Coffee Grounds Liqueur Recipe

Name: Coffee Grounds Liqueur
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 485 min
Yield: 7
Ingredients: 2/3 cup leftover coffee grounds; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cinnamon stick, halved; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; water; 2/3 cup white rum

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 7 servings

2/3 cup leftover coffee grounds
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 stick cinnamon stick, halved
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
2/3 cup boiling water
2/3 cup white rum

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: In an 8- to 12-ounce canning jar, stir together the coffee grounds, brown sugar, halved cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean paste.

Step 3: Cover the jar and let it stand at room temperature for 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: After 8 hours, stir in the boiling water into the mixture.

Step 5: Set a sieve over a small bowl and place a coffee filter inside the sieve.

Step 6: Pour the coffee mixture over the filter, letting it stand until the liquid has passed through. Discard the solids left behind in the filter.

Step 7: Pour the strained liquid into a pint-size sealable bottle or canning jar with a lid.

Step 8: Add the white rum to the liquid and shake well to combine.

Step 9: Chill the mixture in the fridge, keeping it covered. Be sure to shake it before serving.

Step 10: Enjoy as a liqueur on its own or use it in your favorite cocktails!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 107
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 0g

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 107
Total Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Sodium: 6mg (0% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 17g (6% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 17g
Protein: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium: 18mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron: 0mg (1% Daily Value)
Potassium: 36mg (1% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Coffee Grounds Liqueur Recipe

The Origins of Coffee Grounds Liqueur

Coffee grounds liqueur is a modern twist on traditional coffee liqueurs, developed primarily as a sustainable way to reuse leftover coffee grounds while creating a rich, aromatic beverage. Its origins trace back to regions where coffee culture is deeply ingrained, and home bartenders sought inventive methods to craft homemade spirits. Unlike commercial liqueurs, this version emphasizes resourcefulness, simplicity, and a bold coffee flavor extracted directly from used grounds.

Regional Characteristics

This liqueur is particularly popular in the United States, where home mixology has grown in recent decades. In regions with strong coffee cultures, such as New England or the Pacific Northwest, people often adapt recipes to local tastes by adjusting sweetness or using spiced rums, adding a regional signature to each batch. The inclusion of vanilla and cinnamon also reflects an American preference for aromatic, dessert-like profiles in liqueurs.

Differences from Similar Drinks

While it may resemble classic coffee liqueurs like Kahla or Tia Maria, coffee grounds liqueur is distinct in its preparation and flavor intensity. Commercial versions often use brewed coffee, sugar, and commercial flavoring, whereas this homemade variant extracts flavor from actual spent coffee grounds. This results in a slightly earthier, more robust coffee character, with subtle notes from added spices and vanilla, making it richer and more nuanced than mass-produced alternatives.

Typical Serving Occasions

Coffee grounds liqueur is versatile and commonly served in cocktails or as a digestif. It is a popular ingredient in espresso martinis, coffee-flavored shots, or dessert cocktails. In home settings, it may be enjoyed on the rocks or drizzled over ice cream and pastries, offering both a warming and indulgent experience. Its strong coffee essence makes it especially suitable for evening gatherings, holiday parties, or after-dinner drinks.

Interesting Facts

One fascinating aspect of coffee grounds liqueur is its sustainable approachtransforming what would otherwise be waste into a high-quality beverage. Additionally, the liqueurs flavor can evolve over time; aging for a few weeks enhances its depth and smoothness. Many enthusiasts experiment with different types of rum or brown sugar, achieving subtle variations in sweetness, aroma, and alcohol content. The drink also bridges the worlds of coffee aficionados and cocktail lovers, celebrating the craftsmanship of both.

Overall, coffee grounds liqueur stands out as an innovative, eco-conscious, and flavorful homemade spirit that highlights the versatility of coffee and the creativity of home mixology. Its combination of sustainability, regional flair, and unique taste ensures it occupies a special place in modern cocktail culture.

FAQ about Coffee Grounds Liqueur Recipe

The Coffee Grounds Liqueur should be stored in an airtight container, such as a pint-size sealable bottle or canning jar, and kept in the refrigerator. It will last for about 1 to 2 weeks, but it's best to consume it within a week for optimal flavor.

Yes, you can scale the recipe to make a larger batch. Just ensure that you maintain the same proportions of the ingredients and use a sufficiently large jar to mix and store the liqueur.

If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can substitute it with vanilla extract. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in place of the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.

Yes, you can experiment with other types of alcohol such as vodka, dark rum, or even brandy. Each will give the liqueur a slightly different flavor profile.

It’s best to use leftover coffee grounds, as they have already been brewed and will impart a richer flavor to the liqueur. However, fresh coffee grounds can be used if needed, but the flavor may be more intense, and you might need to adjust the brewing time accordingly.

After you mix the coffee grounds with the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla bean paste, let it sit covered at room temperature for 8 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse. After straining and adding rum, chill it in the refrigerator before serving.

Yes, this Coffee Grounds Liqueur can be used in other recipes like coffee-flavored desserts, cakes, or even drizzled over ice cream for a delicious twist.

Once you have mixed the liqueur with rum and shaken it to combine, it should be chilled for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. You can sample it after 4–6 hours of chilling, but letting it sit overnight will enhance the flavor.