The Carajillo Coffee Cocktail is a bold, aromatic blend that fuses Spanish tradition with Mexican flair. This flavourful drink combines the rich intensity of espresso with the sweet, spiced warmth of Licor 43, making it a favourite for its cultural roots and dynamic taste. Often enjoyed as a post-dinner indulgence or a flavourful treat to linger over, the Carajillo brings a perfect balance of sophistication and comfort to your coffee moments.
Carajillo Coffee Cocktail
PREP TIME 2 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Pour the Licor 43 into a rocks glass over ice
02
2.
Slowly pour freshly brewed espresso over the back of a spoon to float the espresso for a layered look
03
3.
Garnish with an orange slice, and serve
What is a Carajillo?
The Carajillo recipe is a bold blend of espresso and spirit, traditionally made with Licor 43—a sweet Spanish liqueur known for its vibrant notes of citrus, vanilla, and spice. While Licor 43 is a favourite choice, this versatile cocktail can also be crafted with brandy, rum, or coffee liqueur, allowing you to tailor it to your taste.
Rooted in Spanish tradition, the Carajillo found a second home in Mexico, where it has become a beloved cultural staple. Whether sipped as a celebratory toast or a post-meal indulgence, this coffee cocktail offers a rich and layered experience.
Variations of the Carajillo
Learning how to make a Carajillo opens the door to endless creativity. While the classic recipe shines with Licor 43, experimenting with different Carajillo ingredients can add a unique twist to this beloved cocktail. Here are some flavourful variations to try:
Carajillo with mezcal
Swap Licor 43 for mezcal to add a smoky, earthy dimension to your Carajillo. The bold espresso balances beautifully with mezcal’s rich, agave-forward profile, creating a drink that’s perfect for adventurous palates.
Carajillo with bourbon
For a refined twist, mix your espresso with bourbon. The smooth, caramel notes of bourbon complement the espresso’s intensity, offering a rich and slightly spiced variation ideal for cosy evenings.
Carajillo with vanilla liqueur
Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating vanilla liqueur. This variation highlights the espresso’s boldness while softening its edge, making it an approachable option for those who love a sweeter cocktail.
Read next: 13 Best Mexican Cocktails To Make At Home
Why espresso and spirits pair perfectly
There’s a reason espresso cocktails are so captivating—they strike a harmonious balance between bold and smooth. The espresso’s rich bitterness cuts through the sweetness, warmth, or smokiness of various spirits, creating a drink that’s complex yet perfectly balanced.
Spirits like brandy, coffee liqueur, or rum bring unique qualities to the mix. Brandy offers a warm, fruity depth, coffee liqueur enhances the drink’s richness, and rum introduces caramelised, tropical notes. Together, espresso and spirit create a flavour experience that’s both invigorating and indulgent.
Learn more: 8 Best After-Dinner Drinks to Delight Your Guests
Pro tips for crafting the perfect Carajillo
- Chill your glass: For a crisp and smooth sip, chill your rocks glass before serving.
- Choose quality espresso: Opt for freshly brewed, high-quality espresso for the boldest flavour.
- Perfect the pour: Use the back of a spoon to slowly pour the espresso over the spirit, creating an impressive layered effect.
- Experiment with garnishes: An orange slice is classic, but try adding a cinnamon stick or cacao nibs for an extra layer of flavour and aroma.
- Play with ratios: Adjust the espresso-to-spirit ratio to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it stronger or smoother.
Best occasions to serve a Carajillo
The Carajillo is a versatile gem among coffee and spirit drinks, making it a standout choice for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a laid-back brunch, or enjoying a quiet evening, this Spanish coffee cocktail fits the bill perfectly.
- After dinner: Serve the Carajillo as a sophisticated digestif. Pair it with rich desserts like tiramisu or dark chocolate mousse to amplify its bittersweet charm.
- Brunch: Add a touch of indulgence to your mid-morning spread. The Carajillo pairs beautifully with pastries, like almond croissants or buttery scones, for a luxurious treat.
- Late-night cocktail: For an intimate nightcap, the Carajillo brings warmth and depth. Serve it alongside savory snacks like spiced nuts or a cheese board to round out the experience.
Nightcaps this way: 9 Best Coffee Cocktails to End Your Evening with a Kick
Now you know! Enjoy your Carajillo drink and remember to tag us when you share pics on Instagram. In the meantime, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter so we can keep you in the mix!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Carajillo is made by combining freshly brewed espresso with a spirit of your choice, typically Licor 43 for its sweet, spiced citrus and vanilla notes. Other options include brandy, rum, or coffee liqueur for a personalised twist.
The Carajillo offers a bold and layered flavour experience. The espresso's rich bitterness balances beautifully with the sweetness, warmth, or smokiness of the chosen spirit, creating a smooth and indulgent drink.
Absolutely! While Licor 43 is a classic choice, you can experiment with mezcal for a smoky twist, bourbon for caramel richness, or even vanilla liqueur for added sweetness. The versatility of the Carajillo invites creativity.
Traditionally, a Carajillo is served cold, poured over ice for a refreshing layered effect. However, it can also be enjoyed hot, making it a flexible choice for different preferences and occasions.
The Carajillo has its roots in Spain, where it began as a way to blend espresso with spirit for an extra kick. It later gained popularity in Mexico, where it has become a cultural staple and a favourite coffee cocktail.
