When I think of a premium quality coffee liquor, the name that strikes my mind is Kahlua. The rich taste of Arabian coffee beans and rum makes it perfect to have alone or to mix in your cocktails. I know the question that’s striking your mind right now; what’s the gluten status of Kahlua? Is Kahlua gluten free?
Yes, Kahlua is gluten free. The drink is made from Arabian coffee, rum, and sugar, so there are no gluten ingredients.
But living with gluten allergies isn’t the best thing. You have to consider a lot of other things before consuming it worry free. In this article, I’ll give you all the important details about Kahlua and its gluten status, which I’m sure you don’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
Is Kahlua Gluten Free?
Kahlua is a pure coffee based alcohol with no wheat or barley malt. The other ingredients used in the drink are sugar and rum, both of which also don’t contain gluten. Moreover, the drink undergoes a distillation process, so there are no chances of being contaminated with gluten.
The makers declared that they don’t add any known gluten ingredient in all Kahlua flavors. But they recommend that if you are diagnosed with celiac disease or have a high gluten sensitivity, you should consult your doctor before consuming the drink.
Food items are at the risk of causing gluten allergy when they contain gluten ingredients or when they are made in shared facilities. But since all Kahlua flavors are gluten free, there are no chances of it coming into contact with other gluten containing drinks.
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How Is Kahlua Made? What Ingredients Are Used In This Liquor?
The entire process of making Kahlua takes about seven years. The makers invest so much time in a single drink because they grow their coffee cherries in the shade. Growing the coffee cherries in the shade takes up to six years.
Once the coffee cherries grow deep dark red, the ripping process begins. The ripped beans again are stored for six months. The rum used in Kahlua is made from sugarcane juice which is boiled and mixed with water.
When the alcohol is ready, it undergoes a distillation process to bring you the finest taste. The resting coffee beans are now roasted and mixed with the spirit. The final product again rests for four more weeks before it reaches you.
Is Kahlua Bad For Your Health?
If you exceed the recommended drinking limit, any liquor will harm your health; the same is true for Kahlua as well. There is no harm when you drink Kahlua in moderation. The liquor is high in sugar, so it will start affecting your health if you consume it regularly.
Moreover, if you are trying to shed some extra calories, it’s best not to go overboard with Kahlua. So much sugar intake is definitely not helping you lose weight.
Kahlua Varieties And Their Nutritional Facts
Kahlua brings you multiple flavors with the same richness as Arabian coffee. Let’s have a look at the names and their ingredient list-
Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
This brings you the flavor of real black coffee, sweet butter, and roasted chestnut.
Nutritional facts per 50ml
- Alcohol- 6.3g
- Energy- 123kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 19.7g
- Sugars- 19.7g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Kahlua Mint Mocha
Kahlua Mint mocha has the rich taste of dark chocolate and refreshing mint. The thick delicious smooth texture of the drink can instantly lift your mood.
Nutritional facts per 30ml
- Alcohol- 4.7g
- Energy- 91kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 14.5g
- Sugars- 14.5g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Kahlua Salted Caramel
This one is a perfect blend of the original Kahlua coffee flavors with salted caramel. The liquor is best to add to your cocktail for an instant taste blast.
Nutritional facts per 30ml
- Alcohol- 4.7g
- Energy- 90kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 14.3g
- Sugars- 14.3g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Kahlua Chili Chocolate
You can taste the flavors of hot chili peppers and milk chocolate with a hint of vanilla and caramel.
Nutritional facts per 30ml
- Alcohol- 4.7g
- Energy- 90kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 14.3g
- Sugars- 14.3g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Kahlua Especial
Kahlua Especial has the strong taste of roasted coffee, and it’s a smooth, opaque inky brown liquor.
Nutritional facts per 30ml
- Alcohol- 4.7g
- Energy- 98kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 10g
- Sugars- 10g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Kahlua Blonde Roast Style
Caramel, toffee, and citrus notes are what make Kahlua blonde a very special flavor. Enjoy it as it is, or mix it with your cocktails.
Nutritional facts per 74ml
- Alcohol- 11.7g
- Energy- 171kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 22.3g
- Sugars- 22.3g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Kahlua Vanilla Coffee Liquor
Kahlua Vanilla Coffee liquor has a velvety smooth texture with the flavors of coffee and vanilla.
Nutritional facts per 74ml
- Alcohol- 11.7g
- Energy- 226kcal
- Total fat- 0g
- Saturated fat- 0g
- Carbs- 35.8g
- Sugars- 35.8g
- Salt- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Gluten Free Alternatives To Kahlua
If Kahlua isn’t available in your area or you want to try out other gluten free coffee liquors, the options are many. The mentioned below are some of my top picks for Kahlua substitutes.
Nola Coffee Liqueur
It’s one of the best coffee liqueurs that comes closest to the taste of Kahlua. It’s made from Ethiopian coffee beans, Madagascar vanilla, French chicory root, and sugarcane.
Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Mr. Black is considered the world’s best coffee liquor which is gluten free, made with 100% pure Arabica coffee, and has a smooth texture.
Flor de Cana
Flor de Cana is another best gluten free coffee liquor whose taste comes closer to Kahlua. It has a smooth, dry finish with notes of coffee and wood.
Fantastic Gluten Free Kahlua Cocktails To Try At Home
Kahlua is one of the top-picked coffee liquors to add to your cocktails. Here I’ll share the recipes of two of the classic Kahlua cocktails you must try.
1. Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- 30ml Kahlua original
- 30ml espresso
- 30ml vodka
- Ice cubes
Method
Mix all ingredients in a shaker and shake for some time until you get a velvety foam. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass and garnish with coffee beans.
2. Cold Brew White Russian
Ingredients
- 30ml Kahlua
- 30ml cold brew coffee
- 30ml vodka
- 30ml cream (gluten free & plant-based)
Method
Add ice cubes to a cocktail glass. Pour Kahlua, cold brew coffee, and vodka. Finish off with a layer of cream.
Conclusion
Kahlua is gluten free, so it is a safe drink for gluten intolerants. But since there is added sugar in the drink, you may want to watch the quantity. Kahlua is also a dominant liquor in so many popular cocktails.
I have mentioned the recipes of a couple of my favorite Kahlua cocktails, do give it a try and let me know how it turned out!
FAQs
Is Kahlua dairy-free?
Yes, Kahlua is dairy-free. There is no milk, cream, yogurt, or other dairy product in the liquor.
Is Kahlua safe for celiacs?
Kahlua should be safe for celiacs because all the three ingredients in the liquor: coffee, sugar, and rum, are gluten free.
Is Kahlua made from wheat?
No, Kahlua isn’t made from wheat. The main ingredient in the drink is Arabian coffee; the other two ingredients are rum and sugar.
Is Baileys Kahlua gluten free?
Yes, Baileys Kahlua is also gluten free. In fact, all Baileys flavors are free of gluten.
