National Kahlua Day
With its rich, velvety flavor, this coffee liqueur makes for a versatile addition to cocktails, desserts, and cozy nights in.
Drive February cocktail sales and brand engagement by positioning Kahlua as the essential ingredient for signature drinks and at-home mixology moments.
- Mudslide Recipe Challenge: Share your best frozen Kahlua cocktail creation
- Black Russian Masterclass: Learn the classic 2:1 vodka-to-Kahlua ratio from bartenders
- Kahlua Dessert Hacks: Coffee liqueur elevates brownies, tiramisu, and chocolate treats
- Winter Warmth Campaign: Cozy cocktail nights featuring Kahlua as the star ingredient
The origins of Kahlua can be traced back to its invention in 1936 by a man named Pedro Domecq, who combined the flavors of rum, vanilla, and corn syrup with coffee to create one of the world’s most popular liqueurs.
The name of the alcohol is derived from that of a mesoamerican tribe that had inhabited Mexico Valley since long before the Spaniards arrived. Literally translated, the name Kahlua means “House of the Acolhua People
Known at first only in the surrounding areas of its creator, Kahlua’s popularity has indeed spread throughout the world.
It is believed to have been first imported to the United States in the 1940s. Some say in 1951, Beverly Hills importer Jules Berman was the first to bring Kahlua to the states, but this seems a bit too slow as some advertisements for the beverage have been found as early as 1945.
No matter how it began, Kahlua is now enjoyed in various forms by countless millions across the globe.
Kahlua is a fairly low alcohol drink, only now coming in at 20% alcohol (which was lowered from 26% alcohol in 2004). Kahlua Especial is stronger, with 36% alcohol.
Make a Mudslide Treat
The mudslide is absolutely perfect to sip on during a long hot summer day when the heat means there is a strong need for something a bit more than a milkshake. The delicious, freezing cold sweetness of a Mudslide is the perfect companion for that book you’ve been meaning to finish or to enjoy with friends while hanging out by the pool. The ratio of ingredients for a mudslide is easy to remember! It’s just equal parts each of Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and milk (or cream). Use one ounce each for each drink, so 2 ounces each to make two drinks. And a cup of ice for each drink. In addition, it’s great chocolate syrup and whipped cream (which are optional, but absolutely delicious!). Pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend until completely smooth. Then, pour the Mudslide into two Martini or Hurricane glasses. If desired, top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Try Making a Black Russian
There is certainly a reason this no-nonsense cocktail was named after the Russians, and that reason is that it is perfect for surviving a cold Moscow winter and emerging unscathed. Strong but delicious, Black Russians are classic like the little black dress. The ingredients for this one include a 2:1 ratio of vodka to Kahlua. For instance, use 4 ounces of vodka and 2 ounces of Kahlua (plus ice cubes, of course) to make two Black Russians. Pour both ingredients into two mixing glasses filled with ice. Stir the ingredients for a moment, and then strain the drink into two old-fashioned glasses with one or two large ice cubes in them. Based on personal preference, it may be desired to use more Kahlúa and less vodka to make a sweeter version that will be lighter on the stomach.
Make Up Some B-52s
Allegedly created by a bartender who was a huge fan of the band, the B-52 shot is famous the world over for being both simple and delicious and, of course, also for looking awesome! Learn to make this shot today and immediately impress all of those friends the next time they come around for drinks, Ingredients for one serving includes 1/3 ounce each of Kahlúa, Baileys and Grand Marnier. Layer the three spirits in a shot glass in the order that they’re listed and drink all at once, shot-style.
Get Creative with Kahlua
Kahlua can be used for so much more than just drinks! Because of its kick of caffeine and flavors of sweetness, this liqueur is not only used in mixed drinks but is also a favorite when creatively combined with desserts. Try out some of these creative ideas for taking desserts to the next level by using this coffee liqueur as a tasty ingredient: Chocolate Kahlua Poke Cake. What goes better with sweet coffee flavors than chocolate?! Super moist, a “poke cake” is first baked, then holes are poked in it so that a super sweet liquid can be poured into it. In this case the cake is chocolate and the liquid is, of course, Kahlua. Kahlua Chocolate Truffles. Perfect for the holidays or another celebratory event, these truffles have the delicious taste of coffee flavored liqueur, as well as being made with an additional bit of powdered espresso for a real kick! Kahlua Berry Cobbler. This liqueur doesn’t only have to be used with chocolate. The creamy, coffee flavors of Kahlua combine perfectly with the berries to make a more-ish treat especially for grownups. Kahlua Buttercream Molasses Cookies. This treat looks a lot like the traditional ‘oatmeal creme pies’ that kids love to eat as a snack cake. But this version uses freshly made buttercream frosting in the middle of two rich and sweet molasses cookies flavored with Kahlua. As anyone can see, there are plenty of good reasons to celebrate Kahlua day, so what are you waiting for?