She Strengthens

Crafting the Perfect Coffee Liqueur at Home

A Delicious Blend of Flavors

Imagine a rich, velvety liqueur that combines the deep flavors of coffee, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the warmth of aged rum. This homemade coffee liqueur is a game-changer for coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Getting Started

To create this delightful concoction, you’ll need just a few ingredients: coarsely ground coffee, dark brown sugar, aged rum, and a vanilla bean. Begin by brewing a batch of cold-brewed coffee, which will serve as the foundation of your liqueur.

Steeping the Coffee

Place 2 1/2 ounces of coarsely ground coffee in a 2-cup measuring cup or small pitcher, and add 1 3/4 cups of water. Stir to combine, then cover with plastic wrap and let steep at room temperature for at least 12 hours or up to 1 day.

Straining and Sweetening

Line a fine-mesh strainer with a standard coffee filter and fit it over a medium bowl. Slowly pour the coffee into the filter, allowing it to pass through in a slow stream. Discard the grounds and contents of the strainer, then transfer the coffee to a 1-quart container.

Next, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Assembling the Liqueur

Add the cooled syrup and 1 cup of aged rum to the container with the coffee. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, adding both the seeds and pod to the coffee mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the pod is submerged.

Aging to Perfection

Tightly cover the container and let it sit at room temperature in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking once a week. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, smooth liqueur.

Enjoy Your Handiwork

After the aging process, your coffee liqueur is ready to enjoy. Pour it over ice, add it to creamy cocktails, or use it in desserts like White Russian Milk Shakes or Drunken Affogatos. With its perfect balance of flavors, this liqueur is sure to become a staple in your bar.