It’s fun to make your own low carb sugar-free coffee liqueur. Better than Kahlua and you can use it so many cocktail recipes, like a healthy sugar-free Mexican Coffee. See just how easy it is with a new instructional video and updated recipe. And it makes a great keto-friendly holiday gift.
Apparently my kitchen has turned into a distillery, with the slow drip of alcohol through a filter, as it drains out of a silty, cloudy mixture. Not to worry, I am not brewing up moonshine from corn cobs or anything illegal like that. But I am making my own sugar-free homemade coffee liqueur and getting quite a kick out of myself in the process. Really, this whole thing was remarkably fun and astonishingly easy, and now I have many ideas for other sugar-free liqueurs. It’s going to be homemade liqueur madness here, so that I can indulge in some fun cocktails, like a low carb Mexican Coffee, without worrying about the added sugars. And homemade liqueurs make wonderful gifts for friends and family. I suspect that this will become the gift de jour in my house. I should probably buy stock in one or two vodka distributors, since I will be using so much of it.
How To Make Sugar-Free Kahlua
I really am on something of a homemade everything kick. I’ve already amazed and astonished my friends (and myself!) with homemade butter, homemade yogurt and homemade cream cheese. I have been saying to my husband for ages that I want to try making my own sausages and he finally took me seriously enough to get the meat grinder and sausage stuffer attachments for my stand mixer. When you grow up in our modern society with our modern conveniences, you tend to forget that people ever did make all these things on the homestead, as it were. You believe that they simply can’t be made at home. Or at least that they can’t be made easily at home. I honestly credit blogging with opening my eyes to the wonders of the experimental homemade kitchen. One of my very first blog posts was for homemade yogurt made in a crockpot…the idea coming, naturally, from someone else’s blog.
The idea of making homemade sugar-free kahlua admittedly also came from someone else’s blog. Or blogs. I kept seeing it pop up in various places and thinking I needed to try it with some sort of alternative sweetener. My only hesitation was that my favourite, Swerve, doesn’t always stay in solution in liquids. But I found myself craving hot drinks made with yummy sweet liqueurs and decided it was worth a try. And I used a combination of erythritol and monk fruit extract, to see if I could counteract the re-crystallization.
I chose to follow a recipe I found on Creative Culinary, but I did change a few things. I only made a half batch and I cut down on the amount of sweetener a little. I didn’t want to add chocolate liqueur, but knowing that a little chocolate intensifies the flavour of coffee, I added a touch of cocoa powder to the mix. I also took the whole distilling process a step further and strained it through a coffee filter to get all the little particles out and create a clear liquid. This actually took several days and several changes of coffee filters because the silty particles were so fine, hence the feeling that I was operating a distillery out of my kitchen. But the final product was more than worth it! The perfect addition to an afternoon cocktail.
And this wonderful sugar-free liqueur makes a fabulous keto friendly Mexican Coffee!
Homemade sugar-free coffee liqueur and Mexican Coffee.
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1/8 tsp monk fruit extract or another 1/2 cup Swerve
- 1/4 cup ground coffee I used decaf
- 1 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz tequila if you’re feeling bold. If not, feel free to add a touch more coffee liqueur or vodka
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 3 tablespoons whipped cream
- sprinkle of cinnamon
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For the liqueur: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, erythritol, monk fruit extract, and coffee grounds.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool.
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Transfer mixture to a glass jar and add vodka, cocoa powder and vanilla extract
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Seal jar and place in a dark, cool spot and wait...and wait...and wait. At least 3 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.
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Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Then strain again through a coffee filter (this will take several day and changes of coffee filter, but it's worth it to get all the coffee "silt" out of the mixture).
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For the Mexican Coffee, mix liqueur, tequila and coffee in a large coffee mug. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Each serving of Mexican Coffee has 1.6 g of carbs.
Deanna says
This is amazing. I never thought about a sugar free liqueur, but all I can say it’s 9:30 in the morning, and you’re making me want to drink hah!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I’m on a homemade kick myself, but the one thing I haven’t tackled is alcohol. I love the photo of the liqueur being poured into the shot glass–beautiful!
RavieNomNoms says
UM yes please!!! This looks amazing!
tractor wife says
Oh how I miss my White Russians since changing to a low carb lifestyle. Question…my body cannot handle xylitol. Is there something else I could substitute? I really want to try this!!!
