Homemade Coffee Liqueur
Homemade Coffee Liqueur is rich, smooth, and deeply flavorful—perfect for sipping over ice or mixing into cocktails and desserts. It has that classic coffee liqueur taste but with a deeper, fresher flavor thanks to the brewed coffee and real vanilla. Once you try this homemade version, store-bought won’t cut it.
The process is surprisingly simple. You make a strong coffee syrup, stir in vanilla, add high-proof alcohol, and let it mellow for a week or two. The longer it rests, the smoother it gets. It also makes a great DIY gift for the holidays, especially when poured into a cute bottle with a label.
Helpful Tips
- Use strong, dark coffee. It gives the liqueur a bold base that stands up to the sugar and alcohol.
- Don’t rush the resting period. One week is the minimum, but two to three weeks will mellow out the flavor beautifully.
- Sterilize your bottles. This helps extend the shelf life and keeps the liqueur tasting fresh.
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Homemade Coffee Liqueur
If you’re into cozy cocktail ingredients or love giving edible gifts, this recipe is a no-brainer.
Ingredients
- 7½ cups strong brewed dark coffee
- 1¼ pounds light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 750 ml Everclear 120 proof
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the coffee and brown sugar. Stir over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the Everclear and mix thoroughly.
- Pour into sterilized bottles or jars. Seal tightly.
- Let it rest for at least 2 weeks in a cool, dark place to mellow.
Notes
- We used these 11 ounce swing top clear glass bottles and this recipe made 8 bottles.
Nutrition
Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gSaturated Fat: 0.002gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.001gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 70mgSugar: 23gCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
