If your diet restricts you from consuming processed, white sugar, you can easily substitute brown sugar or your favorite type of refined sugar substitute. There are dozens of recipes out there and plenty use other varieties of sugar.
If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, your best bet is to wait about 15 or 20 minutes for it to cool down. Always err on the safer, cooler side in this situation and wait longer if you’re unsure (and it still seems hot).
You’ll notice that the next recipe contains vodka. If you’re a bigger vodka fan, you could keep to this recipe if you’d like and switch out the rum for the vodka, no problem. And if you have time and the supplies, why not try both and see which you like better?
The vanilla needs time to infuse in to give it that essential Kahlua flavor. Vanilla extract can be substituted, but do note that the Kahlua won’t have the same rich, aged flavor.
If you’re not so great at brewing a decent pot of coffee (it is definitely harder than it looks), you may wish to have a coffee aficionado do this for you. It can make a world of difference. [2] X Research source
Again, you could use brown sugar or raw sugar if you like. Just know that each little change will affect the flavor and it may or may not be to your liking.
Some bartenders believe in a combination of vodka and rum, or even different types of vodka or different types of rum within the same recipe to give it a fuller flavor. If you have the end of a few bottles laying around, try combining them – it may not hurt. [3] X Research source
At this point, you could also add in a cinnamon stick, cocoa nibs (about a tablespoon), or orange peel, if you like. This will give it a more signature, dynamic flavor.
The basement or cellar is good for this stuff, but a closed box in a dark room (or under the bed) will work just as well. Just make sure it has a label on it in case you forget what that mysterious dark bottle is in six months’ time.
If you’re worried about your insta-Kahlua being a little lacking (generally the ones that take more time have a bit more flavor), you could consider adding a few cocoa nibs to give it a tang of chocolate to make the flavor more dynamic.
If your guests aren’t going to go hog wild over it at the pot, pour the mixture into bottles (three 12 oz. bottles works well) to keep for later. But do know that this recipe is supposed to be enjoyed immediately, so take advantage of not having to wait 2 weeks for infusion!