Carolyn says
You could go all erythritol. Your only problem here is that I suspect you will end up with some that recrystallizes out. But after it’s filtered, if it’s no longer sweet enough, you could add a bit of stevia to sweeten it more.
tractor wife says
Thank you! I willl definately give this a try.
arlene says
I love the sound of your recipe! It looks much more authentic than some of the other recipes I’ve seen around. I can’t wait to see you make other liquors!!! I tried an ammeretto recipe and it was just…meh. I’d love a good one if you can figure out how to get that taste down.
Carolyn says
Arlene, Amaretto is definitely on my list. My next attempt, which is already in the dark cool place, doing its thang, is Frangelico. I have vodka and brandy steeping with chopped hazelnuts. We shall see! And in my opinion, this coffee liqueur was spot on for Kahlua. Sweet, intensely coffeeish, and with a kick of alcohol.
Linda says
Did you succeed at Frangelico? I have not had a chance to truly search your blog and see!
Carolyn says
https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/homemade-hazelnut-liqueur-sugar-free/
AnneB says
Is it bad that I’m counting back the days to see if it’ll be ready by Christmas? ? 21 days… pushing it, I guess!!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
OH MY GOOOOOOODDD.
Donna says
How long does this keep? I am guessing you store it in the fridge.
Carolyn says
For ages and ages.
Marta Brysha says
That’s very interesting about the recrystallisation problem with erythritol. I’m in australia and have been using Natvia – a sweetener that is a combination of erythritol and stevia. I used it to make some raspberry vinegar and was surprised when I got to the bottom of the bottle that there were sweetener crystals in the bottom. I thought that maybe I hadn’t dissolved it enough in the making process, but now I realise it is just a property of the sweetener. It didn’t seem to be a problem in the taste of the product. Thanks for the tip
Carolyn says
Yes, it is a common problem with erythritol, although I would still prefer to use it over any other. It’s the lowest on my blood sugar!
Renee says
Yes. I strain ice cream base as well. Will definately try this Kaluah recipe! I made Apricot Brandy once and it was excellent! Cant wait for more fun Carolyn. Keep up the great job. 🙂
Angela says
Can’t we use liquid sweetener? Or will that do the same thing?
Carolyn says
In this, you can totally use your favorite sweetener. Any kind will work.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
I too am a DIY’er in the kitchen and love repurposing to meet a different need. Love that you made this work to be sugar free!
Jeanette says
Do you think I could use my French press instead of the coffee filters to strain??
Thanks!
Carolyn says
Yes, but I think you will still get some of the cloudiness, the way you do with French Press coffee anyway.
Katharine says
YUM!! I used to LOVE coffee with a little bit of bailey’s and a little frangelico…but this kahlua version sounds great!
Carolyn says
I am working on Frangelico right now and I want to make Chambord as well 😉
Renee says
Yes…Chambord…OMG.
365daysofbacon.wordpress.com says
You’re my hero! This looks awesome, thanks for posting 🙂
Shellie says
Awesome recipe, I did use a vanilla bean in mine! Strained it through a french press and then used the filter. mmmmmmmm…..
Carolyn says
Glad it worked!
Ashley says
That sounds like a great idea did you just put the whole bean in? How was it?
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Looks fabulous Carolyn! Nice work!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
How fun! I love all those homemade projects as well.
Arturo says
I love your blog, i check it every other day for the wonderful recipes, even though i don’t always try them all. But, as a Chemical engineer and home-distiller I was deeply disturbed by your use of the term distilling and distillery. 😛 You were merely filtering, not distilling. Distilling, simply put, is separating 2 miscible liquids with different boiling points by means of evaporation and then condensation. I just had to take this out of my chest, sorry. Have a great day!
Carolyn says
LOL, but it was far more fun to write up the post as if I was distilling moonshine in my kitchen! 😉
Debbie says
My friends teased me about being a moonshiner too, lol, but I am pretty sure they are very jealous right now. They’re waiting to hear how it turns out. Tonight mine is ready and I’m enjoying every delicious drop!
Belenda says
Week 1 down…..tapping fingers…..waiting……only 2 more weeks
Deborah says
After a few weeks of steeping, I am straining this now. Tip – if you don’t have coffee filters, kitchen paper placed in a funnel works just as well. Delicious!
Carolyn says
Great tip!
linda says
How about Cointreau? Then we could have my favorite cocktail: a Sidecar w/o the sugared rim. A real margarita would also be possible 🙂 I love your website.
Carolyn says
Thanks. I will certainly try it at some point!
