Kahlúa

Kahlúa is a well known Mexican coffee-flavored liqueur. It is heavy and sweet, with a distinct taste of coffee.

History

Allied Domecq, which was created in 1994 as the result of a merger between Allied Lyons and Pedro Domecq, had produced Kahlúa since 1936 [ [http://www.pernod-ricard-usa.com/media/pr.php?id=26&pr_id=260 Kahlúa® Revitalizes Iconic Packaging] . Pernod Ricard USA, September 14 2007. Retrieved 2008-02-17.] until the company was partially acquired in 2005 by Pernod Ricard, the second largest spirits distributor in the world. [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_Nov_30/ai_n15889239 Malibu-Kahlua International to Join the Pernod Ricard Family] . Business Wire, November 30 2005. Retrieved 2008-02-17.]

Varieties

The alcohol content of Kahlúa varies between 20.0% and 35% depending on individual markets. In 2002, a more expensive, high-end product called "Kahlúa Especial" became available in the United States, Canada and Australia after previously being offered only in duty-free markets. Made with premium Arabica coffee beans grown in Veracruz, Mexico, [ [http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing-advertising/marketing-advertising-channels/5778911-1.html Kahlua 'Unleashes' Major Holiday Marketing Push, Including New Television and Radio Advertising] . "Business Wire", November 10 2003. Retrieved 2008-02-17.] Kahlúa Especial has an alcohol content of 36% and has a lower viscosity and is less sweet than the regular version.

Name

As the original producer Domecq tried to preserve a Veracruzan identity to its product, the name Kahlúa was chosen as a feature of its originality. Kahlúa means "House of the Acolhua people" in the Veracruz Nahuatl language spoken before the Spanish Conquest; then it was Hispanicized as Ulúa, forming the name of modern San Juan de Ulúa fortress.

Uses

Kahlúa is used to make cocktails and as a topping or ingredient in several desserts, including ice cream, cakes, and cheesecakes.

A few notable cocktails made with Kahlúa include the B-52, Baby Guinness, Mudslide, and the White Russian and Black Russian.

It can also be enjoyed in cold cream, milk, or mixed with hot coffee.

See also

*List of cocktails
*List of coffee liqueurs

References

External links

* [http://www.kahlua.com/ Kahlúa Official Website]