Our non-alcoholic Kahlua recipe is for coffee lovers! This non-alcoholic version combines rich coffee, creamy vanilla, brown sugar, and chocolate in your very own homemade kahlúa to use in your favorite mocktails.
If you've enjoyed the delicious coffee-flavored liqueur that is Kahlua, then you'll truly appreciate this easy recipe with simple ingredients. I personally enjoy a bit of NA Kahlua in my chocolate ice cream malts.
When I was younger, I remember my aunt making homemade Kahlua all the time; while I couldn't taste it, I bet it was amazing! I remember this because she would give it out to friends and family as gifts. You could easily double or triple the recipe to give your friends their very own Kahlua bottles as well.
Most of my favorite drinking experiences include some type of coffee or coffee flavored beverage. I like what I like, won't apologize for that. Enjoy this homemade Kahlua recipe in mocktails like the White Russian Mocktail, Frozen Mudslide, or coffee mocktail.
You can also add my homemade kahlua to my cherry vanilla iced latte or pistachio matcha latte.
Ingredients Highlights For Homemade Virgin Coffee Cocktail
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso - For this recipe, I used chilled espresso. Since getting an espresso machine, I've been using it a lot! However, any coffee will do. Oftentimes, I'll have leftovers that's been chillin' in the pot, so that would be a great option.
- Instant coffee granules - Store bought instant coffee adds another layer of coffee flavor and a smooth texture.
- Cocoa powder - When chocolate and coffee combine, it just enhances the taste of everything. Opt for a higher-quality cocoa powder. My go-to is Ghiradelli dutch process, which I also use in my starbucks double chocolate chip Frappuccino.
See recipe card for exact ingredients.
My Favorite Glassware & Bottles For This Recipe
How To Make Homemade Kahlua without Alcohol
- Make Freshly Brewed Coffee: Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Dissolve Sugar: In a saucepan, dissolve brown sugar in the brewed coffee over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Instant Coffee and Cocoa: Once the sugar is dissolved, add fresh, brewed coffee granules and cocoa powder to the mixture. Continue stirring until the instant coffee and cocoa are fully dissolved.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. This will help the mixture thicken.
- Cool and Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Strain (optional): If you want a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining coffee grounds or cocoa particles.
- Transfer to Bottle: Pour the non-alcoholic Kahlúa into a bottle or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.
Storage Tips For The Best Non Alcoholic Kahlua
Storage for Kahlua without alcohol is a bit different than its alcoholic counterpart. Typically, you'd store it in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Because there is no alcohol in this recipe, it needs to be refrigerated and needs to be used faster than the other. This is also why this recipe only yields 1 cup.
If you made this recipe, I would be so grateful if you would give it a ⭐ rating and leave a review in the comments! I'd love to see your drink in action as well! Post it on Instagram with the ️#MocktailForest and tag me @MocktailForest!
Homemade Non Alcoholic Kahlua Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Dissolve Sugar: In a saucepan, dissolve brown sugar in the brewed coffee over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Instant Coffee and Cocoa: Once the sugar is dissolved, add instant coffee granules and cocoa powder to the mixture. Continue stirring until the instant coffee and cocoa are fully dissolved.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. This will help the mixture thicken.
- Cool and Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Strain (optional): If you want a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining coffee grounds or cocoa particles.
- Transfer to Bottle: Pour the non-alcoholic Kahlúa into a bottle or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.
- Serve: Use your non-alcoholic Kahlúa in various beverages like mocktails, coffee, or desserts.
Janelle says
Turned out really good! I needed kahlua for a recipe but didn’t want to buy a whole bottle just to use 1 cup, so I tried this recipe instead and honestly I think it was better than kahlua. I plan to use what I have left over some ice cream 😊
Ksenia Prints says
It's a household favorite for us!!!! So glad you liked it
PS says
Recipe looks great! I plan to try it! Curious: any reason you don't use Rum extract or rum flavoring? And do you think it would benefit the recipe? Thanks! ~ PS
Ksenia Prints says
I haven't tried adding it, but you could add 1 teaspoon and see how it works! It's all a matter of taste 🙂
Carole Deladurantaye says
Mine doesn't thicken up......
Ksenia Prints says
You need to cook it longer. It will thicken further upon cooling, too.
Charlene Gordon says
I offered two desserts for a New Year’s Day open house, classic Tiramisu with dark rum, and a Non-alcoholic Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake (Ina Garten). So I found your recipe and was absolutely delighted with the results of your non alcoholic Kahlua recipe. I did make one substitution to the recipe and used espresso coffee crystals. Also I made two cups of espresso capsules coffee. Flavor was intense and received so many compliments on the Icebox Cake. It was a hit. Thank you. I’m so glad I found your website! I will explore the other recipes you have. Happy new year!
Ksenia Prints says
So glad to hear this, Charlene! It's amazing for tiramisu.
Lea says
I made this for a Tiramisu recipe that called for a coffee flavored liqueur. I only made 1/2 of the recipe because I only needed 3 tablespoons.
Since I don't drink, I was hoping to find a recipe like this. My Tiramisu turned out delicious. Thank you
Ksenia Prints says
That's exactly why I created this recipe - to elevate desserts without needing to buy specialty products. So glad you loved it!
Sarah Meyer says
I just made this and it is AMAZING! *****
Ksenia Prints says
Yay! So glad you loved it 🙂
Nancy says
This recipe looks delicious! Do you pack the brown sugar or is it a loose cup? Thanks!
Ksenia Prints says
Loose cup!
Marina says
Fantastic! Thank you
Ksenia Prints says
So happy you liked it!