Michele says
For margaritas, I add a few drops of orange essential oil. HTH! – Michele from Texas
elaina says
Does the brand of vodka make any difference? r they all carb free. Do you have a preference in brands??
Cathi G. says
Have you ever thought about trying to make Bailey’s and Creme before?
Carolyn says
Can I confess that I am not that much of a Bailey’s fan? But if a reader were to request it… 😉
Cathi G. says
Ok, I am requesting. 🙂 My husband and I love Bailey’s & Creme. It has been sad not to be able to set around a warm fire enjoying a glass this time of year. So Yes, please I am requesting. Thank you 🙂 Please Please Please. . . AND . . .Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Years!!!!
Limda says
Yes! I was reading this recipe and think the same thing. Don’t forget Amaretto too
Debbie says
It’s ready! I made my sugar free kahlua and tonight am having my “white russian” – woohooo! It is fantastic! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Carolyn says
Yay!
Andi says
I so want to try this! But, I can’t have erythritol or xylitol. Ever tried with all stevia, or honey? Those and maple syrup are all I can have…
Carolyn says
I really don’t know. It’s worth a try.
Caroline Gamble says
Hi Carolyn,
Is the combination of erythritol and xylitol necessary to counter re-crystalization, or do you think I could use xylitol only? (It’s cheaper, after all!)
Carolyn says
You could use xylitol only…it’s just higher in carbs, I find. Or at least, it affects my blood glucose more.
Karen at Little Red House Designs says
I think my Holidays just got a little bit MERRIER!!! THANK YOU!!! Three years + sugar free and this could change everything 😉
Kay says
I don’t keep xylitol in the house, as I have a dog and it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Do you think there’s anything else that could be used for this?
Carolyn says
You can use erythritol but it will settle out a lot at the bottom.
Monty says
Just wanted to know what brand of whipped cream do you use for the Mexican coffee?
Carolyn says
I always make my own whipped cream from Organic Valley heavy whipping cream.
Susan says
How long do you think this lasts? I made it a long time ago and forgot it in my liquor cabinet (no, I have NO idea how I could forget it). Wonder if it’s still good?
Amy says
I’ve used a rum-based version 2 years after bottling and it was fine. Although I store mine in the fridge.
Larry says
I’m interested in any combination of xylitol/erythritol/stevia to sweeten and then using cold drip coffee and a good rum.
Any thoughts on how to use the sweeteners? Stir them in until they dissolve? Make a simple syrup?
Thanks for any ideas on this.
Carolyn says
These sweeteners really don’t dissolve well into the mixture with hot liquids so not sure how they’d fare with cold ones. A simple syrup is a lovely idea but you typically get the sweetener settling out at the bottom. But it might mix in better that way anyway.
Larry says
Yeah, xylitol has that odd cooling sensation that I’m not particularly fond of so I think I’m going to try a 3-2-1 ration (3 parts erythritol, 2 parts xylitol, 1 part stevia) and make a (warm) simple syrup. Combine the rum and cold brew concentration, and then sweeten to taste with the simple syrup.
Thanks for the reply Carolyn
Mary Grade says
Carolyn, how about using Da Vinci no carb vanilla syrup with plain vodka? Think I’ll give it a try.?
allison says
Oh Hello White Russian! I can have you again!
Angela says
Could you use espresso powder instead of coffee grounds? That would require less filtering in the end, wouldn’t it?
Kay says
I made a change at the suggestion of my son. I put the coffee in a cheese cloth bag so I don’t have to strain so much. My husband drinks White Russians several times a week and I feel left out. Thank you for exploring low carb options for us that chose a healthier lifestyle!
Carolyn says
Great idea!
JS says
Has anyone tried waiting less than 3 weeks? I wanna make this NOW for Christmas.
Carolyn says
Actually, i have. I’d say if you can find it, use some coffee extract to amp up the flavour. But 10 days should almost do it in terms of overall taste.
Amy says
I’ve fast-tracked it by using a good cold-brew coffee, premade.
Vicky Martin says
I am surely going to try my hand at making this!! I have made limoncello before and it was marvelous! Simply use the peel of 4 or 5 Meyer lemons (NO white pith as its bitter) cover with vodka, then wait and wait and wait (about 3 weeks) then you have a delightful cordial!! We love it ice cold and straight but would make a delightful lemon drop martini too.
Amy says
Coffee liqueur is generally rum based. I go for Angostura Gold, or even 1919 if we’re feeling fancy. Subbing in Sukrin Gold also gets you closer to that rich, slightly caramel flavour of Kaluha.
