Alcoholic beverage, liqueur, coffee with cream, 34 proof
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a rich, creamy coffee liqueur, typically a blend of coffee, sugar, and cream or milk, often enjoyed chilled or over ice. It offers a velvety, sweet, and indulgent flavor profile with a distinct coffee kick, balanced by a smooth, dairy-forward texture. Nutritionally, it is calorie-dense, with a significant portion of its energy coming from sugar and fat.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its decadent, dessert-like quality that combines the beloved flavors of coffee and cream in a sippable, alcoholic format. It's a versatile staple in home bars, perfect for crafting classic cocktails like the White Russian or simply enjoyed on the rocks as a nightcap.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and calorie content can contribute to blood-sugar spikes and is a concern for those monitoring intake. The alcohol content (34 proof/17% ABV) requires moderation. To counteract, consider using it as a small flavor enhancer in recipes (e.g., a splash in coffee or dessert) rather than a primary beverage, and always pair it with a protein-rich food to help mitigate blood sugar impact.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and fats
- Contains small amounts of protein from the dairy component
- Can serve as a dessert ingredient or cocktail base
- Offers a comforting, indulgent flavor experience
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The most famous brand, Kahlúa, was created in Mexico in 1936 and is named after a term for a woman from Veracruz.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 46.5 g |
| Energy | 327 kcal |
| Energy | 1368 kj |
| Protein | 2.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 15.7 g |
| Ash | 0.40 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 20.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 16.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.13 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 50.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 32.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 92.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.16 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.40 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.20 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 0.08 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.09 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 8.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.08 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 173 ug |
| Retinol | 171 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 30.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 620 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.45 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.3 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 13.8 g |
| Caffeine | 8.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 9.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.49 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.29 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.39 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.43 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.5 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.36 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.34 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.67 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.44 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.23 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 58.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.13 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.17 g |
| Leucine | 0.28 g |
| Lysine | 0.22 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.03 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.14 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.14 g |
| Valine | 0.19 g |
| Arginine | 0.10 g |
| Histidine | 0.08 g |
| Alanine | 0.10 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.21 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.59 g |
| Glycine | 0.06 g |
| Proline | 0.27 g |
| Serine | 0.15 g |
FAQ
Is coffee liqueur the same as Irish cream?
No. Coffee liqueur is primarily coffee, sugar, and alcohol. Irish cream is a separate product made with Irish whiskey, cream, and sugar, with a different flavor profile.
Can I use it in baking?
Absolutely. It's a popular addition to chocolate cakes, tiramisu, frostings, and ice cream, adding depth and a boozy coffee note.
How should I store an opened bottle?
Store it in a cool, dark place. Due to the cream content, some brands recommend refrigeration after opening to maintain freshness and prevent separation.