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This carajillo recipe pairs espresso with the vanilla notes of Licor 43 to make a delicious Mexican cocktail. It’s simple to make in minutes!
As a coffee drink expert and cocktail expert, I’m on a mission to try all the coffee cocktails. Here’s one that surprised me with its nuanced flavor: the Carajillo! This cocktail is popular in Spain and Latin America, but it’s probably most famous in Mexico where you’ll find it made with Licor 43.
One sip and you’ll taste sweet vanilla, chocolate and citrus notes from the Licor and the bitter, rich notes of the coffee. It’s truly a match made in heaven! There’s Irish coffee, amaretto coffee and Kahlua coffee…but our favorite might be this one.
What Is a Carajillo?
Carajillo is an after dinner cocktail of spiked hot coffee. It’s typical of Spain and some Latin American countries like Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico, and each country uses a different type of liquor.
It’s become very popular as an after dinner drink in Mexico, where it’s most often served with Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur. One sip of this two ingredient drink, and you’ll taste the magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Spanish version of a carajillo uses brandy, and the American style is called Spanish coffee, a another seriously delicious spin with burnt sugar and rum (more on that below!). For this traditional Mexican carajillo recipe, here are the ingredients you need:
- Licor 43 is a bright yellow, vanilla-flavored Spanish liqueur, also known as Cuarenta Y Tres (43 in Spanish). It was invented in 1946 by the Zamora family, apparently based on an ancient recipe. The name comes from the 43 herbs and botanicals used to make it. It tastes sweet and aromatic, strongly of vanilla with notes of orange peel, spices, and cocoa. Read more in my Quick Guide to Licor 43.
- Espresso: Use a double shot (about 2 ounces) made from dark roast beans. Here’s my post on how to make espresso, with or without a machine.
- Ice: One large cube melts slowly and is perfect here: see how to make clear ice.
How To Make a Carajillo
With only two ingredients, it’s seriously easy to make a Carajillo! Here are a few tips on how to make this tasty after dinner drink:
- Make espresso or very strong coffee. Espresso roast beans provide the darkest flavor. Use an espresso maker or your favorite method to make very strong coffee (I like the Moka Pot).
- Add the Licor 43 to ice and stir. I like using clear ice to make it look the most impressive (you can make it in advance for cocktails!).
- Slowly pour the coffee over a spoon: it should form a layer on top. Pouring it over a bar spoon helps to slow down the liquid, and it should settle on top forming a layer dark layer on top of the yellow Licor 43 layer.
Shaken method: You can also make a shaken method. Add the Licor 43, hot espresso, and a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until frothy. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice!
Variation: Try Spanish Coffee
The American variation on the Carajillo is called Spanish coffee. It’s not what you might think, a Carajillo with brandy like they’re served in Spain. Nope, it’s a theatrical presentation invented by Huber’s bar in Portland, Oregon! Rum is lit on fire to caramelize the outside of the glass, then the coffee is mixed with Kahlua and Triple Sec and it’s topped with whipped cream.
Sounds a little over the top, but we tried it and it’s goo-od. We also changed the method to be a little safer when you’re playing with fire. Go to How to Make Spanish Coffee.
Carajillo vs Espresso Martini
What’s the difference between a carajillo and espresso martini? Both are coffee cocktails, but an espresso martini has vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso: it’s shaken and served in a stemmed glass.
A carajillo has just espresso and Licor 43, and is served over ice. It has less alcohol than an espresso martini, so it’s a lighter option.
When To Serve The Carajillo
A Carajillo is a fantastic dessert drink for sipping on after a meal! Serve it as a:
- After dinner drink
- Happy hour drink
- Signature drink
- Girls or guys night drink
- Cocktail hour drink
Carajillo Recipe
Try this Carajillo recipe, a Mexican after dinner drink! The mix of bitter coffee and sweet vanilla notes of Licor 43 is perfection.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces* espresso (or very strong coffee), cooled slightly
- 1 ½ ounce Licor 43
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
Instructions
- Make the espresso.
- Add ice to lowball. Add the Licor 43 and stir.
- Slowly pour the coffee over a bar spoon into the drink, which will settle on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Shaken variation: You can also make a shaken method. Add the Licor 43, hot espresso, and a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until frothy. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice!
We had one the other night in Mexico and it was AMAZING!