Does Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur Have Caffeine?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Kahlúa FAQ, a standard 1.5-ounce serving contains about 5 mg of caffeine. This is because Kahlúa coffee liqueur is made with real 100% Arabica coffee beans, which contribute to its rich flavor and small caffeine content. While the amount is very low, it is not caffeine-free, a key fact for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

Kahlúa coffee liqueur contains a small amount of caffeine from its 100% Arabica coffee base, with roughly 5 mg per 1.5-ounce serving, far less than a standard cup of brewed coffee. The exact amount varies slightly by product, so checking the brand's nutritional information is recommended for the most precise details.

Key Points

Caffeine Present: Kahlúa coffee liqueur contains a small amount of caffeine from the Arabica coffee beans used in its production.
Minimal Amount: A standard 1.5-ounce serving of Kahlúa has approximately 5 mg of caffeine, a negligible amount for most people.
Less than Coffee: Kahlúa contains significantly less caffeine than a typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee, which can have over 100 mg.
Factors Varying Content: The exact caffeine content can differ between coffee liqueur brands based on the type of coffee beans and production methods used.
Moderation is Key: For caffeine-sensitive individuals, moderate consumption is advised, especially when mixing with other caffeinated beverages.
Effects Overpowered by Alcohol: For most people, the depressant effect of the alcohol in Kahlúa will far outweigh any minor stimulating effect from the caffeine.

Understanding Kahlúa's Caffeine Content

Many consumers enjoy the rich coffee flavor of Kahlúa in a variety of cocktails, from the classic White Russian to the potent Espresso Martini. Because coffee beans are a primary ingredient, the question naturally arises: does Kahlúa coffee liqueur have caffeine? The answer is definitively yes, but the amount is significantly lower than what you would find in a typical cup of coffee. The presence of caffeine is a direct result of the Arabica coffee beans used in the liqueur's production, which are infused with rum, sugar, and other ingredients to create its signature taste.

How Much Caffeine is in Kahlúa?

Kahlúa's own website specifies that the original version contains approximately 100 ppm caffeine, which translates to about 100 mg per liter. This means that for a standard 1.5-ounce (or 45 ml) serving, you are consuming roughly 5 mg of caffeine. To put this into perspective, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 80 to 200 mg of caffeine, a stark contrast to the small amount found in Kahlúa.

Factors Influencing Caffeine in Coffee Liqueurs

While Kahlúa's caffeine content is consistent, other coffee liqueurs may vary. Several factors can influence the final caffeine amount in a product:

Type of Coffee Bean: Some liqueurs use Robusta beans, which contain roughly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans, potentially leading to a higher caffeine content.
Production Process: The method and duration of coffee extraction can affect how much caffeine is pulled from the beans and retained in the final product.
Brewing Method: Coffee concentrates, especially cold brew, can be more potent than standard brewed coffee, impacting the caffeine levels of the liqueur they flavor.
Added Flavorings: Flavored varieties, such as hazelnut or vanilla Kahlúa, may have slightly different caffeine levels depending on how additional ingredients are balanced.

A Table Comparing Caffeine Levels


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Kahlúa Original	1.5 fl oz	~5 mg	Made with Arabica beans.
Brewed Coffee	8 fl oz	80-200 mg	Varies widely by brew strength.
Espresso Shot	1 fl oz	~64 mg	A concentrated coffee shot.
Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur	1 fl oz	~47 mg	Much higher caffeine content.
Bailey's Coffee Liqueur	1.5 fl oz	~10 mg	At the lower end of the spectrum.

How Kahlúa's Caffeine Affects Your Cocktails

In cocktails like the White Russian, the amount of Kahlúa used per serving is relatively small, meaning the total caffeine contribution to the final drink is negligible. However, in drinks like an Espresso Martini, where additional coffee or espresso is added, the caffeine content can increase significantly. It's crucial for those with a caffeine sensitivity to be mindful of all ingredients in their mixed drinks, not just the liqueur itself.

Caffeine Sensitivity and Safe Consumption

For most individuals, the minimal caffeine in Kahlúa will have no noticeable stimulating effect, especially when combined with the depressant effects of alcohol. The body metabolizes alcohol first, which can overpower any minor stimulant effects of the caffeine. However, excessive consumption of any coffee liqueur, or a cocktail with additional coffee, can still lead to a combined effect of caffeine and alcohol.

The Takeaway

While Kahlúa coffee liqueur is not caffeine-free, its caffeine content is quite low compared to a standard cup of coffee. This is because it is made with real coffee beans, specifically Arabica beans, which are extracted during the production process. The final product contains only about 5 mg of caffeine per 1.5-ounce serving, an amount that is unlikely to have a significant stimulating effect for most people. Nonetheless, for those who are highly sensitive to caffeine or are tracking their intake precisely, it is important to remember that Kahlúa does contain it. As always, consuming alcohol in moderation is recommended. For more information on the ingredients and nutritional content, checking the official Kahlúa website is the best source.

Conclusion

In summary, Kahlúa coffee liqueur does contain a small amount of caffeine due to its use of real Arabica coffee beans. A 1.5-ounce serving holds approximately 5 mg of caffeine, a minor quantity compared to a standard cup of brewed coffee. While this level is generally considered insignificant for most people, those with high caffeine sensitivity should remain aware. The overall caffeine level in a cocktail will depend on the other ingredients added, such as additional espresso. Ultimately, Kahlúa's primary characteristics of flavor and sweetness are its defining features, with its caffeine contribution being very small.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kahlúa has significantly less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. A 1.5-ounce serving of Kahlúa contains about 5 mg of caffeine, whereas an 8-ounce cup of coffee can have 80-200 mg.

It is unlikely that drinking Kahlúa will keep you awake. The very small amount of caffeine it contains is typically overpowered by the depressant effect of the alcohol.

While it contains a minute amount of caffeine, the effect of the alcohol means Kahlúa is not considered a stimulant. The primary effect is related to its alcohol content.

Yes, but in moderation. The caffeine content is very low, but if you have a high sensitivity, be mindful of how much you consume and whether you are mixing it with other caffeinated ingredients like espresso.

Yes, Kahlúa is made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, which provide its characteristic flavor and the small amount of caffeine.

Kahlúa is on the lower end of the caffeine spectrum for coffee liqueurs. Other brands, like Mr. Black, can have a much higher concentration of caffeine.

While Kahlúa itself is not caffeine-free, there are alternative coffee-flavored liqueurs or syrups available. Checking the label of any specific product is the best way to confirm its caffeine status.