Kahlúa Liqueur
Caffeine
5 mg
Note: Caffeine content is based on Kahlúa Original, which contains about 100 mg caffeine per liter. Actual amounts may vary slightly depending on production batch and regional formulation.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Low |
| Serving Size | 1.5 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 44 ml |
| Caffeine | 5 mg |
| Calories | 91 kcal |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 3.3 mg/fl oz |
Kahlúa is a world‑famous coffee liqueur from Mexico, known for its rich, sweet coffee flavor and versatility in cocktails. While it’s primarily enjoyed for its taste and smoothness, it does contain a small amount of caffeine from the coffee beans used in its production.
What is Kahlúa?
Kahlúa is crafted by blending rum, sugar, vanilla, and arabica coffee beans into a smooth, sweet liqueur. First introduced in 1936, it has since become a staple in bars and home cocktail collections worldwide.
- Origin – Created in Veracruz, Mexico.
- Base Spirit – Rum distilled from sugarcane.
- Flavor Profile – Sweet, rich coffee with hints of vanilla and caramel.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – Typically 20% (some markets offer 16%).
- Uses – Enjoyed neat, over ice, in cocktails, or even in desserts.
Its balance of sweetness and coffee flavor makes it a go‑to ingredient for drinks like the White Russian, Espresso Martini, and Mudslide.
How Much Caffeine is in Kahlúa?
Although Kahlúa is coffee‑flavored, its caffeine content is minimal compared to brewed coffee. The caffeine comes naturally from the coffee beans used in its recipe.
- Caffeine per 1.5 oz (44 ml) serving – 5 mg
- Caffeine per liter – 100 mg
- Comparison to Brewed Coffee – An 8 oz cup of coffee has 95–200 mg caffeine.
- Comparison to Espresso – A 1 oz shot of espresso has 63 mg caffeine.
- Impact – Too low to cause strong stimulation for most people.
This low caffeine level means you can enjoy Kahlúa’s coffee taste without the jitters, though mixing it with other caffeinated ingredients (like espresso) will increase the total caffeine.
Calories and Sugar
Kahlúa is sweet and syrupy, so it’s higher in sugar and calories than many spirits. This is important to consider if you’re watching your intake.
- Calories per 1.5 oz serving – 91 kcal
- Sugar – 11 g
- Carbohydrates – 11 g (from sugar)
- Fat – 0 g
- Protein – 0 g
While the calorie count is moderate for a liqueur, the sugar content is significant — especially if you’re mixing it into already sweet cocktails.
Ingredients Overview
Kahlúa’s ingredient list is short but distinctive, combining natural flavors with a rum base.
- Rum – Provides the alcoholic foundation.
- Arabica Coffee – Source of flavor and caffeine.
- Cane Sugar – Adds sweetness and body.
- Vanilla – Enhances aroma and smoothness.
- Water – Balances texture and alcohol content.
This blend creates Kahlúa’s signature taste — smooth, sweet, and unmistakably coffee‑forward.
Nutritional Facts at a Glance (Kahlúa Original, 1.5 oz)
A standard serving of Kahlúa delivers a touch of caffeine, moderate calories, and a notable sugar content.
- Calories – 91 kcal
- Total Fat – 0 g
- Sodium – 3 mg
- Total Carbohydrates – 11 g
- Sugars – 11 g
- Protein – 0 g
- Caffeine – 5 mg
- Caffeine per fl oz – 3.3 mg/fl oz
This makes Kahlúa a low‑caffeine, sweet liqueur — ideal for flavoring cocktails or desserts without adding a significant stimulant effect.