Low FODMAP Coffee Liqueur
Our Low FODMAP Coffee Liqueur is our version of “Kahlua”, which is rum based and therefore high FODMAP. This coffee liqueur is based on vodka, so it is an approximation, but if you are looking for a coffee liqueur to sip, pour over ice, a scoop of ice cream, add to your coffee, or to use to make a White Russian (see below), then this is the recipe you have been waiting for.
Low FODMAP Serving Size Info: Makes about 3 cups (720 ml); 12 servings; serving size ¼ cup (60 ml)
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (297 g) sugar
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water
- ¼ cup (14 g) instant espresso coffee, such as Bustelo brand
- 2 cups (480 ml) 100 proof vodka
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
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Whisk together the sugar, water and instant coffee in a large pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Adjust heat way down so that you can maintain a very low simmer; as low as you can go. Simmer for 40 minutes. The mixture should very slightly reduce and thicken but should not become quite thick. Maple syrup texture is too thick.
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Whisk mixture as it comes off the heat and allow to cool to room temperature, then whisk in vodka and vanilla extract. Strain through a very fine-meshed strainer into bottles, seal tight and store up to 3 months. Your Low FODMAP Coffee Liqueur is ready to serve. Use as you would Kahlua.
Notes:
Tips
- Low FODMAP White Russian: The classic White Russian is 1-part coffee liqueur, 1-part vodka and 1-part dairy, classically heavy cream. You can use up to ¼ cup (60 ml) liquid heavy cream and it is low FODMAP. Please read our article, All About Cream & FODMAPs, which clarifies what is listed on the Monash app.
- Because our Low FODMAP Coffee Liqueur contains vodka, we suggest you take a modified approach and try half heavy cream (conventional, or lactose-free) and half Low FODMAP Coffee Liqueur, perhaps staring with ¼ cup (60 ml) each.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. Add our Low FODMAP Coffee Liqueur, then top with a cream layer. TO make it super pretty, with separate layers, you can also pour the cream off the back of a spoon over the liqueur.
FODMAP Information
Our recipes are based on Monash University and FODMAP Friendly science.
- Sugar: Monash University and FODMAP Friendly have both lab tested white, granulated sugar. Monash states that a Green Light low FODMAP serving size of white sugar is 1/4 cup (50 g). FODMAP Friendly simply states that they have tested 1 tablespoon and that it is low FODMAP. Regular granulated white sugar is sucrose, which is a disaccharide made up of equal parts glucose and fructose. Sucrose is broken down and absorbed efficiently in the small intestine.
- Vodka: Both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly have lab tested vodka. Monash University reports that it is low FODMAP Green Light at a 30 ml serving size. FODMAP Friendly gives it a “Pass” at 1 shot or 30 ml.
Please always refer to the Monash University & FODMAP Friendly smartphone apps for the most up-to-date lab tested information. As always, your tolerance is what counts; please eat accordingly. The ultimate goal of the low FODMAP diet is to eat as broadly as possible, without triggering symptoms, for the healthiest microbiome.