Wrestling with whether to label yourself a coffee connoisseur or a foodie? Who says you have to choose? If chefs around the world have made use of ground coffee in their signature dishes for years, why can’t you do it, too?
All you need is the right recipe — fortunately, we’ve given you plenty to choose from — and you’ll see just how well the culinary and coffee worlds collide.
Homemade Kahlua
The best way to kick off a Kahlua coffee recipe roundup is with a step-by-step guide to make Kahlua itself. Besides, it’ll take quite a bit of coffee liqueur for you to make everything else on this list, so learning how to make it yourself can save you a few bucks and trips to the store in the long run. We like Vegan in the Freezer’s recipe; it’s easy to follow, and it doesn’t take too much time to whip up.
Spanish Coffee Cocktail
When you need something a little stronger than the average espresso-based beverage, a Spanish coffee cocktail can save the day. And we’ve got the perfect recipe for it here! Rum, triple sec, Kahlua, and, of course, brewed coffee give this beverage its strength, and the whipped cream, cinnamon, and sugar topping make it sweet. Simply delicious!
Pumpkin White Russian
If you love a good white Russian, you’ll appreciate it even more with a pumpkin-flavored twist. Carefree Mermaid’s pumpkin white Russian recipe hits the spot when the leaves begin to change (or any other time of the year, really). Round up some Kahlua, vodka, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice, and prepare to enjoy the autumnal cocktail of your dreams.
Dirty Horchata Cocktail
A glass of traditional Mexican horchata is good for everyone, but this dirty coffee and alcohol-infused variation of the beverage is just for the grown-ups. Our recipe produces something creamy, sweet, and strong, perfect for when you need a cool pick-me-up on a hot day or just want something a little different than your typical after-dinner cocktail.
Espresso Martini Cocktail
Sometimes, you need a more sophisticated drink in your hand, and when that’s the case, we highly recommend you have a good espresso martini cocktail. A few ounces of your favorite espresso, a bit of vodka, Kahlua, simple syrup, and a cocktail shaker are all you need to sip in style...well, all of that, plus our easy-to-follow recipe.
Hot White Russian Cocktail
Normally, the white Russian is served over ice, which is fine when the temperatures are warmer and the sun is going full force. When the colder winter months come around, though, you’re going to want something hot in your cup. Enter the hot white Russian. It still uses all the good stuff — a.k.a., vodka and Kahlua — but you’ll need hot brewed coffee and warm cream instead.
Pumpkin Spice Kahlua Coffee
Pumpkin spice and everything nice, that’s what good coffee is made of...or something like that. Maybe that’s not exactly how the saying goes, but we can at least confirm that’s what this beverage is made of. And by “everything nice” we, of course, mean Kahlua. Fall-themed happy hour, anyone?
Baileys & Kahlua Iced Coffee Shake
This milkshake might not bring all the boys to the yard, but it’ll definitely bring your friends back for seconds! Vanilla ice cream, chilled coffee, Kahlua, and Bailey’s Irish cream blend beautifully, creating a smooth and rich spiked treat. Bring out this recipe at your next summer gathering; it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Kahlua Iced Coffee Cocktail
Morning coffee time and cocktail hour are two of our favorite parts of the day, and this cold coffee cocktail brings them together well. All you’ll need to do is round up some Kahlua, iced coffee, and milk, then head on over to this video for a full rundown of making the beverage!
Kahlua Dalgona Coffee
You may think the fluffy whipped Dalgona coffee recipe that rose to popularity in 2020 couldn’t get any better. But that’s just because you haven’t tried it with Kahlua yet! The addition of coffee liqueur takes this fun drink from day to night, so when you’re ready to make happy hour a bit more fun, check out this recipe!
Kahlua Coffee
Warning: this recipe may be highly addictive to those with a big sweet tooth! This hot beverage combines five of our favorite things — freshly brewed joe, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, whipped cream, and Kahlua — to create a treat that’s creamy and delicious. Watch this video to see the drink-making process, then, whip this stuff up to keep warm on a cool winter evening.
Espresso Martini
If the classic espresso martini is your cocktail of choice on a night out, this recipe is for you! The good folks on Artisti Coffee Roasters’ YouTube channel explain how you can make this drink at home. Just make sure to stock up on coffee, Frangelico, vodka, and Kahlua before you begin.
Kahlua Peppermint Coffee Cups
Every holiday party needs a signature drink, and if you’re taking suggestions, we recommend this Kahlua peppermint coffee be yours. It’s just like peppermint hot chocolate but with a grown-up twist your guests are sure to go crazy for.
Irish Coffee with Kahlua and Coconut Cream
You may have sipped Irish coffee before, but we’re willing to bet you haven’t had it quite like this. Most recipes call for Irish whiskey, black coffee, sugar, and whipped cream, but this one from Lori and Michelle adds Kahlua and whipped coconut cream to the mix. It’s a bit different from the traditional version of the drink, but this variation is still delicious!
Happy Caffeinating!