Carajillo Recipe

A Carajillo is an easy to prepare Mexican cocktail served as an after-dinner digestif or as a dessert course. Although originally from Spain, the carajillo has become an integral part of restaurant culture in Mexico particularly in Mexico City.

Espresso and Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur are served over ice to get a nice layered effect. The carajillo is a perfect drink to serve on a slow, relaxing, warm evening.

Licor 43 is made with a secret blend of citrus and fruit juices, vanilla, and aromatic herbs and spices. It has a well-rounded, sweet flavor that lingers. It is a slow-sipping liqueur.

Traditionally, this coffee cocktail is made with espresso but you can substitute some very strong coffee and get acceptable results.

If you can’t find Licor 43 at your local market or wine store, it’s readily available online.

Prepare your espresso or strong coffee, then measure out 2 ozs. Let cool for a few minutes.

Slowly pour the espresso over the ice. The coffee will float on top of the Liqueur.

If you pour the espresso slowly, it will float on top of the liqueur which makes for a sharp looking drink. Serve immediately.

carajillo recipe

Instructions
  1. In an Old Fashioned glass, pour 1 ½ to 2 ounces of Licor 43 over ice.
  2. Slowly pour freshly brewed espresso over the top. To float the espresso for a layered look, pour gently over the back of a spoon and serve with a cocktail stirrer.

Carajillo Cocktail

carajillo recipe

The Carajillo is a popular coffee based after-dinner drink served in Mexico prepared with Licor 43, a sweet aromatic Spanish liqueur.

Prep: 5min

Serving Size: 1 g

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 g, calories 180 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 15 mg, Sugar 18 g

Ingredients:

  • 2 ozs. espresso coffee
  • 2 ozs. Licor 43
  • 4-6 ice cubes

Instruction:

  1. Chill the glasses in the freeze for 15 minutes before preparing.
  2. While your glasses are chilling, prepare your espresso and let cool for a few minutes.
  3. Place 4 ices cubes in each glass, then add the Licor 43, then slowly pour the coffee over the ice.
  4. Serve immediately.

Carajillo Recipe

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: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 1

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces* espresso (or very strong coffee), cooled slightly
  • 1 1/2 ounce Licor 43
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)

Instruction:

  1. Make the espresso.
  2. Add ice to lowball. Add the Licor 43 and stir.
  3. Slowly pour the coffee over a bar spoon into the drink, which will settle on top. Serve immediately.

Carajillo Recipe: How to Make This Mexican Coffee Cocktail

carajillo recipe

Coffee and liqueur is a classic cocktail recipe pairing that’ll never go out of style. From warm Irish coffees to Kahlua coffee cocktails, these boozy drinks can be served hot or cold, day or night. This Carajillo recipe is no exception. Keep reading to learn more about this Mexican coffee cocktail, where it came from, and how to make a stunning version of your own.

Prep: 5min

Total: 10min

Serving Size: 4 oz

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 4 oz, calories 180, Fat 1g, Carbohydrate 19g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Protein 1g, Sodium 15mg, Sugar 18g

Ingredients:

  • Two 1.5-ounce shots of espresso
  • Two 1.5-ounce shots of Licor 43
  • Ice cubes
  • Chocolate-covered coffee beans
  • Whipped cream

Instruction:

  1. First, grind, dose, and pull two 1.5-ounce espresso shots. While a dark roast is preferable here, feel free to use whichever beans you like.
  2. Once you’ve pulled your espresso shots, fill a standard cocktail glass with ice cubes, and pour two 1.5-ounce shots of Licor 43 over them.
  3. Then, gently pour your espresso shots over the back of a spoon into the glass, and stir very gently. This will create a layered effect that’s sure to wow your guests.
  4. Finally, top your carajillo coffee cocktail with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a few chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Master The Classics: Carajillo

FAQ

How to make a carajito?

Instructions
  1. Chill the glasses in the freeze for 15 minutes before preparing.
  2. While your glasses are chilling, prepare your espresso and let cool for a few minutes.
  3. Place 4 ices cubes in each glass, then add the Licor 43, then slowly pour the coffee over the ice.
  4. Serve immediately.

What is a carajillo drink in English?

In simple terms, a carajillo is a spiked coffee. It is often said to date back to the Spanish occupation of Cuba when apparently soldiers added rum to their coffee for courage – “coraje” means courage in Spanish which over time evolved to the name.

What’s the difference between a carajillo and an espresso martini?

espresso martini vs carajillo

The Espresso Martini is a cocktail made with vodka and espresso, served cold and shaken. The Carajillo is a cocktail made with brandy and espresso, served hot. The flavor of the Espresso Martini is bold and intense, while the Carajillo has a smoother and more mellow flavor.

What flavor is carajillo?

One sip and you’ll taste sweet vanilla, chocolate and citrus notes from the Licor and the bitter, rich notes of the coffee.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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