Carajillo (Mexican Spiked Coffee)

Try this recipe for carajillo, a Mexican after-dinner digestif! Licor 43’s blend of bitter coffee and sweet vanilla notes is perfect.

After we’ve mixed all the classics, we try all the coffee cocktails at A Couple Cooks. Here’s one that surprised us with its nuanced flavor: the Carajillo! This cocktail is popular in Spain and Latin America, but it’s probably most famous in Mexico, where you’ll find it made with Licor 43. One sip and you’ll taste sweet notes of vanilla, chocolate and citrus from Licor and bitter, rich coffee notes. It truly is a game made in heaven! There’s Irish coffee, Amaretto coffee, and Kahlua coffee… but our favorite might be this one.

What’s in a Carajillo?

Carajillo is an after-dinner cocktail of hot, spiked coffee. This is typical of Spain and some Latin American countries like Colombia, Cuba and Mexico, and each country uses a different type of alcohol. (Don’t ask why that’s so slang!) It’s become very popular as an after-dinner drink in Mexico, where it’s most commonly served with Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur. One sip of this two-ingredient drink and you’ll taste the magic.

The Spanish version of a Carajillo uses brandy, and the American style is called Spanish coffee, another really delicious version made with burnt sugar and rum (more on that below!). For this recipe we opted for the traditional Mexican carajillo. Here are the ingredients you need:

Do you really need another specialty spirits in your collection? 100% yes if it’s Licor. Here’s why…

Find out more about Liqueur 43

What is Licor 43 and is it really worth buying? After over 200 cocktails, our spirits cellar is so full it’s hard to decide whether to have another one. But after trying it, Licor 43 is definitely worth it. This is what you should know about this unique liqueur:

• alcohol 43 is a light yellow Spanish vanilla flavored liqueur, also known as Fourty three (43 in Spanish). It was invented by the Zamora family in 1946, apparently based on an old recipe. The name comes from the 43 herbs and plants used to make it.
• How does Licor 43 taste? Licor 43 has a sweet and aromatic taste, strong vanilla with hints of orange peel, spices and cocoa.
• How much does Licor 43 cost? It’s mid-range. A 375ml bottle is around $15 and a 750ml bottle is around $25.
• Is it worth buying? Yes, we think so! It goes perfectly with the coffee. Use it for a carajillo or in Licor 43 cocktails like the Key Lime Martini or the Mini Beer Shot.

How to make a carajillo

With just two ingredients, making a carajillo is really easy! Here are some tips for preparing this delicious after-dinner drink:

• Prepare an espresso or very strong coffee. Roasted espresso beans offer the darkest flavor. Use an espresso machine or your favorite method of making extra strong coffee (we like the Chemex).
• Add Licor 43 to the ice and stir. We like to use clear ice to make it more impressive (you can make it to the front for cocktails!).
• Slowly pour the coffee onto a spoon: it should form a layer on top. Pour it over a bar spoon will help slow the liquid and it should settle to the top forming a dark layer over the yellow layer of Licor 43.

Variation: Try the Spanish coffee!

The American variant of the Carajillo is called spanish coffee. It’s not what you might think, a carajillo with cognac like they are served in Spain. No, it’s a theatrical performance invented by Bar Huber in Portland, Oregon! The rum is lit over the fire to caramelize the outside of the glass, then the coffee is mixed with Kahlua and Triple Sec and topped with whipped cream.

It seems a bit over the top but we tried it and it is good or. We also changed the method to be a bit safer when playing with fire. Go to How to Make Spanish Coffee.

More coffee cocktails

There are so many other delicious coffee cocktails to try! Many of them are each country’s Carajillo twist: hot infused coffee! Here’s what to remember:

When to serve Carajillo

A carajillo is a fantastic post-meal dessert drink! Serve as:

• Aperitif after dinner
• Happy hour drink
• signature drink
• Night drink for girls or boys
• Aperitif at aperitif time