Carajillo Recipe: The Amazing Coffee Cocktail You Will Love!
Four years ago, we tried this cocktail recipe for the first time in Mexico.
Wow! One of the best coffee drink recipes we've ever tried! It is sweet, spicy, caffeinated, an excellent digestive, and combats food coma! Created for the first time in Cuba, this coffee cocktail is called Carajillo.
This cocktail is easy to prepare, and it's very hard not to like it, in reality, it tastes similar to an espresso martini, but BETTER. We want to tell you how to prepare it!
- Choosing the right coffee and liquor.
- Ingredients
- Alternatives for preparation
- Directions
- What makes Carajillo unique
- About licor 43
How do you make a Carajillo?
Choosing the right coffee and liquor.
We recommend using espresso over cold brew for this recipe, pairing perfectly with a medium-dark roast for your Carajillos.
If you don't have an espresso machine, simply brew a strong batch of coffee as an alternative.
You can use different liquor options (Licor 43, brandy, rum, etc.) but here we love the most traditional way to do it so Liquor 43 is the chosen one.
Ingredients
- 2 oz of espresso.
- 1 oz of Licor 43. You can find it in liqueur stores in the international aisle since it is from Spain.
- Ice cubes
- Shaker
- Coffee beans, orange peel, or cinnamon sticks to decorate as a garnish.
- A chilled glass. Use an old-fashioned or a wine glass for better presentation.
Alternatives for preparation
- If you are using brewed coffee instead of espresso, use up to 6 oz.
- Other liquors we liked to use for carajillos are like mezcal, tequila, or gin.
- Add ½ oz syrup if using unsweetened liquors.
Directions
- Place all the ingredients in the shaker.
- Shake for 30 seconds and serve slowly in an old-fashioned glass with ice; let the foam rise to the top.
- Decorate with orange peel: twist it to add a citrus hint and coffee beans or cinnamon sticks.
- If you don't have a shaker, you can first pour the 43 liqueur into your old-fashioned with ice and pour the coffee at the end, stirring before drinking.
Note:
We have tried this Carajillo recipe with other liqueurs such as mezcal, tequila, and gin, and you will get excellent results!
You must add ½ ounce of syrup to sweeten the drink since these liquors do not contain sugar, so you would need to add the sweet touch if you substitute Liquor 43.
What makes Carajillo unique
If you have tried a coffee liquor like Kahlua, this coffee cocktail has a similar flavor, although Licor 43 has a unique touch.
Do you want to impress your friends or family at a meeting? If they are coffee lovers, this coffee drink will be the wonder of their palates.
Pairing Ideas
Now that you have prepared the perfect carajillo we have some pairing recommendations for you to try with this delicious digestive drink.
About Licor 43
Liquor 43 is of Spanish origin; it has a vanilla touch and infuses 43 ingredients in a secret recipe, of which we know: lemon, orange, vanilla, spices, coriander, and tea.
A carajillo can be served hot or cold over ice; we love the latter version. This liqueur has 31% ABV.
Whether you sip on a carajillo to kickstart your day or unwind after a long day, this flavorful coffee cocktail is sure to become a favorite in your beverage repertoire.
Experiment with different types of liquor and coffee blends to customize your cocktail to suit your palate. Cheers to enjoying a taste of Spain in the comfort of your own home!
Carajillo's History
Cuban soldiers drank this to gain courage ("coraje" in Spanish) before battle. They used brandy, rum, or aguardiente.
Carajillo is now a favorite after-dinner drink in Mexico. It's a perfect blend of flavors that you can enjoy to start your day or unwind after work.
Try different liquors and coffees to find your perfect mix. Cheers to bringing a taste of Spain home!