Kahlua Original
Kahlua Original is a 20% ABV, 750mL coffee liqueur from Veracruz, Mexico, made with rum, real sugarcane and 100% Arabica coffee — the bottle behind the White Russian and the Espresso Martini since 1936. The brand counts up to seven years from coffee cherry to bottle, most of it the coffee's own growing time in Veracruz. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 20% (US bottling)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: Sugarcane rum
- Coffee: 100% Arabica, Veracruz, Mexico
- Origin: Veracruz, Mexico; created 1936 (Pedro Domecq)
- Sourcing: Coffee For Good programme — 100% sustainable Veracruz sourcing achieved by 2022 (brand newsroom)
- Owner: Pernod Ricard
From Veracruz Coffee Country, Since 1936
Kahlua began in Veracruz in 1936 under Pedro Domecq and is now made by Pernod Ricard, still from Veracruz Arabica. Through its Coffee For Good programme, launched in 2016, the brand reached 100% sustainable sourcing from its Veracruz coffee-growing communities by 2022. The liqueur itself is unmistakable: deep black coffee first, with vanilla, chocolate and sweet butter over the rum base. Stir it from our liqueurs shelf, pair it with the rum collection, or visit the Kahlua vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Roasted coffee bean, vanilla and brown sugar. Palate: Sweet, full-bodied black coffee, then vanilla, caramel and cocoa-butter richness over the rum. Finish: Moderately sweet, with coffee and vanilla persisting and the rum warmth in the background.
How to Enjoy
Build the brand's signature serves — a White Russian, Espresso Martini, Black Russian or Mudslide — pour it over ice on its own, or use it in desserts, from its own Kahlua chocolate cake to a classic tiramisu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kahlua rum-based? Yes — it is a rum and coffee liqueur; the spirit base is sugarcane rum, blended with 100% Arabica coffee and sugar.
Where does Kahlua come from? Veracruz, Mexico, where it was created in 1936; its coffee is Veracruz Arabica.
Does Kahlua go in a White Russian and an Espresso Martini? Yes — the brand lists both among its signature serves, along with the Black Russian and the Mudslide.
The original coffee liqueur, US strength — order Kahlua Original online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.