About this liqueur

Kahlúa was first made in Veracruz, on Mexico's Gulf coast, in 1936, in a region with a long tradition of growing coffee. The idea was simple: combine rich Arabica coffee with rum and a touch of sweetness to make a liqueur that tasted unmistakably of coffee. Its squat bottle and bold yellow lettering became a fixture of bars worldwide, and today the brand belongs to Pernod Ricard.

In the glass Kahlúa is dark and glossy, with aromas of roasted coffee, caramel and vanilla, a smooth, sweet coffee palate and a gentle rum warmth at 16% ABV. It is one of the most versatile bottles you can keep: the essential ingredient of the Espresso Martini and the White Russian, lovely poured over ice with a splash of milk, and a secret weapon in desserts such as tiramisu or affogato. A thoughtful gift for coffee lovers and keen home hosts.

Key facts

• Created in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1936
• Made with 100% Arabica coffee and rum
• A key ingredient in the Espresso Martini, White Russian and Black Russian
• Bottled at 16% ABV in most markets; owned by Pernod Ricard

Tasting notes

Nose:

roasted coffee, caramel and vanilla

Palate:

smooth and sweet, rich coffee with a hint of chocolate and rum

Finish:

warm, lingering coffee

Serve

Espresso Martini: 50 ml vodka, 25 ml Kahlúa, 25 ml fresh espresso, shaken hard with ice and strained into a chilled coupe; or simply over ice with milk.

Food pairing

Superb with tiramisu, chocolate mousse or coffee walnut cake, and with Bengali nolen gur ice cream or a plate of nankhatai.