Licor 43 is a Spanish vanilla liqueur that’s worth adding to your collection! Here’s more about it and the best ways to use it in cocktails.
Here’s a mysterious sounding liqueur that might not sound essential to your liquor cabinet…until you taste it! Licor 43 is a golden-hued Spanish liqueur made with a secret blend of 43 herbs and spices. The flavor is absolutely unique, with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and orange peel. It’s incredible in coffee, and it makes a stellar mixed drink too. We got a bottle to make a Carajillo, and became instant converts. Here’s a little more about this unique liqueur and whether you should add it to your collection.
What is Licor 43?
Licor 43 is a bright yellow, vanilla flavored Spanish liqueur was invented in 1946 by the Zamora family, apparently based on an ancient recipe. It’s also known as Cuarenta Y Tres (43 in Spanish). The name comes from the 43 herbs and botanicals used to make it.
Licor 43 has grown to be the most popular liqueur in Spain, and it’s widely enjoyed throughout Europe. It’s also popular in Mexico, as it’s the signature ingredient in a Carajillo (spiked coffee).
What does Licor 43 taste like?
Licor 43 tastes sweet and aromatic, strongly of vanilla with notes of orange peel, cinnamon, and cocoa. It’s herbal with a very complex finish! It’s perfect in coffee and other mixed drinks.
How much alcohol is in Licor 43? It is 31% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a moderate alcohol content. Compare it to 40% ABV for spirits like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin.
Are there any substitutes? The closest substitute flavor-wise is Tuaca, an Italian vanilla liqueur with brandy. You also can substitute any vanilla-flavored liqueur. The brand Galliano sells a vanilla liqueur, or you can even use Galliano L’Autentico, the yellow vanilla liqueur used in the Harvey Wallbanger and other classic cocktails.
Why we like it
Licor 43 is vanilla-scented, complex and pairs perfectly with coffee. From the first sip, we were sold! It’s extraordinarily complex in flavor, and it’s so tasty we find ourselves dreaming up new ways to use it. In a word, it’s delicious. (Or, muy delicioso if you’re in Spain.)
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Licor 43 is mid-priced. It costs $20 to $25 per 750 ml bottle.
Most popular Licor 43 cocktails
You can drink Licor 43 as a shot, mix it coffee (it pairs brilliantly!), or mix it into cocktails. Here are the top Licor 43 cocktails:
Carajillo (Mexican Spiked Coffee)
The Carajillo is the most popular Licor 43 cocktail! Carajillo is spiked coffee: in Spain it's mame with brandy and in Cuba with rum. But it's most 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.
Key Lime Martini
Here’s a Licor 43 cocktail that will below you away with its nuanced, rich flavor: the Key Lime Martini! It’s made with this incredible Spanish vanilla liqueur, plus tart key lime juice and a graham cracker drink rim. It’s a heavenly dessert drink that’s full of complexity and nuance…and completely irresistible.
Mini Beer Shot
This Mini Beer Shot has nothing to do with a cold brew at all. Nope, this is a shot of a different nature: it pairs tasty vanilla Licor 43 liqueur and cream. The flavor? Sweet, nuanced, and delicious: essentially the exact opposite of beer.
Licor 43 Screwdriver
What's better than a Screwdriver? A Screwdriver with Licor 43! The Harvey Wallbanger is a Screwdriver made with Galliano, another vanilla herbal liqueur. So why not swap out Galliano for Licor 43? It gives this otherwise boring brunch drink a complex, funky herbal finish.
Swap: Substitute Licor 43 for the same amount of Galliano
Cuba Libre 43
Another way to make a Licor 43 cocktail? Add it to a Cuba Libre! This drink recipe has just 3 ingredients: lime, cola and rum. Add Licor 43 to that and it's got an intriguing, herbal and vanilla essence.
Swap: Use 1 ounce Licor 43 and 1 ounce rum (in place of 2 ounces rum)
Carajillo (Licor 43 Spiked Coffee)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Try this Carajillo recipe, a Mexican after dinner drink! The mix of bitter coffee and sweet vanilla notes of Licor 43 is perfection.
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
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Licor 43
More cocktail guides
Here are a few more guides to liqueurs, spirits and mixology:
- Chartreuse Quick Guide This pale green liqueur is worth adding to your collection…here’s why.
- Grenadine Quick Guide It’s mistaken as cherry, but this bright syrup has a secret.
- Galliano Quick Guide Is this bright yellow liqueur worth buying?
- Baileys Quick Guide All the ins and outs of Irish Cream
- Kahlua Quick Guide Learn about this popular Mexican coffee liqueur
- Aperol Quick Guide and Campari Quick Guide All you need to know about these Italian liqueurs.
- Cointreau Quick Guide or Orange Liqueur Quick Guide Citrus liqueurs…broken down.
- Absinthe Quick Guide This formerly banned liquor is now in good graces.
Oh my friendsbsaid to add milk and cinnamon…oh so good!!!
Have you baked with the Licor 43? I received a bottle for Christmas. Your Carajillo cocktail recipe looks great! Then this month a nearby restaurant had this dessert with a wine dinner that I wasn’t able to attend: Carajillo Tart: Espresso, Licor 43, Dark Chocolate, Chantilly Cream and Toasted Almonds. I’ve been trying to work out if this was a chocolate tart with the coffee and liqueur in it, then served with the Chantilly Cream and Almonds on top? What do you think?
That sounds great! I haven’t tried baking with alcohol but I bet it went into the batter. We might have to play with that idea!
If I had to guess, I would expect it to be in the Chantilly Cream in place of another flavoring extract (like vanilla).
There’s one drink cocktail u left out & it’s “cuarenta y tres con leche.” As the name implies, the drink consists of Licor 43 & milk. I’m not sure of the actual recipe measurements but I believe it’s either 1 or 2 ounces of the liqueur with milk. When I make it I always use 1 oz bc I like a smoother finish but it always taste stronger when I order it on the island (Puerto Rico). It’s silly, but it’s a drink I don’t usually order when I’m in the states. Just when I visit my ancestors. Along with Piña Coladas & Coquito. Enjoy!
Sounds great! We’ll have to try it.