There’s nothing else quite like the sweet coffee flavor of Kahlua. This collection of Kahlua drinks shows off the range and versatility of this delicious liqueur. So we’ve got frozen drinks, shots, doubles and more.
Serving Suggestions
Before we dive into the recipes, let me make a few food suggestions to go with these luscious drinks. If you’re serving drinks with snacks, Turkish roasted hazelnuts. They have a hint of sweetness that’s just perfect.
Or if you prefer something more salty, try CeeGees’s Gourmet Food Nuts Gift Basket, featuring roasted salted almonds, toffee peanuts and more.
The smokiness of prosciutto goes surprisingly well with these drinks. And Parmesan Crisps are fantastic with pretty much anything.
Blended Drinks
These delicious blended drinks have the feel of a milkshake. They’re great for cooling off or anytime you’re in the mood for something like a milkshake with a kick.
1. Kahlua Cookie. This is a blended cocktail featuring vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.
2. Nutcracker Cocktail. This deliciously tempting drink blends Kahlua with amaretto, Grand Marnier and Bailey’s Irish Cream. It has a wonderfully sweet and satisfying chocolate, caramel, orange, coffee kind of flavor.
3. Hazel’s Wonder. It’s a blended drink with ground hazelnuts. No, seriously.
4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Kahlua Milkshakes. This drink features coffee flavored ice cream and some chocolate chip cookies all blended together.
5. Butterscotch Mudslide Shake. Another milkshake style drink, this one featuring butterscotch schnapps.
6. Baileys & Kahlua Iced Coffee Shake. This one has been known to appeal to people who don’t even like Kahlua. Maybe it’s the touch of hazelnut that does the trick.
7. Crown Royal Maple Mudslide. Another ice cream based cocktail, this one adds the maple flavor of Crown Royal Maple.
8. The Pensacola Bushwacker, a variation on the usual Bushwacker, features coconut cream, black rum, vanilla ice cream and more. It’s an alcohol milkshake for grownups.
Shots
Shots are quick little treats. Don’t be afraid of layered cocktails! They’re easier to make than you think. Scroll down for my cocktail layering tutorial!
9. T52 Shooter. An offshoot of the B52 featuring Tequila Rose strawberry cream liqueur.
10. B52. Another old classic, this beautiful layered shot features the orange flavor of Grand Marnier along with Kahlua and Baileys.
11. Quick Fox. Midori might not be your first thought for a Kahlua drink, but you might be surprised.
(I’ve had people ask about these cordial glasses – they’re no longer being made, but you can still get them on Ebay. Or get these very similar, maybe even better ones, on Amazon.)
12. Indian Summer. This is a good strong shot featuring amaretto.
13. Ground Zero. This strong shot features the unusual combination of bourbon whiskey and peppermint schnapps along with the Kahlua.
Cocktails
When a shot just won’t do, sometimes you need a nice long cocktail. These cocktails are meant to be savored. They’re all about that delicious mocha flavor.
14. Espresso Martini. With a shot of espresso, this one is guaranteed to wake you up. Garnished with espresso beans.
15. White Russian. A simple classic that never gets old. Kahlua, vodka and cream.
16. Coco Butter. Another cocktail combining Kahlua and butterscotch schnapps, but this time without the ice cream.
17. Dark Russian Kahlua Cocktail. This twist on the classic Black Russian features chocolate milk.
18. Toasted Almond. This old classic is the perfect, creamy nightcap.
19. Buttered Toffee. This one blends Kahlua, amaretto, Baileys and more to create a wonderful toffee flavor.
20. Kahlua Hot Chocolate. Super simple, but super delicious. This one blends hot cocoa with Kahlua.
21. Black Russian. Another old classic but never gets old, this is basically the White Russian without cream.
22. Long Black Russian. And this delicious drink is the Black Russian with the addition of Coca-Cola for a nice long sip.
23. Avalanche. If you think White Russians are boring, this drink swaps out the vodka for Crown Royal.
Sharon kroencke says
I would love the recipe for the kabanalua drink we served in the 80’s. It was fabulous and I can’t find the recipe. Thank you.
Mixy says
Sorry, I’ve never heard of it and can’t find it online or in any books I have. Got any more clues where I might find it?
David Wallace says
Maybe a Kavanaula?
Mixy says
I’m not finding that one, either. I also tried Kavanalua – nothing.
Michael. Koplinka Loehr says
Kabanalua’s:
Mix in a blender (this will make a drink for 3):
2 cups ice (add more or less for preferred consistency)
4 shots Kahlua (add more for taste)
4 shots rum (add more or less for taste)
3 cups vanilla ice cream
4+ ripe bananas
Blend until smooth & creamy (e.g., a thick but pourable milkshake consistency)
Serve in tall glasses
Easier alternative (slightly more dense):
Skip the ice, but freeze the bananas in chunks in advance and blend in the frozen bananas with all other ingredients
Enjoy! (We made many blender-fuls for parties with friends, and still do when we get together)
Mike, Ithaca, NY
Erica says
You forgot Bushwacker! I can’t get enough of these delicious wonders.
Mixy says
Good call! Just added the Pensacola Bushwacker with a link to the standard Bushwacker!