14 Classic and Creative Kahlua Drinks

Maggie Ward

By Maggie Ward

Updated on Jul. 29, 2025

From espresso martinis to cozy, spiked hot chocolate, these Kahlua drinks bring rich coffee taste to creative, delicious cocktails.

Kahlua drinks are the perfect way to end the day or start a party. Velvety, sweet and bold, Kahlua is a rich coffee liqueur made from rum, sugar and arabica coffee. It’s a natural base for warm cocktails and cold, shaken mixed drinks, so there is always an option for the occasion.

This collection of easy Kahlua cocktails includes classic favorites and inventive new ideas. A frosty mudslide layered with chocolate and cream, a cinnamon-spiced espresso martini or a White Russian with coconut shows how adaptable Kahlua can be. There are drinks with nutmeg and peppermint for seasonal Christmas cocktails and frozen, blended drinks when you need to lighten the intensity of the liqueur.

Fun garnishes like chocolate curls, espresso beans, orange peel twists or a rim of cocoa sugar add small touches that elevate the presentation. Try using coffee ice cubes to make the drinks or serve with coffee desserts to enhance the flavor of Kahlua. You might even enjoy these cocktails so much that you will be inspired to make homemade Kahlua and take cocktail hour to the next level.

1/14

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Your favorite cocktail just got a pumpkin spice makeover—a quick and easy twist on the classic. The pumpkin mixes well with vodka and Kahlua. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 588 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/14

Chocolate-Caramel Rum Coffee

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This decadent drink can stand alone as a final course or as a complement to dessert. Our family loves it for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup coffee with 1/4 cup coffee whipped cream: 437 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
3/14

Sweet Kahlua Coffee

Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:9 (2-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they’d like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 337 calories, 23g fat (15g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
4/14

Black Russian

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here are no-fuss black Russians that are as smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 170 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
5/14

Pumpkin Espresso Martini

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1 martini
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you love starting your days with a pumpkin-spiced latte, you’ll want to try this autumn-themed nightcap. Pumpkin flavors power through the subtle vodka flavors for a sweet and rich blend. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 martini: 343 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
6/14

White Russian

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 580 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/14

Spanish Coffee

Total Time:5 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You’ll look forward to dessert even more when this warm and welcoming after-dinner drink is on the menu. —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 135 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
8/14

White Jamaican

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A tropical twist on the classic white Russian, my easy-to-drink cocktail blends flavors of coffee, vanilla and coconut. —Mark Brown, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 445 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/14

Peppermint Espresso Martini

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1 martini
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Think of this as an espresso martini with a festive holiday spin, perfect as an elegant drinkable dessert, to serve as a signature cocktail at your annual ugly Christmas sweater party, or for kicking off a holiday movie marathon in your jammies. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 martini: 317 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/14

Espresso Martini

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For a change of pace from mimosas, serve this wake-up cocktail for your next brunch. Coffee lovers will thank you. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 martini: 190 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/14

Frozen Espresso Martini

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The viral drink just got better. Take everything you love about an espresso martini and make it slushy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 martini: 246 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
12/14

Tiramisu Martini

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1 cocktail
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This tiramisu martini is the perfect compromise when you can't decide between an after-dinner drink or a sweet treat for dessert. If you chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving your cocktail, your cocktail will stay colder for longer. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cocktail: 746 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
13/14

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When we want a cup of hot chocolate, we prefer homemade over store mixes. A splash of Kahlúa adds a touch of fabulous. —Chung-Ah Rhee, Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without optional toppings): 280 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
14/14

Mudslide

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A chilled hurricane glass is the perfect vessel for this mudslide 'milkshake'—a blended dessert drink that marries vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream and chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 688 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

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Kahlua Drinks FAQ

What is the best mixer for Kahlua?

The best mixers for Kahlua balance the sweet, bold flavor of the coffee liqueur, such as cream, chocolate, coffee and stronger spirits, like vodka and rum. For easy mixed drinks that go beyond the usual, try Kahlua drinks with cola or root beer for a low-effort, satisfying combination. Amaretto adds a nutty twist, while tonic water and citrus contrast its deep flavor.

Can Kahlua be used for desserts as well as cocktails?

Kahlua’s bold, sweet coffee flavor with a hint of vanilla makes it a natural fit for delicious coffee desserts like trifles, mousse, no-bake cheesecakes and creamy parfaits. Try drizzling it over ice cream or blending it into whipped cream for a light, boozy topping. You can also warm Kahlua or bake with it by mixing it into brownie batter, chocolate ganache or hot fudge sauce.

What alcohol pairs best with Kahlua besides vodka?

Besides vodka, Kahlua complements a variety of spirits that highlight its smooth, roasted notes. Dark or spiced rum and bourbon add warmth to cozy fall drinks. Irish cream brings richness for more indulgent pours and would fit in next to your usual holiday vodka drinks. Try an aged tequila like reposado for a more complex tasting option; its caramel and spice notes deepen the coffee liqueur’s profile.