Instant Pot Kahlua Recipe
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. Sparkles to Sprinkles and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
If you’re a fan of rich, coffee-flavored liqueurs like Kahlúa, you’ll love this easy homemade version made right in your Instant Pot! Instant Pot Kahlua is perfect for sipping, mixing into cocktails, or even baking, this DIY Kahlúa is just as delicious as the store-bought version—but with a fun, personal touch. Best of all, it makes a fantastic gift when packaged in mason jars with a festive ribbon.
Instant Pot Kahlua
This recipe uses simple ingredients—sugar, water, instant coffee, vanilla extract, and Everclear—to create a smooth, sweet liqueur with bold coffee undertones. The Instant Pot speeds up the process, ensuring your homemade Kahlúa is ready to enjoy without hours of simmering on the stovetop. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or new to crafting liqueurs, this recipe is as straightforward as it is impressive.
One key tip: always let the mixture cool completely before adding the alcohol. Everclear, or any high-proof alcohol, is highly flammable and should never be near heat. Once cooled, it’s just a matter of mixing in the vanilla and Everclear, filling your jars, and letting the flavors mingle into a perfectly balanced coffee liqueur. Ready to get started? Let’s make some magic!
What You Will Love About This Recipe
Authentic Flavor, Homemade Touch: This recipe delivers the same rich, velvety taste of store-bought Kahlúa with the added charm of being homemade. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike!
Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, what usually takes hours of slow simmering on the stovetop is done in a fraction of the time. It’s a hassle-free way to make a classic liqueur at home.
Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to suit your taste. Want it less sweet? Adjust the sugar. Prefer a bolder coffee flavor? Add an extra spoonful of instant coffee. You can even switch out Everclear for vodka or rum to tailor the final product to your preference.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in mason jars with a ribbon, this homemade Kahlúa makes for a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift. It’s a hit for the holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
Versatile Use: Enjoy it on its own, mixed into cocktails, or added to desserts like tiramisu and fudge. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor is always indulgent!
Budget-Friendly: Skip the expensive store-bought version and make a big batch at a fraction of the cost. You’ll get more bang for your buck without sacrificing quality.
How to make Instant Pot Kahlua Recipe
- Add water, sugar & instant coffee to your pot.
- PC on HIGH for 10 minutes + do
a NR
- Let mixture cool completely (DO NOT PROCEED WITH ANY STEPS UNTIL MIXTURE IS ROOM TEMPERATURE TO COOL)
- Add in the vanilla extract. Add in Everclear
- Fill a mason jar (also not a hot one, if you have sterilized it allow it to cool completely) with Kahlua.
- Close the lid tightly.
- ****** Keep on scrolling to get to the recipe*****
Tips & Tricks
- Let It Cool Completely: Always let your mixture cool to room temperature before adding the alcohol. Everclear (or any high-proof alcohol) should never be exposed to heat, as it can be flammable and dangerous. Patience is key—let it cool to ensure a safe and flavorful result.
- Use High-Quality Instant Coffee: The coffee flavor is the star of this liqueur, so opt for a good quality instant coffee to get the best flavor. If you prefer a decaffeinated version, it works perfectly in this recipe without sacrificing taste.
- Customize the Sweetness: If you like your Kahlúa sweeter, feel free to add a little extra sugar to taste. You can adjust the sweetness before you add the alcohol, so taste as you go!
- Alcohol Substitution: If you don’t have Everclear, vodka or rum are excellent alternatives. Rum will give your Kahlúa a slightly different, deeper flavor, while vodka will keep the coffee flavor front and center.
- Sterilize Your Jars: If you plan on gifting your homemade Kahlúa, sterilizing your mason jars beforehand ensures they’re clean and safe for storing. Just remember, let them cool completely before filling them with the Kahlúa mixture.
- Infuse Extra Flavors: Want to experiment? You can infuse your Kahlúa with additional flavors like cinnamon or cocoa. Just add a cinnamon stick or a couple tablespoons of cocoa powder to the pot while cooking, then strain it out before bottling.
- Let It Age: Although you can enjoy your Kahlúa right away, letting it sit for a week or two allows the flavors to meld and develop even more depth. If you can wait, the longer it sits, the better it gets!
- Gift It with a Personal Touch: Add a custom label or a handwritten note to your mason jar. The personal touch makes it extra special for whoever receives it, whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or just because!
FAQs
For more great cocktails, try these!
