I've never thought of this, I love Kahlua but hate the price. I would have to travel to North Carolina to get the 190. They don't sell it in the alphabet stores in Virginia. The strongest stuff they sell round here is Bacardi 151 and that idea sounds delicious for this recipe, but has anyone tried that yet? Making this for the holidays. I'll post the findings, Thanks!

Bought it in Pennsylvania.

Oh, just wanted to add for everyone, don't let the grain part confuse you. Check the labels and you'll see that vodka is grain alcohol!

Thanks to Laurie in Washington. After reading the comments, I was curious as to what states couldn't get Everclear as it's a liquor store staple here in TN. I've made this recipe when I didn't have time to let it sit but I prefer to make it with vanilla beans instead. I put two beans, split, into the alcohol and allow it to infuse for at least a month, more if I have the time. (It tastes better and is a lot cheaper in the long run if you buy the vanilla beans in bulk online. I use them to make vanilla extract as gifts aw well.) I also just use 80 proof vodka since Kahlua is only 40 proof. Kahlua is actually made with rum but I make it in large batches for gifts so the rum gets too expensive. I have found that this turns out just as good with even the cheapest vodka. I can get the biggest bottle of vodka, 1.75 liters for just $11 compared to $24 for rum.

I use 100 proof vodka and pure vanilla. Been making this way for years. Sometimes I'll add a dash of Amaretto.

AWESOMENESS!

How much does one batch make? My old boss back in 80's made it and put in Michelob dark beer bottles and a cork in top for gifts. Great!

190 proof is usually Everclear, and I find it in Montana.

I have used this for years but have found using half the sugar and adding Brandy (2 cups) improves the smooth taste. Yes I use Everclear it is usually behind the counter in The Liquor stores in Oregon. Enjoy!

if you bottle the kahlua in dark bottles, it helps the flavor and keeps a long time.

Can you find 190 proof ever clear alcohol in Ohio?

190 proof alcohol goes by the name Everclear.

If you want a truly special recipe, use a 5 - 7" fresh vanilla bean rather than the liquid. Takes about 3-4 weeks to cure, but is well worth it!

For Susan (Minnesota) and anyone who read her comment. This is an excellent recipe. The Brown sugar adds just what is needed to smooth it out, but try 2 Vanilla beans scraped and put the hulls in the bottle you ferment it in. I also will use 151 rum and vodka in equal portions.

If you go to the liquor store and look at the ingredients. It says rum and caramel coloring. I used this recipe but added 2 mini bottles of Light rum and 1/4 cup of light brown sugar. Put water, sugars instant coffee in one huge pot and simmer not boil until all is dissolved, cool and add Everclear, vanilla, pour into bottle and place in dark cool place for 30 or more days. Smooth. Made another Kahlua recipe for over 30 years. Between these 2 recipes you can't go wrong.