<p>You can definitely substitute Patron XO Cafe with Kahlua concerning the coffee flavor for your drink.</p>
<p>But...</p>
<ol>
<li>You'll lack a Tequila taste</li>
<li>Kahlua has a lower ABV</li>
</ol>
<p>You can try to compensate this by adding a small amount of tequila, if you have a regular one available. So, instead of buying Patron XO Cafe, use Kahlua and a small amount of simple Tequila.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-28T12:38:42.220Z
that's a great idea. I would never have thought to add a little tequila. This is a really helpful tip in general for substitutions.
Rosie
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-28T12:26:33.280Z
2021-07-28T12:26:33.280Z
d4zed
<p>I have a cocktail recipe that calls for Patron XO Cafe. I try to avoid buying bottles of super speciality liquors if I don't anticipate I'll use them frequently. I do have Kahlua on hand which I know is rum based vs tequila based but since they are both coffee liquors I wondered if that would be an appropriate swap?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-28T12:09:37.547Z
That might depend on what else is in the cocktail, wouldn't it?
Darwin von Corax
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-28T12:40:36.120Z
@DarwinvonCorax for this particular cocktail the other ingredients are vodka, espresso, and simple syrup to be shaken with ice and served in a martini glass. The recipe calls for 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz espresso 1/3 oz of the Patron XO Cafe, and 1/3 oz of simple syrup.
Rosie
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-07-28T18:26:04.787Z
Thanks. I didn't really have a solution, I just wanted the recipe. :)
Darwin von Corax
<cocktails><substitutions>
Is it appropriate to substitute Kahlua in lieu of Patron XO Cafe?
Rosie
# Is it appropriate to substitute Kahlua in lieu of Patron XO Cafe?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-07-27)

I have a cocktail recipe that calls for Patron XO Cafe. I try to avoid buying bottles of super speciality liquors if I don't anticipate I'll use them frequently. I do have Kahlua on hand which I know is rum based vs tequila based but since they are both coffee liquors I wondered if that would be an appropriate swap?

**Tags:** cocktails, substitutions

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: That might depend on what else is in the cocktail, wouldn't it?  
> **username_0**: @username_1 for this particular cocktail the other ingredients are vodka, espresso, and simple syrup to be shaken with ice and served in a martini glass. The recipe calls for 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz espresso 1/3 oz of the Patron XO Cafe, and 1/3 oz of simple syrup.  
> **username_1**: Thanks. I didn't really have a solution, I just wanted the recipe. :)  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2021-07-28. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

You can definitely substitute Patron XO Cafe with Kahlua concerning the coffee flavor for your drink.

But...

1. You'll lack a Tequila taste
2. Kahlua has a lower ABV

You can try to compensate this by adding a small amount of tequila, if you have a regular one available. So, instead of buying Patron XO Cafe, use Kahlua and a small amount of simple Tequila.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: that's a great idea. I would never have thought to add a little tequila. This is a really helpful tip in general for substitutions.  

---

