"Careful, man, there's a beverage here!" --The Dude protecting his drink of choice, the White Russian
If there is any time to indulge in The Dude's favorite drink, it's the holidays. And if you are mixing a White Russian with anything but Grandpa Goode's homemade kahlua, then you are missing out. Seriously.
Who is this Grandpa Goode? My sister-in-law Denise's grandpa. That's who. According to his granddaughter, Roy Goode was a talented chemist who invented liquid soap, worked to save elephants from African poachers, won the best garden in Louisville, sang in his church choir, was a member of the Rotary Club, had the best basement full of trinkets, and with out a doubt, knew how to craft a "goode" drink.
Denise and my sister recently treated their wedding guests to sips of his delicious liquor. Unlike conventional versions, you can taste the deep coffee and chocolate notes in this homemade brew. It's such a treat.
I asked Denise for the recipe so I can share Grandpa Goode with all of you. You can make enough for yourself and store it in a growler or bottle it in flasks to share as holiday gifts. The aging process takes two weeks, so plan ahead. I'm including these awesome labels that my sister designed. Grandpa Goode says keep the buzz going!
Grandpa Goode's Homemade Kahlua
Makes about of a half gallon
Ingredients
3 cups sugar
4 cups water
2 ounces instant coffee
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional: you can add 1/4 vanilla bean to the bottle, also)
1 tbs chocolate syrup
1/5 gallon vodka (about 3 cups)
Directions
Boil water until sugar is dissolved. Add coffee. Stir until dissolved. Cool. Add vanilla, chocolate syrup, and vodka. Pour in containers after it has cooled. Age for two weeks. Shake container occasionally during aging process.
White Russians
2 oz top shelf vodka (Ketal One, Grey Goose, or Belvedere)
1 oz Grandpa Goode's Kahlua
Fill a 6 ounce glass with cream or whole milk (2 percent if you must)
Add a few ice cubes
