mexico’s Domecq spirits company. He set out to create a coffee liqueur that would suit the tastes of Americans visiting Mexico.
Pedro Domecq experimented with Yemeni coffee beans before ultimately using coffee from Veracruz. He paired the coffee with rum, brown sugar and vanilla. This combination resulted in the sweet, creamy liqueur we now know as Kahlúa.
The name Kahlúa is derived from the Arabic word “kahwa”, meaning coffee. It may also reference the Kahlúa region of Veracruz where the rum used in the liqueur originates.
Kahlúa was an immediate hit in the US and Mexico. Since 1936, over 200 million cases of Kahlúa have been sold worldwide. It continues to be one of the most popular coffee liqueurs today.
How Is Kahlúa Made?
Kahlúa is made using a meticulous multi-step process:
1. Brewing the Coffee
High quality coffee beans from Veracruz are roasted and ground. The ground coffee is then brewed to extract the maximum coffee flavor.
2. Mixing with Rum and Sugar
The freshly brewed coffee is combined with molasses rum and brown sugar. The sugar balances out the coffee’s natural bitterness.
3. Distilling and Aging
The rum, coffee and sugar mixture is distilled and aged in steel tanks for several weeks. This allows the flavors to fully integrate.
4. Adding Vanilla
Finally, Mexican vanilla bean is added to the distilled spirit. This gives Kahlúa its signature smooth, aromatic finish.
5. Bottling
After sufficient aging, the Kahlúa is filtered and bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). It is now ready to be enjoyed!
Kahlúa Proof and Alcohol Content
All Kahlúa liqueurs have an alcohol content of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). This equals 80 proof. Most standard spirits like rum, vodka and whiskey are bottled at 40% ABV.
Some coffee liqueurs may have a lower alcohol content of around 20-30% ABV. Kahlúa is on the stronger end at 40% because it uses rum as its base spirit. The robust proof allows the coffee flavor to shine through.
Kahlúa Alcohol by Volume
| Product | ABV |
|---|---|
| Kahlúa Original | 40% |
| Kahlúa Especial | 40% |
| Kahlúa French Vanilla | 40% |
| Kahlúa Hazelnut | 40% |
| Kahlúa Salted Caramel | 40% |
| Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha | 40% |
Drinks Made With Kahlúa
Kahlúa’s indulgent flavor profile makes it a popular addition to sweet cocktails and dessert drinks:
White Russian
A classic combo of Kahlúa, vodka and cream. Often served on the rocks.
Black Russian
Kahlúa and vodka served neat, without cream. Has a bold, bittersweet taste.
Mudslide
Kahlúa, vodka and cream blended with ice. Thick and icy like a milkshake.
Baby Guinness
A shot made by layering Kahlúa on top of Irish cream liqueur. Resembles a mini pint of Guinness.
B-52
Kahlúa, Irish cream and triple sec liqueur layered in a shot glass. When done correctly, the liquids remain separated.
Espresso Martini
A cocktail made with vodka, Kahlúa and espresso. Perfect after dinner pick-me-up.
Conclusion
Kahlúa’s signature flavor comes from its smooth blend of rum, coffee, sugar and vanilla. Rum gives the liqueur its robust spirit base which allows the coffee notes to shine. The rum used in Kahlúa hails from Veracruz, Mexico – the same region where the coffee beans originate.
A perfect balance of sweet and bitter, Kahlúa’s distinctive taste has made it a beloved cocktail ingredient for over 80 years. Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed into a White Russian, Kahlúa’s coffee kick is unmistakable.