Producers of alcoholic beverages have created hundreds of a wide variety of liquors. A huge layer among them is coffee liqueurs. Today, you can find several dozen varieties of this drink, which include coffee additives. And only a few coffee-based liquors are true leaders.
One of them is Kahlua liquor, which has Mexican roots and has been produced for more than 70 years. It has an unforgettable aroma and a bright, rich taste. And even if he does not have a centuries-old tradition, his production is not fanned by many legends, and the recipe is not passed on from generation to generation under the heading "Secret." This did not stop Kalua from gaining many fans all over the world and uniting all those who love refined alcohol.
History
Kahlua is a liquor that was launched in 1936. A certain Pedro Domesc from Mexico decided to establish the production of a coffee drink with a degree. The name was born almost immediately and translated as "a house for the people of Akolua" (Mesoamerican peoples who arrived in the valley of Mexico in the early 13th century were called Akolua). This name was supposed to emphasize the nationality of the drink. The Spaniards somewhat altered the name in their own way, pronouncing the word as "ulois" in honor of the fortress of San Juan de Ulua.
At first, production was based in Mexico, and in 1994 the company switched to Allayd Lions. In 2005, the lion's share of the company was bought by the French company Pernod Ricard. Today, Kahlua is produced not only in Mexico, but also in Denmark and England. And the drink is sold in more than 120 countries. Kalua lovers consume a total of 20 million liters of this drink per year.
Production Features
At the heart of the preparation of the drink is Arabica coffee, considered the best variety in the world. In addition to elite coffee, the recipe includes vanilla syrup, real Mexican cane rum and refined alcohol.
Kahlua liquor is made only from Mexican arabica. Grains are harvested at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level. Experts say that the supportive high-altitude sun gives coffee a special charm. Pickers pick only the most ripe grains, which then fall on the sink, and after it - on drying in direct sunlight. The following is a frying process.
Vanilla and alcohol, which are added to ground coffee, are also produced in Mexico. The famous rum, which is part of the Kalua liqueur, is also produced there.
Drink strength
The manufacturer produces Kahlua liquor with different levels of strength. It depends not only on the type of liquor, but also on the laws of the importing country to which he will go. Typically, the alcohol content ranges from 20 to 36 degrees, which refers liquor to drinks of medium strength.
For example, in the United States, only 20% of Kahlua is allowed to be sold, although some state laws approve a slightly larger fortress.
In 2002, the company launched the production of Kahlúa Especial, one of the strongest. Its strength is 36%.
Varieties
Initially, only one type of liquor was produced. And at the end of the 20th century, the manufacturer expanded the range somewhat. Today, such varieties are known:
- Kahlua - traditional;
- Mocha - vanilla chocolate;
- French Vanilla - Vanilla
- Hazelnut - with toasted hazelnuts;
- Especial - with a special strength (36%);
- White Russian and Mudslide - ready-to-drink cocktail-based varieties;
- Chocolate Latte - a ready-to-eat variety based on coffee latte with chocolate;
- Spiced Eggnog - limited edition egg-wine cocktail;
- Peppermint Mocha - mint, limited edition;
- Kahlúa Cinnamon Spice - with cinnamon.
Some of these varieties at different times have been awarded titles and awards. At the annual competition for alcohol producers (San Francisco), Especial was awarded three silver medals (2005-2007), and in 2009 received bronze.
Kahlua coffee liqueur, whose price is quite high, is not represented in its entire range in Russia and the CIS countries. But the most popular varieties can be found in reputable wine boutiques.
Prices
Today, the easiest way to find a classic Kahlua liquor is on sale. The price for a 700 ml bottle is about $ 30. Do not trust unverified suppliers and pay attention to the labels on the label. The original drink is made only in Mexico, Denmark and England. It should alert and too low a price.
Serving and consumption culture
Kahlua is a liquor that is drunk both in pure form and as part of cocktails. His taste, as they say, is for an amateur, and some may seem too sweet. Before serving undiluted liquor must be cooled.
This drink goes well with cream and milk. And for those who like unusual combinations and cocktails, the manufacturer makes a small present by placing several original recipes directly on the label. The most popular cocktails with this liquor are: “White Russian”, “Black Russian”, “Brave Bull”, “B-52”, “Desperato”, “Black Magic”. In total, more than 200 recipes for a wide variety of cocktails are known.
Use Kahlua liquor in cooking as well. It is added to the dough and various desserts to give them a noble coffee-vanilla flavor.