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Does Kahlua Have Caffeine? How Much Is in a Shot

Quick answer

Yes. Kahlua is a coffee liqueur, and USDA data for coffee liqueur lists 26 mg of caffeine per 100 g, about 13.5 mg in a 1.5 fl oz (52 g) shot (our calculation). That is a generic USDA figure, not a Kahlua lab test, so the bottle may differ slightly.

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In this article
  1. How much caffeine is in a shot of Kahlua?
  2. Why is there caffeine in Kahlua?
  3. Is the number exact for Kahlua?
  4. Does the caffeine matter?

How much caffeine is in a shot of Kahlua?

USDA FoodData Central lists coffee liqueur at 26 mg of caffeine per 100 g, for both the 53 proof and the 63 proof entries. Its serving size for both is 1.5 fl oz, which weighs 52 g. Our calculation: 26 mg x 0.52 = about 13.5 mg of caffeine per 1.5 fl oz shot.

Serving Weight Caffeine (our calculation)
1 fl oz 34.8 g about 9 mg
1.5 fl oz (shot) 52 g about 13.5 mg

Why is there caffeine in Kahlua?

Coffee liqueur is flavored with coffee, and coffee naturally contains caffeine. The USDA entries are generic coffee liqueurs, not a single brand. They list 336 kcal per 100 g for the 53 proof entry and 308 kcal per 100 g for the 63 proof entry.

Is the number exact for Kahlua?

No. We could not open Kahlua’s own website (it returned a 403 block), so we found no official brand figure to check against. Treat 13.5 mg as a typical value. Recipes differ between brands and countries, so the label or the maker is the best check.

Does the caffeine matter?

The amount per shot is small, but a Kahlua-based drink can have several shots, plus coffee or espresso. If you limit caffeine, for example because of pregnancy, medication or a health condition, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

People also ask

Does Kahlua have caffeine?

Yes. USDA data for coffee liqueur lists 26 mg of caffeine per 100 g, about 13.5 mg per 1.5 fl oz shot (our calculation).

How much caffeine is in a shot of Kahlua?

About 13.5 mg per 1.5 fl oz (52 g), based on the USDA generic coffee liqueur entry. A brand label may differ.

Is Kahlua a good way to get caffeine?

No. The amount is small and Kahlua is an alcoholic drink. If caffeine or alcohol is a concern for you, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. USDA FoodData Central: Alcoholic beverage, liqueur, coffee, 53 proof (SR Legacy, FDC ID 175097), read 5 Nov 2026
  2. USDA FoodData Central: Alcoholic beverage, liqueur, coffee, 63 proof (SR Legacy, FDC ID 173665), read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Nov 6, 2026 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
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