One of the staple liqueurs behind every bar, Kahlúa, is a coffee liqueur from Veracruz, Mexico. Made from rum, sugar, and 100% arabica coffee, it has sealed its place as Mexico's most famous liqueur coming into the 21st Century. A key ingredient to make our favorite coffee cocktails like the White Russian and Espresso Martini, it is no doubt that one should have a bottle ready to complete a home bar. Despite the recent rise of other coffee liqueurs worldwide, on Kahlúa Day, which takes place every February 27, we pay homage to the O.G. bottle.
The production of Kahlúa, which means 'House of the Acolhua People' in the Veracruz Nahuatl language, started in 1936 by Pedro Domecq. In 1940 Kahlúa was imported into the United States and, over the decades, made its way into the bars across the world. Achieving world domination and reaching the pinnacle as the 'World's No.1 Coffee Liqueur" in 1980, the Mexican sealed its place in the hearts, minds, and bellies of bar patrons. Used in many classic and contemporary cocktails, here are three easy cocktails to make with the legendary Mexican liqueur.
Mexican Coffee
Think Irish Coffee with a Latin twist; the Mexican coffee is a beautiful blend of Kahlúa, tequila, and coffee for the morning enthusiast. Served with freshly brewed hot coffee, it is topped off with a rich layer of cream to seal in the flavors.
30ml Kahlúa
30ml Tequila Reposado
120ml Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee
In a heat-safe glass or coffee mug, add the ingredients and stir to combine. Then layer the top with lightly whipped cream. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
Espresso Martini
The bartender's favorite cocktail, this classic recipe, serves up a chilled coffee drink perfect for a mid-day or even late-night pick-me-up. Shaken and strained into a cocktail glass, it is one recipe you'd want to have handy for any occasion.
45ml Kahlúa
45ml Vodka
45ml Espresso
Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with three coffee beans and enjoy chilled.
Café Americano
A personal twist of mine on the classic Italian aperitif cocktail, the Americano. The addition of the Kahlúa adds a complimentary coffee flavor to the bittersweet cocktail.
30ml Kahlúa
30ml Campari
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Top up with Soda
Combine the ingredients in a highball glass over ice and stir. Top off the drink with soda water and garnish with an orange slice. Enjoy!
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