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Is Kahlua Vegan? Let’s Find Out!

  • Mike 

Is Kahlua Suitable For Vegans?

Kahlua is not considered a vegan-friendly beverage. Kahlua is a liquor made from coffee beans, dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and cocoa.

Some brands also use cane sugar. So, Kahlua is not suitable for vegan diets. But, Kahlua is not bad for vegans since it contains no animal ingredients.

What Is Kahlua?

Kahlua is made from sugar cane molasses, so it is not a vegan product. It is produced in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other countries using a secret family process.

The natural ingredients used are not verified or approved by any regulatory body. But, there are no animal-derived products used in the product.

Kahlua contains glycerin, which is a by-product of the vegetable glycerol. Yet, glycerin is extracted using petroleum-based solvents.

To avoid an original product that has glycerin, check the label. Check if it contains “vegetable-derived glycerin” or “glycerin from types of sugar beets.” Some brands have gotten rid of glycerin altogether.

How Much Alcohol Is In Kahlua?

Kahlua contains less than 1% alcohol by volume and is not suitable for vegans. The alcohol content comes from neutral alcohol and not from fermentation.

But, this does not mean that vegans should not consume Kahlua! Drinking Kahlua is acceptable for vegans if consumed through a straw or mixed with water.

Kahlua is a low-alcohol liqueur. It is suitable for those who want to drink Kahlua without worrying that they will get drunk.

Popular alcohol gives Kahlua a flavour that you might not have in other liqueurs.

What Liquor Can I Use To Make Kahlua?

If you want to make Kahlua at home, try using vodka instead of rum. The alcohol evaporates faster when heated, leaving only the black coffee flavour.

Yet, if you prefer to use rum, then here is how to do it: 

  • Mix 1 part light brown sugar with two parts water.
  • Add four parts dark rum, and heat until the organic sugar dissolves completely. Allow mixture to cool.
  • Pour into a glass container and add a shot of espresso.

You can create delicious vegan drinks like Kahlua without supporting cruelty to animals. At the same time, non-vegans will not likely be swayed to abstain from drinking alcohol.

Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the option to enjoy this special drink still.

Kahlua’s Vegan Alternatives Drinks

Those who taste Kahlua’s flavour but are adhering to a vegan diet. And glad to know that there are vegan-friendly alternatives to their favourite beverage.

There are several vegan flavorful alternatives to Kahlua. If you want to try out some of these drinks, here are a few suggestions:

1. Coconut milk

The best-known Kahlua alternative for Kahlua is made from coconut milk. But, if you want to drink a chocolate liqueur, try Kahlua mixed with unsweetened cocoa powder.

It will give you a similar taste to the original Kahlua.

2. Coffe or latte

Kahlua has made vegan alternatives such as Coconut Cream Latte and Vanilla Bean Iced Tea.

They also have some great non-alcoholic drinks like Cappuccino, Frappuccino, and Espresso. If you’re looking for something new, try out one of these drinks!

3. Organic vanilla extract

Try adding cinnamon or quality vanilla extract to your drinks for those who don’t like sweets. You could also add some inch vanilla bean paste to your latte or cappuccino.

4. Honey with hot water

If you want to skip the caffeine, try making a cold tea by mixing a teaspoon of raw honey with hot water. Honey is a natural source of sweetness that will help mask any bitterness.

5. Chambord 

Another alternative to Kahlua is to substitute it with Chambord. It has a very similar flavour profile to Kahlua.

6. Amaretto or Frangelico

If you have a sweet tooth, you may also want to consider trying out another dessert liquor. Try substituting Kahlua with Amaretto or Frangelico. These two liqueurs have a robust almond milk flavour like real Kahlua.

7. Irish cream

Another option is to switch out Kahlua for Irish cream. It is a popular liqueur made with whiskey, heavy cream, and condensed milk.

It also contains bourbon, but unlike Kahlua, Bailey’s does not have any animal products.

9. Soy milk

Kahlua is also available in soy milk. It makes it possible for vegans to make creamy flavoured milk at home.

People might find themselves craving a drink after being on a vegan diet. You should try out a non-alcoholic version of Kahlua to meet this craving.

Moreover, you should also read our article about Paul Rudd.

How to Make Vegan Kahlua at Home?

With a bit of patience and effort, you can make your vegan Kahlua at home. You can share the vegan Kahlua with friends, family, and parties.

The best part is that it is healthier and cheaper than store-bought Kahlua!

The best way to make vegan Kahlua is to use agave syrup instead of conventional sugar. Agave syrup has benefits such as lower calories, few carbs, and no gluten ingredients.

To make the Kahlua, you need:

  • 1 cup of coffee beans ground
  • 2 cups of water
  • ½ cup of agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup of cocoa powder
  • And 1 cup of alcohol

Method:

1. Mix all the actual ingredients in a container or original bottle.

2. After adding all list of ingredients to a container, let it sit for 24 hours.

3. Then strain the mixture and add one part of Kahlua liqueur.

4. If you want to add another flavour, you can use cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or gingerbread.

Moreover, we have also written an article about the best vegan soft serve. It will help if you read it.

Last Words

Plenty of plant-based alternatives can replace refined sugar, dairy, and eggs in recipes.

Whether you decide to start your day with a healthy smoothie, keep it simple with a hot cup of coffee or sip on a creamy dessert Kahlua.

You’ll find that it’s no longer necessary to sacrifice taste to live a vegan lifestyle.

Mike Halladay

Mike Halladay

Hey! Mike Here! I love all things vegan. I am a Dad of 2 youngs boys and a food lover and amateur Chef. I transitioned to being a Vegan 9 years and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. My health and lifestyle improved beyond belief! This is why I started VeganTab.com to spread the word!

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