What ingredients are in a Coffee Liqueur?

10 tblsp instant Coffee, 4 tblsp Vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups Sugar, 1 qt Vodka, 2 1/2 cups Water

What glass do you use for a Coffee Liqueur?

A Coffee Liqueur is traditionally served in a Collins glass.

How strong is a Coffee Liqueur?

A Coffee Liqueur has an estimated ABV of 11.70%.

How many calories are in a Coffee Liqueur?

A Coffee Liqueur contains approximately 272 calories per serving.

Coffee Liqueur

Glass Collins glass

Difficulty Medium

Calories ~272 kcal

ABV 11.70%

Ingredients

Coffee 10 tblsp instant
Vanilla extract 4 tblsp
Sugar 2 1/2 cups
Vodka 1 qt
Water 2 1/2 cups

Instructions

Combine coffee, sugar and water. Simmer 1 hour and let cool. Add vanilla and vodka. Age in sealed jar 2 to 3 weeks.

Warm Sweet

Coffee Liqueur is a homemade recipe that creates a DIY version of a coffee liqueur by simmering instant coffee with sugar and water, then combining with vanilla extract and vodka, then aging in a sealed jar for two to three weeks to develop depth and integration. At 11.7% ABV, the resulting liqueur is sweet, rich, and coffee-forward, similar in character to commercial coffee liqueurs like Kahlúa. The aging process allows the vanilla and coffee flavors to fully meld with the vodka base.

History & Origins

Homemade coffee liqueur recipes have a long tradition in American home bartending, driven by both the economics of making spirits at home and the desire to customize sweetness and coffee intensity. The combination of coffee, sugar, vanilla, and vodka reflects the basic formula used by commercial producers, though home recipes typically use a vodka base rather than the rum used by some commercial brands. No single origin exists for this class of recipe.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet roasted coffee and warm vanilla from the extract, with a neutral vodka base. Palate: Sweet and coffee-forward; the balance of coffee bitterness and sugar sweetness creates a pleasantly rounded liqueur; vanilla provides a warm, aromatic depth. Finish: Sweet and coffee-lingering, medium-length.

coffee vanilla sweet rich homemade

Pro Tip

Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place during the aging period, shaking occasionally to ensure the flavors integrate evenly.

Data verified September 2015

Nutrition Facts →

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