Finding My Aloha: Bootlegger Kahlua {Best of the 1920's}

Friday, September 10, 2010

Bootlegger Kahlua {Best of the 1920's}

You didnt think we could have a 1920's theme week without a post about the prohibition did you? ;) Prohibition was enacted in the US from 1920 to 1933. The endeavor has been widely considered a failure as it led to the popularity of "bootlegging" and the rise of organized crime as it became the sole distributor of illegal alcohol. Prohibition also led to the famous speakeasies of the era. A secret nod, shake, and wink could get you into a wild party dripping with "moonshine" and hot jazz! So, to truly pay tribute to the era I had to dig deep and search out the inner bootlegger...

Last Fall my sister-in-law introduced to me to homemade Kahlua. I begged her for the recipe so I could make my own and put it in Christmas gift baskets. It was a HUGE hit! This is so yummy and seriously easy!

Here's what you need to get started...

1 12-cup pot very strong coffee (chocolate flavored is best, I used Godiva Chocolate Truffle)
2 lbs. light brown sugar
6 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 bottle 190 proof Clear Springs or Everclear (In some states, including WA, they dont allow that high of a proof so you have to settle for 151)

Bring coffee to a boil in a large pot. Gradually add 2 lbs. light brown sugar and return to boil stirring constantly. Give the pot an ice bath to cool it to room temperature.

When completely cool, add the vanilla and the alcohol. This recipe yields five 750ml bottles of Kahlua. Technically, the Kahlua is ready to serve but I like to age it for a couple months. I think it smooths out over time. If you want to use this for Christmas gifts, I suggest doing this soon to give time to age.

I save up old liquor bottles to age the Kahlua in, then when I am assembling my gift baskets I transfer it to bottles like these from Amazon...

I am joining these AWESOME link parties!

Just joining in on the Best of the 1920's? Click here to see the whole week!

pssssssssssssst! Like the roomier look to FMA? I got tired of being so crowded so I tweaked the site a bit. Ahhh.....stretch! I'm loving all this room! :)

Update: Sept 14th

This was featured on Under The Table And Dreaming today! :D

Comments (14)

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Vic · 760 weeks ago

thanks for sharing...that's a a great post! enjoy the weekend

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 760 weeks ago

Thanks Vic! I had fun with this one too! Hope you have a lovely weekend as well!

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Jude · 760 weeks ago

Ooh, thanks for this 20s awesomeness! (Kahlua is awesome poured over chocolate and vanilla ice cream...with raspberries :))

1 reply · active 760 weeks ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 760 weeks ago

mmm.... that sounds tasty! I really like to use it in Colorado Bulldogs...I think Ill post a recipe for one soon

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Revamped French · 760 weeks ago

Thanks for sharing! This is the coolest gift idea I've seen. I may have to try this one out. As far as Kahlua goes, I never much cared for it, but I'm a fim believer that just about everything tastes good when it's done from scratch! Even if it isn't palatable for me I know so many others who will enjoy this very much. Plus, homecooked/brewed goodies are often considered more thoughtful.

Blessings,
Shanna
www.revampedfrenchmaison.com

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Jenn · 760 weeks ago

Having been lucky enough to receive this for Christmas last year, I can attest this recipe absolutely fab!

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 760 weeks ago

:D Glad you liked it! Its so easy! You guys should try it this year

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Rhiannon · 760 weeks ago

i tried making this before for christmas, my recepie didnt call for sugar, I think that was what was missing!!!

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Emily@FindingMyAloha · 760 weeks ago

Oh no! I cant imagine how bitter it must taste without the sugar! Definitely give this recipe a try! :)

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Atticmag · 760 weeks ago

I am excited to pass this on to my Kahlua loving sister...thanks!

I hope you will stop by, we're giving away a super Roxy girl's bedding ensemble for "Giveaway Friday"!

Jane T. visiting from Frugal Friday

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Laura · 760 weeks ago

Well, you inner bootlegger didn't do too bad! To bad you didn't need a bathtub to mix it up in! (Too much fun!)

This is such an interesting recipie. Hubs loves to make a homemade gift for the holidays every year, just for our close family and friends. (Last year we made super hot salsa with a label of my son with devil horns, and sweet hot pepper jelly with a label of our daughter with little angel wings. It was really cute.) I'm going to ask him if he wants to do this one for this year's gift. Can you mail alcohol over state lines, or will we get thrown in the slammer for that?

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Oh, My Darling · 760 weeks ago

This is making me thirsty...

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Pink Crocodile · 760 weeks ago

How fun! That's the perfect Christmas gift for my cousins this year. A fun treat. I love love love this idea!!

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Holly L · 759 weeks ago

I LOVE this! I am so making some. What a fun idea. I am passing long your blog info to another friend...she is all about the vintage and even works at a historic special event venue. I cannot wait to check out the rest of the posts! I am a new follower.