Kahlúa: From Veracruz to the World – A Spirited Journey Through Time
Born in the heart of Mexico as a bold experiment in flavour in 1936 when Señor Blanco, Montalvo Lara, and the Alvarez brothers blended rich, shade-grown coffee with spirits to create a Kahlúa. Its name, drawn from Arabic slang and Nahuatl roots, hinted at the cultural fusion that defined its essence.
By 1940, Kahlúa had crossed borders, finding success in the United States thanks to visionary exporter Jose Junco. Despite early setbacks and ownership changes, the brand flourished under Jules Berman, who introduced the whimsical "Prekes" figurines and helped popularise cocktails like the White Russian.
One of Kahlúa's most remarkable chapters unfolded in the 1960s, when Maria del Pilar Gutierrez Sesma rose from university auditor to General Manager. Under her leadership, Kahlúa became a rare example of female-led business success in Mexico, earning admiration and media attention as the "Kahlúa Ladies" took the helm.
Global expansion followed, with production facilities in Denmark and Scotland adapting the recipe to local tastes. In 1983, the Espresso Martini, made using Kahlúa was created by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, further cementing Kahlúa's place in cocktail culture.
As demand soared, Kahlúa modernised its operations, building new plants and streamlining production. By 2005, it had become the world's leading coffee liqueur, selling over 3 million cases annually. That same year, it joined the Pernod Ricard family, marking a new era for the brand.
From its humble beginnings in Veracruz to its global acclaim, Kahlúa's story is one of innovation, resilience, and a deep-rooted celebration of Mexican heritage.
