For most of us, a night out isn’t complete without a few rounds of Baby Guinness’ these days.
However, next time you’re out boozing, you might want to reconsider what tipple you are ordering at the bar when you decide to get the shots in – as millions of people might be declining one from now on.
I know, I know – how could you turn down one of the delicious drinks which look exactly like an adorable miniature pint of the Irish dry stout?
Advert
Well, if the coffee liqueur that the bar your in is using Kahlúa – which is highly likely – your vegetarian pals will probably now be politely declining your offer to sling a Baby Guinness down their throats.
That’s because the popular beverage, made up of rum, sugar, and arabica coffee, has now lost its status as a safe drink for those who abstain from eating meat or using any animal by-products.
So for vegetarians, the days of topping a shot glass of Kahlúa with a creamy ‘head’ of Baileys are over – and coffee-based cocktails like Espresso Martinis – are off limits too.
Advert
It’s all to do with the way the strong stuff is made – and believe it or not, the whole process can take up to seven years.
Kahlúa explains that its coffee cherries – which are a safety blanket for the ‘precious beans’ inside – are grown in the shade, which means they take a lot longer to sprout before they are ready to harvest.
The beans are then dried and rested in huge burlaps bags for around six months, while the rum – made from sugarcane – is extracted, boiled and mixed with water before the distillation process begins.
You might have to say goodbye to your beloved Baby Guinness. (Getty Stock Photo)
Advert
After all that time, the beans and rum finally meet back up in Kahlúa’s distillery in Veracruz, Mexico.
The coffee is roasted before being blended with the spirits and this concoction then ‘rests’ together for four weeks.
Which all sounds pretty above board for vegetarians, right?
Wrong – because the new refinement process of the sugar used in it’s production now doesn’t align with their values.
Advert
Bone char, which is exactly what it sounds like… porous, black material produced by charring animal bones, is used during the sugar refinement process to make Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur.
Although this is sort of standard practice in the alcohol industry, it means that Kahlúa is not vegetarian-friendly.
It’s also not suitable for vegans, of course, but it never was in the first place due to other ingredients.
Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur isn’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans (Kahlúa)
Advert
In a statement regarding the matter, Kahlúa said: “We can confirm that Kahlúa is NOT suitable for vegetarians or vegans. This is because of the sugar refinement.
“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.”
But don’t be too disheartened that the go-to ingredient for your Baby Guinness is now not an option, as bartender Bryan Levato explained that it’s not the end of the world.
The drinks whizz, from Spin & Shake, said: “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. Check the labels and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Awareness and communication are key.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos
Topics: Business, Food And Drink, News, Vegan, Vegetarian, Alcohol
