The Hands-Down Best Kahlúa Variety Delivers A Perfect Flavor Combo

Coffee-flavored cocktails have long been a favorite for many, but they're especially popular now thanks to the ubiquity of the espresso martini. And an absolute staple for that drink, as well as others in the coffee vein is, of course, Kahlúa. It's classic, it's widely available, it's affordable, and it's delicious. There are so many different drinks to mix Kahlúa into, from black Russians to spiked horchata. But that's not where the variety for this rum-based coffee liqueur ends. Kahlúa has branched out with different flavor expressions, too, which can theoretically take cocktails in all kinds of dreamy directions — as long as these flavor expressions are good. To find out, we tried and ranked every Kahlúa variety. Is the original Kahlúa the only one you'll ever need? Is there some new kid on the Kahlúa block that will transform your cocktail game?

The best variety did in fact beat the original. It's the Chocolate Sips Chocolate and Coffee Liqueur. This Kahlúa takes the prize because of its balance and a flavor that not only makes incredible cocktails, but is also tasty on its own. The cocoa and coffee together create a mocha profile. It's sweet but not too sweet, tempered by a hint of coffee roastiness as well as the rum's brighter notes. Chocolate Sips takes the original Kahlúa flavor to a slightly more complex level, yet it's still versatile with that approachable chocolate quality. 

One of Kahlúa's other flavors just might be the worst dessert spirit on shelves — their Dunkin' Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur is cloyingly sweet with an artificial-tasting caramel flavor. The Chocolate Sips Chocolate and Coffee Liqueur is leaps and bounds above this variety. It's chocolate and coffee taste real, the sweetness is never overwhelming, and you can still pick up on that rum. 

On The Barrel Tap, Kahlúa Chocolate Sips buyer Shannon Stoddard calls the liqueur "nice and rich like a dark chocolate. Definitely tastes good on its own." A customer on Meijer, iamlua_9725, says of the Chocolate Sips variety, "The rich combination of Kahlúa's signature coffee liqueur with the creamy, velvety smoothness of chocolate makes every sip feel like a luxurious treat." "I am absolutely in love with Kahlua Chocolate Sips!" says fellow Meijer shopper graceh341_1194. Other buyers call it dessert in a glass, decadent, and treat-worthy.

Kahlúa may be one of the best coffee liqueurs, but with Chocolate Sips, it seems the brand may have created one of the best all-around dessert liqueurs. If you bake with Kahlúa, try those recipes with this chocolate variety for a bit more richness — it's definitely the liquor to use for indulgent cake pops, brownies, and more. For cocktails, consider your espresso and chocolate martini game boosted. Chocolate Sips would bring decadence to an already desserty drink like a grasshopper and even a spirit-forward cocktail like an old-fashioned.