Instant Pot Creamsicle Moonshine
Instant Pot Grape Jolly Rancher Moonshine
Instant Pot Lemon Drop Moonshine
Bugaboo Boutique for the best online boutique
Thank you to my dear friends at Bugaboo Boutique for the original Kahlua recipe that was used to create this instant pot version. Check my friends
Instant Pot Kahlua Recipe
This Instant Pot Kahlua Recipe is an easy way to make your favorite cocktail right at home. In less than 30 minutes you will have the perfect cocktail that combines your favorite coffee flavor with Everclear. Once you make your own homemade Kahlua you will never buy it at the store again.
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Sugar
- 6 Cups Water
- 6 TBSP Instant Coffee, decaf is fine if preferred.
- 3 TSP Vanilla Extract
- 1 Bottle Everclear (750 ml) (white rum or vodka* will work as well)
Instructions
- Add water, sugar & instant coffee to your pot.
- PC on HIGH for 10 minutes + do a NR
- Let mixture cool completely (DO NOT PROCEED WITH ANY STEPS UNTIL MIXTURE IS ROOM TEMPERATURE TO COOL)
- Add in Vanilla Extract
- Add in Everclear
- Fill a mason jar (also not a hot one, if you have sterilized it allow it to cool completely) with kahlua.
- Close the lid tightly
- Put pretty ribbon on and give the gift of love this year
Notes
*Makes apprx. 12 cups total. It should fill about 6 pint Mason Jars
** You can use Vodka instead of Everclear. An equal amoun of vodka should work great but taste test until you find your perfect spot.
*** You can use Stevia instead of Sugar.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 195Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 0gSugar: 50gProtein: 0g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
What size was the bottle of everclear? Thanks!
750 ML, I am so sorry, I updated the recipe 🙂
What size bottle of liquor (in my case I would be using vodka).
750 ML, you can do an equal amount in vodka. I would just give it a little taste test as you are adding the vodka.
Hi, can I use vodka i stead of Everclear?
Yes, you sure can. 🙂
What size bottle of Everclear? I checked the liquor store and there are a bunch of options.
750 ml, I updated the recipe as well. 🙂
Maybe i just missed it but when do you add the vanilla?
I am so sorry, I forgot to include that important information. 🙂 Just before you add the everclear, I corrected it now. 🙂
If I choose to use a dark rum, are there suggestions on a brand? And would it be same amount as ever clear? ( allergies to vodka lol)
Thanks!
I hear dark rum is just as delicious. Equal amounts should be good. I would just do a taste test midway as you are pouring to make sure the rum taste is not too strong. Enjoy! 🙂
Which proof should the Everclear be? There is a 151 and a 190 proof available, depending on where you live.
I use 190 proof 🙂
What does “NR” mean?
PC on HIGH for 10 minutes + do a NR
A natural release is when after your pot finishes cooking you let your pot sit and naturally release its pressure. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes. If your pressure has not fully release u can switch to vent to finish.
Can I use 6 cups of strong brewed coffee instead of the instant? And then does it still need to pc for 10 minutes? This recipe sounds delicious.
Yes, you sure can use strong brewed coffee. I would probably reduce the PC time to 5 minutes.
Do you have a coffee of choice
Like Tasters Choice ?
No, I actually use the cheapest brand and find the final product taste delicious. If you use any better quality above that, you will get even better results.
What if I don’t have instant coffee? Is there a substitute?
Yes, you can use freshly brewed coffee. You can reduce the PC time to 5 minutes if you use it.
It looks like Everclear is available from 120 to 190 proof. Which would be best (not so much for kick but for taste)?
I use 190 proof 🙂
Hi! Question about sterilized mason jar I’m new to that process, you said If they have been sterilized, so the mason jars do not need to be sterilized before hand? Thanks! I can’t wait to try.
NO, it is okay if they are not sterilized unless you plan on trying to seal them. Sealing them is a bit tricky but then again I am not a master at canning at all. :/
Will this work with sugar substitute instead of sugar?
Yes I am sure that would work fine. 🙂
Is there a shelf life? Or is it typical liquor once you add the Everclear?
Store it in on dark shelf and it will last between 3-4 years. Enjoy!
I made this today. It tastes so much better than store bought, love it and it’s so easy. Filled 3 qt jars perfectly.
I just bought espresso coffee for another recipe and I’m wondering if I can use that instead of instant coffee and if so any idea of how much? Thanks. Can’t wait to try this.
Yes I think the espresso coffee will work just fine
I meant to say espresso powder not coffee in my previous post.