From a classic Cosmopolitan to a Negroni, many of us like to enjoy a cheeky cocktail (or two) of an evening – whether down the pub or at home with friends.
But if you’re looking to partake in the fun as a vegetarian, there’s one key product you need to avoid that’s had its veggie-friendly card revoked.
Once a staple in veggie-approved drinks, Kahlúa coffee liqueur has long been used in a number of beverages, including the beloved Espresso Martini, the White Russian, the Black Russian, and the popular Baby Guinness shot.
However, in what might come as a shock to many, it’s not actually suitable for vegetarians – so if you’re living a meat-free lifestyle, take note.
The change isn’t necessarily new: it was made almost a decade ago, but it’s something to bear in mind for your next bar (or supermarket) outing to avoid any nasty surprises.
‘We can confirm that Kahlúa is NOT suitable for vegetarians or vegans. This is because of the sugar refinement,’ Kahlúa confirmed in a statement issued to mobile cocktail bar Spin and Shake.
‘It appears there was some confusion as, prior to 2016, Kahlúa was deemed suitable. At this time, Kahlúa is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.’
Naturally, members of the vegetarian community have long been outraged about this, sparking numerous debates on social media.
‘I feel like the absolute most f***ing stupid non-vegetarian things I know of are Kahlúa and most wine,’ @poofybuttshark wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
‘How did you manage to arrive at booze that isn’t even vegetarian, let alone vegan?’
Fear not, though: it’s not a complete goodbye to Espresso Martinis as veggies know them.
As bartender Bryan Levato from Spin & Shake assures us, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly alternatives – you just need to know what to ask for when ordering.
‘While the news about Kahlúa is disappointing, there are still plenty of delicious vegetarian options out there. Simply ask your bartender for a vegetarian coffee liqueur like Tia Maria. It’s a great alternative that won’t compromise on taste,’ Bryan advises.
‘Check the labels and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Awareness and communication are key.’
And, as one Reddit user noted, it’s even possible to make your own coffee liqueur from scratch.
‘You can easily make your own coffee liqueur. I either make it with cold brew coffee that I steep that for about a day with 5oz/10gr of coffee with 20oz/600ml of water,’ @eduardgustavolaser suggested.
‘After filtering out the coffee out of the cold brew, I add Everclear (you can also use vodka, but it’s more diluted that way) and some simple syrup.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Kahlúa for comment.
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