Homemade Coffee Liqueur makes a sweet holiday gift for all the coffee lovers in your life! All you need is vodka or rum, vanilla simple syrup, freshly brewed coffee and a jar or bottle, and this popular spirit is yours to gift or drink!
The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to get your gift list in order for everyone in your life.
If you’re anything like me, then some people on your list are really, really easy to buy for, while others are just… well, not. I consider myself to be a pretty good gift-giver, but some people are just puzzles!
One side of my family has tried to combat the inevitable, “What do I buy him/her?” dilemma by organizing a big Secret Santa every year in lieu of giving each person a gift.
There are usually at least 16 people at our Christmas celebration, so it can be hard on the wallet to buy a unique gift for every single person.
Instead, we draw names and all buy our Secret Santa one “bigger” gift with a larger budget.
It’s really fun to think about your assigned giftee and get them something really thoughtful. Sometimes it involves asking around for ideas or a list, but ultimately it’s so great to see the look on their face when you’ve nailed it!
Before we started our Secret Santa tradition, I used to try to make everyone (even friends outside my family) a homemade gift to save some cash as well as shopping time.
Homemade coffee liqueur recipe
I’ve made my fair share of hot cocoa bombs, painted wooden spoons and airplane cocktail kits and they’re always a big hit. (It still makes me grin when I see those wooden spoons in use in my family members’ kitchens!)
One thing I’m really into right now is homemade liqueurs. I’ve shown you how to make homemade Irish cream liqueur, homemade honey whiskey and homemade spiced rum.
Any of these would make great holiday gifts, but I’ve got one more recipe to throw at you today: Homemade Coffee Liqueur.
Uses for coffee liqueur
If you have any Tia Maria or Kahlua fans on your list, (or even white russian or black russian aficionados!) this recipe is for you.
Sweet and caffeinated, this vodka- or rum-based liqueur is great for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it’s also lovely stirred into coffee cocktails like this tiramisu martini or even hot chocolate.
You can also use it in desserts. It would be amazing baked into this Kahlúa Chocolate Fudge or these Mini Kahlua Cupcakes.
How to make coffee liqueur
All you need to make Homemade Coffee Liqueur is vodka, cold brew coffee, vanilla extract and some simple syrup.
That’s it! Combine them in a jar or bottle, then let it sit for three days before consuming, and you’ve got yourself a gift any coffee addict would love!
See the full printable instructions below.
Best vodka for coffee liqueur
I stand by the old adage that you should use the best ingredients you can afford.
Personally, I find a cheap vodka tastes cheap, but it can actually be quite sippable if you are willing to spend a little more.
Alternatively, you can use a light rum. Rum can have a slightly sweeter or smokier flavor, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Recipes with coffee liqueur
- Tiramisu Martini
- Boozy Coffee Kahlua Coke Float
- Tootsie Roll Cocktail
- Espresso Martini
- Baby Guinness Shots
- Toasted Almond Cocktail
Homemade Coffee Liqueur
ingredients
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 2 cups cold brew coffee
- 1 ½ cups vodka
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients until combined.
- Use a funnel to transfer the mixture into a 36-ounce glass bottle or jar with airtight lid. Seal and let rest in a cool, dark place for 3 days before serving.
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Cassie says
Wow, I’m craving this one. Thank you so much for this!