What are the different types of Kahlua?
Kahlua comes as the Original coffee liqueur, Kahlua Especial (a higher-strength, 35% ABV coffee liqueur), and flavored versions such as hazelnut, French vanilla, salted caramel and a seasonal peppermint mocha. Original is about 16% ABV in markets where the maker cut it from 20%, and older bottles are 20%. We found no white or dark Kahlua; a White Russian is a cocktail.
Free download
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF): How long liqueurs, spirits, wine and mixers last, opened and unopened. 25 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What are the different kinds of Kahlua?
| Type | What to know |
|---|---|
| Original (regular) | Sweet coffee liqueur with rum, vanilla and caramel notes; 16% ABV in markets where the maker reduced it from 20%, so check the bottle |
| Especial | Made with 100% Arabica coffee and listed at 35% ABV on the maker’s site; discontinued in some markets |
| Flavored | Hazelnut, French vanilla, salted caramel, peppermint mocha (a limited edition) and others |
| Ready to drink | Canned or bottled Kahlua drinks, where sold |
Flavor lineups differ by country and change over time, so the list on the shelf near you is the real one.
What is the difference between Kahlua and Kahlua Especial?
Original Kahlua is the classic for White Russians and Mudslides. Especial is a stronger, more coffee-focused bottle, listed at 35% ABV against 16% to 20% for the Original. It is often used in an espresso martini. Because it is stronger, count it as more alcohol per pour.
Is there a white Kahlua or dark Kahlua?
We found no white or dark Kahlua. The core product is one brown coffee liqueur, with flavored and Especial versions. A White Russian is a cocktail of vodka, Kahlua and cream, not a product. Some brands sell white chocolate or cream liqueurs, but those are separate from Kahlua unless the label says Kahlua.
What flavor is Kahlua?
Coffee first, then sweet vanilla and caramel. The maker describes it as combining rum, vanilla and caramel notes with roasted Arabica coffee flavor.
Kahlua vs a White Russian
Kahlua is the coffee liqueur. A White Russian is a drink made with Kahlua, vodka and cream. If you want the cocktail without buying a mix, buy Kahlua and add vodka and cream.
People also ask
How many kinds of Kahlua are there?
Original, Especial, several flavored versions and ready-to-drink drinks in some markets. The lineup differs by country.
What is the difference between Kahlua and Kahlua Especial?
Especial is made with 100% Arabica coffee and is listed at 35% ABV. Original is sweeter and 16% to 20% ABV depending on the market.
Is there a white Kahlua?
We found none. A White Russian is a cocktail made with Kahlua, vodka and cream.
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
