Coffee Liqueurs

Full of smooth texture, rich aromas and powerful flavors, a coffee liqueur is easy to make and readily enjoyable by many. Coffee liqueurs have recently gained greater popularity, and there are a number of different varieties to choose from. Even Starbucks has launched its own Starbucks coffee liqueur to meet popular demand.

Types of Coffee Liqueurs

Two types of coffee flavored liqueurs exist: those that come from vodka and those that come from rum. If a coffee liqueur recipe calls for rum, it is typically called a Tia Maria. However, those made with vodka are more common.

The popularity of vodka-based coffee liqueur drinks has led to a number of name brand varieties, including:

• Copa de Ora
• DeKuyper
• Godiva
• Kahlua
• Kamona
• Sabroso
• Starbucks.

Homemade Coffee Liqueur

Enjoying homemade coffee liqueur is as simple as following a basic recipe and waiting a bit of time for the delicious brew to steep. Here''s a good recipe for beginners wanting to making homemade coffee liqueur.

Homemade Coffee Liqueur Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 cups vodka (or 2 cups rum if making a Tia Maria)
• 1 cup instant coffee dry (may substitute with ? cup fresh ground coffee)
• 1 vanilla bean whole (may substitute ? tsp. vanilla extract)
• 1 tbsp. caramel coloring (optional).

Directions

1. Boil the water and the sugar in a large pot until the sugar dissolves completely (The result is known as a simple syrup).
   
   
2. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let cool for half an hour before adding in the coffee.
   
   
3. Add coffee to cooled simple syrup, stirring continuously as you pour the coffee into the cooled liquid.
   
   
4. In a separate container, combine the vodka or rum with the vanilla, then pour the mixture of simple syrup and coffee into this container.
   
   
5. When everything is combined, cover the container tightly and store in a cool, dark place for three weeks, remembering to shake it daily.
   
   
6. At the end of the three weeks strain the vanilla bean and coffee grounds (if the bean and fresh coffee were used to make it) and discard them. The remaining liquid is your fresh coffee flavored liqueur!

As an alternative to regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee may also be used.

Coffee Liqueur Drink Recipes

Several classic coffee liqueur drink recipes include:

Black Russian

Ingredients

• 1 part coffee liqueur
• 2 parts vodka
• ice.

White Russian

Ingredients

• 1 part coffee liqueur
• 2 parts vodka
• light cream to taste
• ice.

Mudslide

Ingredients

• 1 oz. coffee liqueur
• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Irish cream liqueur
• 1 oz. cream.

Directions

Shake ingredients with ice, then serve over ice.

Replacing the traditional fix of a cup of coffee and a splash of alcohol, coffee liqueur is a pleasant way to enjoy an old fashioned idea with a new twist. Whether you decide to make your own coffee liqueur or buy a popular brand, like the Starbucks coffee liqueur, both deliver smooth texture and powerful flavor that is certain to please.