If you are a fan of the espresso martini or Irish coffee then you have to give the Mexican carajillo a try! This sweet coffee cocktail features Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur similar to brandy. If you are a coffee lover, then is spiked coffee drink is for you!
You will likely find this drink offered on cocktail menus all over Latin America and it is very popular in Mexico city. Most order this as an after-dinner drink so feel free to use decaffeinated espresso when you make it at home if you are concerned about too much caffeine before bed. You can make this drink two ways. Shaken as shown above on the left or poured over the ice in layers shown on the right.
Ingredients
This drink is so simple, it has 2 ingredients!
- Licor 43: This sweet smooth Spanish liqueur also called cuarenta y tres has notes of vanilla, citrus and some herbs. It does not taste like a coffee liqueur like Kahlua. The recipe calls for an equal ratio of espresso to Licor 43.
- Espresso: You can use regular ground coffee but espresso coffee is a bit different. The beans used for espresso are generally roasted to a dark or medium-dark level. This darker roast brings out rich, bold flavors and caramelizes the sugars in the beans, resulting in a fuller-bodied and slightly bitter taste profile. This bitter taste balances out the sweetness of the Licor 43. Feel free to use decaffeinated coffee for a late night carajillo.
- Optional: Add a few coffee beans on top of the foam. Try a twist of orange peel or lemon lemon peel to the finished drink.
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
- Rocks glass: Also known as a low-ball glass or old fashioned glass. This is a glass every home bar needs to have on hand.
- Cocktail shaker: These come in a variety of sizes and types. This allows for rapid cooling of the drink and I like the type with holes in the lid that holds back the ice while pouring.
- Espresso machine: You can use a fancy counter top model or get a simple moka pot for stove top use. A French press also works well with espresso coffee. You can also make strong coffee in your current coffee maker. There is no need to get too extravagant.
- Ice cube molds: I like very large, and I mean large ice cubes in a rocks glass. One BIG cube works nicely and looks really interesting. Buy a set of large ice cube molds for your next cocktail night and you will thank me.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Carajillo:
📖 Recipe
Carajillo - Mexican Espresso Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Licor 43
- 2 oz espresso cooled
Instructions
Shaken Method - Foamy on Top
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the Licor 43 and the espresso.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds and pour over a rocks glass with ice.
Poured Method - Two Layered
- Add a large ice cube to a rocks glass and pour the Licor 43 over the cube.
- Take a spoon and slowly pour the espresso over the back of the spoon onto the ice cube trying keep it from mixing into the Licor 43.
- Seve and enjoy! ¡Salud!
Gwynn says
I just found my new favorite cocktail and it couldn't be any easier to make! Cheers!
Analida says
Thank Gwynn! I hope you enjoyed a little kick in your coffee!