Makin' Your Own Kahlua

I love Kahlua...there I said it. I could drink it morning, night and day...I think it's the coffee flavor that draws me in. This easy to follow recipe produces a rich, velvety coffee-flavored elixir that is the main ingredient of drinks such as White Russians and Mudslides. Kahlua is also a delicious "on the rocks" drink, whether straight over ice or topped off with a little half-and-half cream.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup instant coffee
• 1.75 liters high quality vodka
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 whole vanilla bean

Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar and water in a small sauce pan. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until sugar is dissolved.

Remove from the heat. Stir in the coffee. Allow to cool completely.

Pour into a large plastic container with a lid. Add the vodka, vanilla flavoring and vanilla bean.

Cover and let stand for two to three weeks or until fully aged. Kahlua, when properly stored, can last safely for up to a few years.

• To make a White Russian, use two shots vodka, one shot Kahlua and one shot light cream. Combine the vodka and Kahlua over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass. Top off with the light cream and serve cold.
• To make a Mudslide, use one shot of vodka, one shot of Kahlua, one shot of Irish cream (such as Bailey's brand) and one shot of cream. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Serve cold in an old-fashioned glass.