I couldn't find the Millstone coffee but used a gourmet chocolate coffee, with cocoa powder, pure vanilla and it was very good, how ever my first two batches I played with adding more coffee due to it being very strong. I figured out the alcohol by volume and it was only 12%. But it was a hit. To figure out the alcohol by volume the formula is available on the web... Love this recipe... better if the coffee is brewed triple strong, I used slightly less sugar with a great taste... People who were not Kahlua fans liked my home made version. Thanks for the recipe!!!

Proof is double the percent of alcohol. Store bought Kahlua is 40 proof (20%). The higher the proof (alcohol) the thinner the the drink. I make mine at 50/50, 95 proof (half of 190 proof). 12 coffee cups = 60 ounces as standard coffee cup measure is 5 Oz.So 750ml = about 25.5 Oz/60 Oz of coffee liquid = 40 proof. DO NOT ADD, the sugar, or vanilla to your liquid ounces total when figuring how much alcohol to add to make desired proof. I have two 1 liter bottles now (11/20/12) and will make 4 liters out of it (95 proof). I'm a bachelor and this makes great nightcaps at party end. Wheeee. This math works also for Galiano, Amaretto, etc. Enjoy and good luck.

PS. If you use vanilla beans be sure to split them length-wise and aging will improve it too, just be sure to filter it before use. My White Russian is 1 Oz. Home-brew Kahlua, 1 Oz. Vodka (100 proof),and 2 - 2 1/2 Oz of sweet cream. :)

Loved this recipe - just finished making my first batch and cannot wait to try it - have made it with vodka and white sugar but this smells so much richer and nice I think it will become our fave! Thank you for all of the suggestions and hints.

I use emptied/cleaned wine bottles. You can get corks at World Market/Pier One, or a craft store. Don't want to use a "used" cork from your wine ~ LOL

Re: Vanilla: Store one whole, split vanilla bean in your 5 lbs sugar canister to make vanilla sugar. I make my own brown sugar by adding a tablespoon of dark molasses to the measured cane sugar.

Just made a batch tonight with Everclear. Tasting as I went I decided not to use the entire 750ml, as it was getting very potent. I figure I could always add more if needed. Used about 2/3 of the bottle and will probably use the rest for another, smaller batch. Delicious! I did not boil the coffee. As long as the coffee is hot, the brown sugar dissolves.

How much vodka do you add to make your white russians?

kudos!!! excellent recipe

My neighbor gave me some made by this recipe, and it was quite good.

If you can't get the 190 proof Everclear, you can maintain alcohol strength by starting with less coffee. Kahlua as sold in the US is usually 40 proof, or 20% alcohol by volume. This recipe as stated will result in about the same or slightly less with a fifth of 190 proof Everclear, assuming the coffee doesn't reduce too much while you're dissolving the sugar. (If it does then start with a bit more, as noted here by others.) If you must use a 151 proof (75.5%) alcohol, 8-3/4 cups of coffee (after reducing) should give about the same result. You'll need to make the coffee even stronger since you're diluting it more.

Remember too, that the Kahlua in the stores is made with rum, not grain spirits, so a 151 proof rum would not be uncalled for.

We made Kahlua back in 1975 and finished that bottle last year. We used vodka then. GREAT after 35 years of not being opened it was sooo smooth. Wish we had more of that batch today.

Yummy! I really like thick coffee flavor, so I brewed a strong batch of dark roast out of my French press, really makes it nice and thick. I'm also using mason jars, for canning to pass out small sips, but I can get all sizes of those, so I can give measured (or really large) doses. It's a hit... I did notice that aging it really helps the flavor a lot, but it isn't bad right away either. I don't think you can go wrong here:) I'm making a batch for the camping trip this weekend:) thank you!!

How long should it age? Or can it be used right away?

Just made a batch up, we can't get Everclear or Clear Springs. So we made it with 100 proof Virginia Lightning. Used 18 cups of brewed coffee (a mix of mocha swirl and cafe bustelo, with a touch of cinnamon). Light brown sugar and a bottle and a half of the moonshine with 6 tablespoons of vanilla. It made about a gallon and a third of very tasty Kailua! Much better than the 70 proof especial I have from my last trip to Mexico

If the sip I had after making this is any indication...it will be spectacular in a week or so!!! I did what others did and made 18 cups of coffee. I used Kona and added a little cocoa powder to the coffee prior to brewing it. I used 2 1/2 lbs of light brown sugar (all I had) and as I had lots of vanilla beans left over from making vanilla...I put one in each bottle. Can't wait to give it out for the holidays!!! Thanks for the recipe!!!

I just wanted everyone that your comments made my Mama's Christmas! I just called her to let her know that she has a 4.8 rating. After reading her comments she was on cloud nine! There were a few questions about the bottle of Clear Springs... It is the fifth size. Also, it makes approx. 3 fifth bottles give or take. I think I remember we usually bottled 3 and drank the rest while bottling.

BTW Yes it can be drank right away and it does taste a little better as it ages but I don't think it has much of a chance to age much when it tastes as good as it is!! I am making my own by myself this year as I have moved away from my Mama, so I am very glad she got this online and it appears you all are too! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be safe and don't drive after enjoying this yummy but strong drink. Oh and I like to put in 1oz Kahluha, 1oz Irish Cream liquer, and 1oz Brandy mixed with Coffee in a big Thermos to take with me while out in the snow! It is a deviated Coffee Nudge. I call it Mama's Nudge