There’s been a lot of interest in making homemade liqueur as a gift for the holiday season. My good friend, Tina Hewitt Morrison of Blountville TN, submitted this recipe for a homemade version of Kahlua. Thanks, Tina!

When I was first married I was given this recipe by a co-worker in the Provost’s Office at Old Dominion University.  So, it’s one that I’ve had since around 1970… but haven’t made it lately.  When I was young, it was always considered a great dessert treat to have ice cream with some exotic liqueur over it.

Homemade Kahlua
1 pint water
3 3/4 cups sugar
3 tsp. vanilla
Boil all together for about 30 mins.  Let cool.

Mix together the following and add to above
1 tsp. glycerin (usually you can get this at a pharmacy)
4 1/2 tbs. instant coffee
1/2 cup of water

Combine all above ingredients with a fifth of vodka.

Pour into bottles and cap tightly.  Shake.  Let stand for 3 weeks, at least.

Jim Bazin is the publisher and creative director of Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine.