February 27th recognizes National Kahlúa Day. This day was created as a day for those, over the age of 21, to enjoy this creamy, rich alcoholic liqueur. To celebrate, you may want to use Kahlua, a coffee-flavored rum-based liquor, to flavor your ice cream or another dessert such as cheesecake or cake. It also tastes great in coffee, hot chocolate, creamy cocktails, as a shot or on the rocks.
Pedro Domecq began producing Kahlúa in 1936. In 1994, the company merged with Allied Lyons forming Allied Domecq. In 2005, Allied Domecq was partially acquired by Pernod Ricard which merged with the Swedish Vin & Sprit (V & S Group) in March of 2008.
Kahlúa is made from coffee and rum, so it does contain caffeine.
- Kahlúa is the ‘original’ coffee liquor. First produced in 1936 by Veracruz, Mexico native Pedro Domeca.
- The ‘Black Russian’ the worlds most popular Kahlúa mixed drink, was first created in 1949.
- A 1 ounce serving of Kahlúa contains 20% alcohol /42 proof, zero fat, 14 carbs, and 91 calories
- It takes 7 years to create each bottle of Kahlúa, from harvest of the coffee beans, vanilla, and sugar cane to bottle.
- In 1940 Kahlua was first exported to the United States.
- The word Kah-lua means “House of the Acolhua people” in the Veracruz Nahuatl language spoken before the Spanish Conquest (updated with info from Cristina Arroyo).
- Kahlua is used to make cocktails, and as a topping or ingredient in several desserts, including ice cream, cakes, and cheesecakes.
Kahlua is used in the following cocktails:
- Mudslide: The Mudslide is a frozen cocktail combination of vodka, Kahlua and Baileys, blended until smooth. To make it even sweeter, add some vanilla ice cream.
- Kahlua Espresso Martini: Includes freshly brewed espresso. The Kahlua adds some sweetness to the coffee and the vodka packs a punch.
- The Revolver: The Revolver showcases the bold flavor of whiskey up front, then rounds out the bite with the coffee flavor from Kahlua.
- B-52: Layered shot includes Kahlua, Baileys, and Grand Marnier. Because each liqueur is a different density, each layer remains separate.
- White Russian: The White Russian tastes like a grownup chocolate milk, but with a kick thanks to the Kahlua and vodka.
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