The Benefit Of Making Your Own Coffee Liqueur That Store-Bought Just Can't Compete With

Coffee liqueur is a bar staple that's common in many drinks, like the re-popularized espresso martini. But for cocktails that require extensive specialty liqueurs, it isn't always affordable to buy each niche and craft ingredient, especially at high price points. The good news is — next time you need coffee liqueur, you can just make your own. You'll find this process is not only handy, but also cost-effective and uniquely creative.

Making your own liqueur may sound a little intimidating, especially when you don't quite know where to start. Chowhound spoke with two experts to get some clarity on the best ways to make this boozy, caffeinated liquid. Rob Hoffman, beverage director at Lucky Charlie, expressed, "Making a coffee liqueur at home has its benefits, in that you can pick your beans, the roast, and add seasonal spices like nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon." Depending on your personal preference or how you intend to use your liqueur, making your own allows more creative control over nuanced flavor notes.

Another added benefit is managing the sugar content, as many in-store versions of this beverage can be very sweet. Oscar Simoza, director of spirits at BCB3 Hospitality, explained, "Most commercial versions are shyer on coffee and louder on sugar, and low caffeine." Therefore, making your own version allows control over ingredients, flavor, and caffeine content. Though, keep in mind the proper ways to store your coffee liqueur in order to extend its shelf life as long as possible. 

As it turns out, making your own coffee liqueur is easier than you think. Oscar Simoza explained the process is similar to creating homemade salad dressing. "[It's] unnecessary but deeply satisfying. And it makes a great gift," he said. There are various ways to make this alcoholic beverage. For example, instead of infusing alcohol with ground coffee or whole beans (both viable options), Simoza suggested using cold brew or espresso concentrate. You'll get more flavor and less bitterness. "Sweeten with brown sugar, demerara, or even a touch of molasses for richness," he added.

As far as the type of alcohol to use, Simoza recommended rum for a full, well-balanced taste or vodka for its more neutral flavor. Enjoy your creation immediately or store it up to six months, according to Simoza. Either way, it's best to let it sit for at least a few weeks so the flavors truly meld. Homemade coffee liqueur is a fabulous complement to boozy classic cocktails, like the Mount Rushmore or Bahama Mama. And if those don't suit your palate, try it in any of these popular coffee cocktails.

Rob Hoffman confided, "In a world where most of the coffee brought to market uses questionable labor practices, the ability to control your input can help keep any socially conscious mind at ease." So not only are you able to make your own unique version of coffee liqueur, but you can also worry less about the negative ramifications of your coffee consumption.