Sladja says
Made this over a week ago, and I’m so excited to try it, smells divine!!! I’m definitely making the hazelnut one next- thanks for awesome recipes, they never disappoint!
Ana says
Hi! Just stumbled across your blog and LOVE it!
I have a quick question about the swerve sweetner via the link. There are various choices for the swerve and was wondering which you used.
Thanks! Can’t wait to try it!
Carolyn says
I use both the confectioners and the granular, depending on what I need. In my recipes, I say powdered Swerve if I am using the confectioners.
Rachel says
This recipe is incredible and I am excited to be able to enjoy kahlua in my coffee again. Did the Swerve stay in the solution or solidify? Amazing post!
Shanna says
Can you just make it and sell it…lol!!!
Michelle says
I’m going to make this today. I don’t have monk fruit extract but I have both erithrytol and bochasweet. Could I use 3/4 cu erythritol and 1/2 cup bochasweet?
Melanie says
I made this and it is marvelous. Thank you so much. I already need a new batch and the Holidays aren’t even in full effect yet. I’m considering using instant coffee so its ready for Christmas and to share. What measurements would you suggest if at all?
Carolyn says
That’s a good question! I think since it’s more of a solution than an infusion, I’d go a touch lighter. Maybe 2/3 the amount? You can always whisk in more if it’s not strong enough when it’s done.
Linda A says
I’ve got to make this. Although full disclosure, I have store bought Kahlua and made White Russians (for me and my new hubby), except I doubled it which effectively was 4 shots of alcohol in one drink. Oh my gosh, I was so drunk!!! Now I know why it’s so small when you order them out. Equal parts of Kahlua, Vodka and heavy cream…everything was 2 shots. What was I thinking!!! I wasn’t after a while. haha He was ok, probably because he’s 6’3″ and I’m 5’2″. Live and learn!
Carolyn says
Whoa! Well at least you had fun. 😉
Leanne Long says
I have made my own “Kahlua” before and this is just my thing!! But – I have always used a really good quality instant coffee (no grounds to filter out) and I always used a vanilla bean. This is my new project for the week!
Debra says
i am very excited to go home and try this, but instead of straining, and straining some more….can you use instant coffee instead of grounds?!
Carolyn says
No idea… worth experimenting!
Michelle says
I just made this 2 days ago using Swerve sweetener. I have been shaking it daily and noticed that there are crystals forming on the sides on the jar! I am going to continue as directed but wondering how I can avoid this next time. I am hoping it still turns out yummy!
Carolyn says
Oh boy, that has never happened to me and I’ve made this 4 or 5 times. I wish I had advice!
Michelle Partin says
I just reread the article (prior to recipe) and the author mentions the re-crystaliztion that can happen with Swerve… I didn’t notice that before! Anyway, it looks like it has redissolved. Oh well, I’ll continue shaking and hope for the best.
Thank you!
Michele says
So I started this recipe, had the stove going, then saw the “3 weeks” part! 😫. So I threw it (along with a vanilla bean) in a mason jar in an instant Pot. No 3 weeks needed! I did add some salt (to bring out the flavors) . I had a delicious White Russian. Thank you for this!
Susan-Rae Bell says
I’m surprised that you haven’t updated this recipe with Bocha Sweet. I use it and Real vanilla beans. But like the idea of filtering…. will have to add that step after the 3 weeks or so….
Also … as this is made with vodka, I’m assuming shelf life is not an issue?
How about a blog on liquors and flavored syrups.🤗😏. I’m assuming the Bocha or Alluose are best for those? I have a batch of Meyer lemons to transform. Have made orange liquor in the past that crystallized so I think I made it with Swerve….. And I keep keto Irish Cream in the fridge as a staple, it’s an excellent fast way to sweeten whipped cream
Carolyn says
I have so many recipes, it takes a LOOOOONG time to update everything. But I would use half Swerve and have Bocha now. Self life is quite long on this, probably 3 months or so. But coffee can mold a bit so keep your eye on it or store it in the fridge.
robin leclerc says
ty for sharing this….every christmas for the last 20 or more years i have made homemade kahlua for friends and family….i have my own following at my husbands christmas party…lol….but last year i was keto and couldnt get behind making anything with that much sugar in it…i now know how bad sugar is for our body and i felt guilty giving my kahlua to friends….so i will make a personal batch of your kahlua and possibly share the healthier version with my friends