Craving a rich, velvety coffee liqueur but don’t want to spend a fortune at the liquor store? Or you simply love making homemade liqueurs? Look no further than this simple recipe that lets you craft your own delicious coffee-infused spirit right in your kitchen.
For those who love homemade liqueurs and preserves, here’s the recipe for coffee liqueur. A liqueur with a delicate flavor, suitable even for those who don’t drink coffee. Its preparation is actually quite simple, which is why it has spread to various household recipe books. It doesn’t require excessively long processing, has no seasonality, and can be prepared at any time of the year for an indulgent break. It requires few ingredients, and with a bit of creativity, coffee liqueur can also be used in desserts.
The Story of Coffee Liqueur
Perhaps the most famous among coffee-based liqueurs is Caffè Borghetti. It was invented by Ugo Borghetti, a bartender from Ancona, as a unique way to celebrate the opening of the Pescara-Ancona railway in 1860.
The original recipe was a blend of Arabica coffee, Robusta coffee, and liquor, which brought Borghetti immense success, prompting him to move to Rome to expand his business. In Rome, as well as other Italian cities, the tradition of drinking it during soccer matches became popular, and the association between stadiums and Caffè Borghetti is now ingrained in popular culture.
Coffee liqueur is a type of after-dinner drink – but also an aperitif – particularly popular in Italian culture, where this beverage has always been beloved.
When You Can Enjoy Coffee Liqueur
Coffee liqueur is an excellent digestif, pairs wonderfully with spoon desserts, small cakes, ice cream, puddings, semifreddos, and panna cotta. It’s great to offer guests after a meal and makes an excellent gift for holidays or birthdays. Simply store it in a beautiful bottle, prepare an elegant personalized label, and package the gift however you like. I’m sure it will be an original and appreciated gift from friends and family!
And for special celebrations, seize the moment and embrace luxury by drizzling this heavenly nectar over a warm slice of pandoro or panettone. Prepare to be swept away by divine pleasure as the rich flavors melt together in pure bliss! Treat yourself to an experience that will tantalize your senses and leave you utterly satisfied.
How to Prepare Homemade Coffee Liqueur
When it comes to making coffee liqueur at home, there are many recipes out there, and every family adds their own unique ingredients or flavors. Some even add cream, but let me point out that when we talk about coffee liqueur, we usually don’t mean an alcoholic coffee cream similar to the famous whisky cream. Instead, we’re referring to a dark, liquid, and transparent liqueur, to be seen very similar to a coffee with a moka pot. With that said, let me share my recipe with you – it requires just a few simple ingredients and is one of the most classic versions.
Ingredients
To make a perfect coffee liqueur at home, you will need:
- 200 ml (about ¾ cup) water
- 400 g (2 cups) sugar
- 500 ml (about 2 cups) strong brewed coffee
- 500 ml (about 2 cups) pure alcohol 95%
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
NOTE — If you can’t find 95% pure alcohol for homemade liqueurs, don’t worry! You can use vodka as a substitute. Vodka usually has an alcohol content of around 40%, making it a suitable alternative. Just keep in mind that using vodka might slightly alter the flavor and strength of your liqueur, but it will still turn out delicious. Another option is to use a high-proof rum, which can also add an interesting twist to the final taste.
Step-by-step Instructions
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make a rich, flavorful coffee liqueur at home.
Prepare Sugar Syrup. Start by preparing the sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Add the Coffee. While the sugar syrup is cooling, brew a strong batch of coffee using your preferred method. You want the coffee to be very concentrated in flavor. Once the coffee is brewed, carefully combine it with the still-warm sugar syrup in a heatproof container or bowl. Stir until fully incorporated. Transfer the coffee-sugar mixture to an airtight glass container or bottle. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This may take 1–2 hours.
Combine all Ingredients and Let Rest. Once cooled, add the alcohol and the vanilla extract. Secure the lid and gently shake or swirl to combine all the ingredients. The coffee liqueur now needs to rest and mellow for 40 days in a cool, dry, dark place like a pantry or cabinet. Gently agitate the container every few days by turning it over.
Enjoy your Coffee Liqueur. After 40 days, your coffee liqueur is ready! If desired, strain it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any sediment. To serve, pour the liqueur over ice or enjoy at room temperature.
How to Store Coffee Liqueur
The liqueur will keep for up to 1 year properly stored. Store refrigerated or in a cool, dark place.
Homemade Coffee Liqueur: The Classic Easy and Quick Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 ml water
- 400 g sugar
- 500 ml strong brewed coffee
- 500 ml pure alcohol 95%
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- While the sugar syrup is cooling, brew a strong batch of coffee using your preferred method. You want the coffee to be very concentrated in flavor.
- Once the coffee is brewed, carefully combine it with the still-warm sugar syrup in a heatproof container or bowl. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the coffee-sugar mixture to an airtight glass container or bottle. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This may take 1–2 hours.
- Once cooled, add the alcohol and the vanilla extract. Secure the lid and gently shake or swirl to combine all the ingredients. The coffee liqueur now needs to rest and mellow for 40 days in a cool, dry, dark place like a pantry or cabinet. Gently agitate the container every few days by turning it over.
- After 40 days, your coffee liqueur is ready! If desired, strain it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any sediment. To serve, pour the liqueur over ice or enjoy at room temperature.
