Kahlua liqueur: description, varieties, features

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Producers of alcoholic beverages have created hundreds of a wide variety of liqueurs. A huge layer among them is occupied by coffee liqueurs. Today you can find several dozen varieties of this drink, which include coffee additives. And only a few coffee-based liqueurs are true leaders.

One of them is the Kahlua liqueur, which has Mexican roots and has been produced for over 70 years. It has an unforgettable aroma and a bright, rich taste. And even though it does not have a centuries-old tradition, its production is not fanned by many legends, and the recipe is not passed down from generation to generation under the heading "Secret". That hasn't stopped Kahlua from gaining fans all over the world and uniting all those who love fine spirits.

History

Kahlua is a liqueur that was launched in 1936. A certain Pedro Domesc from Mexico decided to establish the production of a coffee drink with a degree. The name was born almost immediately and translated as "home for the Acolua people" (Acolua was the name given to the Mesoamerican peoples who arrived in the valley of Mexico in the early 13th century). This name was supposed to emphasize the national identity of the drink. The Spaniards have somewhat modifiedthe name in its own way, pronouncing this word as "ulua", in honor of the fortress of San Juan de Ulua.

At first, production was based in Mexico, and in 1994 the company was taken over by Allied Lions. In 2005, the French company Pernod Ricard bought the lion's share of the company. Today, Kahlua liqueur is produced not only in Mexico, but also in Denmark and England. And the drink is sold in more than 120 countries. In a year, lovers of "Kalua" consume a total of 20 million liters of this drink.

Production Features

The drink is based on Arabica coffee, which is considered the best variety in the world. In addition to elite coffee, the recipe includes vanilla syrup, real Mexican cane rum and refined alcohol.

Kahlua liqueur is made only from Mexican Arabica. Grains are harvested at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level. Experts say that the favorable alpine sun gives coffee a special charm. Pickers select only the ripest grains, which then go to the sink, and after it - to dry in direct sunlight. Next comes the roasting process.

Vanilla and alcohol, which are added to ground coffee, are also produced in Mexico. The famous rum, which is part of the Kahlua liqueur, is also produced there.

Drink strength

The manufacturer produces Kahlua liqueur with different strength levels. It depends not only on the type of liquor, but also on the laws of the importing country to which it will go. Typically, the alcohol content ranges from 20 to 36degrees, which classifies the liquor as a medium-strength drink.

For example, in the US, only 20% Kahlua is allowed to be sold, although some state laws allow slightly higher strengths.

In 2002, the company launched Kahlúa Especial, one of the strongest varieties. Its strength is 36%.

Varieties

Initially, only one type of liquor was produced. And at the end of the 20th century, the manufacturer somewhat expanded the range. Today the following varieties are known:

• Kahlua - traditional;
• Mocha - vanilla chocolate;
• French Vanilla - vanilla;
• Hazelnut - with roasted hazelnuts;
• Especial - with special strength (36%);
• White Russian and Mudslide - ready-to-drink cocktail-based varieties;
• Chocolate Latte - ready-to-eat variety based on coffee latte with chocolate;
• Spiced Eggnog - limited edition egg and wine cocktail;
• Peppermint Mocha - mint, limited edition;
• Kahlúa Cinnamon Spice - with cinnamon.

Some of these varieties have been awarded titles and awards at different times. Especial was awarded three silver medals (2005-2007) at the San Francisco Annual Brewers Competition and a bronze medal in 2009.

Kahlua coffee liqueur, the price of which is quite high, is not presented in all of its assortment in Russia and the CIS countries. But the most popular varieties of it can be obtained in reputable wineries.boutiques.

Prices

Today it is easiest to find the classic Kahlua liqueur on sale. The price for a 700 ml bottle will be approximately $30. Do not trust unverified suppliers and pay attention to the inscriptions on the label. The original drink is produced only in Mexico, Denmark and England. Should alert and too low price.

Serving and culture of consumption

Kahlua is a liqueur that is drunk both neat and in cocktails. Its taste, as they say, is not for everyone, and some may find it too sweet. Before serving, undiluted liquor must be cooled.

This drink goes well with cream and milk. And for those who love unusual combinations and cocktails, the manufacturer makes a small present by placing several original recipes directly on the label. The most popular cocktails with this liqueur are White Russian, Black Russian, Brave Bull, B-52, Desperato, Black Magic. In total, more than 200 recipes for a wide variety of cocktails are known.

Kahlua liqueur is also used in cooking. It is added to dough and various desserts to give them a noble coffee-vanilla flavor.