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How to Make a Carajillo: The Coffee Cocktail

Published: Sep 29, 2014 · Modified: Sep 8, 2024 by Maura Wall Hernandez · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

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A classic Spanish cocktail popular in Mexico, the Carajillo is made with espresso and Licor 43.

I've often enjoyed this cocktail while in Mexico, whether it be at a fancy restaurant in Mexico City, a late-night coffee bar in Acapulco or at vacation resorts spanning the country from Los Cabos to Playa del Carmen.

Carajillo and Licor 43

This drink is also similar to Italy's caffè corretto (meaning "corrected coffee") which typically contains grappa, sambuca or brandy and espresso. The carajillo can be served hot or cold, over ice, as pictured here.

Iced carajillo cocktail with a mini bottle of Licor 43

RELATED: Frozen café con leche

The bright yellow liquor’s tasting notes include cinnamon, anise, orange blossom and vanilla, and is called Licor 43 because it’s said to have 43 secret ingredients. It has an almost custard-like taste. When served hot, this drink is sometimes served in a glass with a sugared rim.

Nespresso Citiz machine with Licor 43 and an iced carajillo cocktail

To float the espresso for a fancier layered cocktail look, first pour the Licor 43 into a glass, then pour the espresso over the back of a spoon and serve with a cocktail stirrer.

If you plan to drink this cocktail late in the evening, it can also be made with decaffeinated espresso or a strongly brewed dark roast decaffeinated coffee.

RELATED: Café de olla

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Carajillo coffee cocktail made with espresso and Licor 43

Carajillo

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Maura Wall Hernandez
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: cocktails
  • Cuisine: Spanish
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Description

A classic Spanish cocktail popular in Mexico, the carajillo is made with espresso and Licor 43 and is the perfect afternoon or after-dinner cocktail that can be enjoyed hot or cold.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup brewed espresso or decaf espresso
  • 1 ½ to 2 ounces Licor 43
  • 8 ice cubes

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.

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This espresso cocktail is perfect for celebrating National Coffee Day and International Coffee Day.

RELATED: How to make cafe de olla with a Keurig machine

9

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate @ ¡Hola! Jalapeño says

    September 30, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    Yum! This looks like the perfect drink to cozy up to the fire with!

    Reply
  2. Leslie Limon says

    October 06, 2014 at 10:34 am

    This is my kind of cocktail! Now to hunt down a bottle of Licor 43 so I can make this.

    Reply
    • Lori says

      June 26, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      ¡Muy delicioso!






      Reply
    • Lisabelen says

      November 13, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      My husband and I fell in love with Carajiio’s this past summer in Cancun! Thank you for the delicious recipe






      Reply
  3. Noelle (@singerinkitchen) says

    April 20, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Yummmy! Man, all these cocktails to try after this baby is born! It's killing me! 😉

    Reply
  4. Enriqueta E Lemoine says

    June 23, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    I've had carajillo but made with rum! Lovely video!






    Reply
  5. Kate says

    July 03, 2019 at 10:43 am

    So delicious! We make these all the time in the winter.






    Reply
  6. Silvia Martinez says

    July 08, 2019 at 7:19 pm

    It sounds amazing!! I just added it to my recipes to-try list






    Reply
  7. Joey says

    September 08, 2019 at 4:54 pm

    It’s even better if you put it in a shaker with ice and shake for about 15 seconds. It makes it frothy and creamy. Yum!






    Reply
  8. Daniel (Danny) Earl says

    April 06, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    Totally agree! Try caramelizing the 43 for about 10 seconds before you shake it with espresso. Wonderful froth and adds a Caramel flavor to the drink! Deliciously!!!!






    Reply
  9. Craig Patchett says

    November 26, 2022 at 10:27 pm

    So good! Try it with cold brew too!






    Reply
  10. Naser says

    July 10, 2023 at 8:54 am

    Lo bebi como caliente en un pub en Salamanca es delisioso

    Reply
  11. Petra says

    August 22, 2024 at 8:53 pm

    We drank this on cold winter nights with cognac. Whiskey, kaluha etc with whipped cream on top

    Reply

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¡Bienvenidos!


Hi, I'm Maura Hernández, an award-winning food and travel writer, recipe developer, and former journalist sharing my passion for all things Mexico. I've traveled Mexico extensively over the last 18 years and Mexico City is my home away from home. Here, you'll find a mix of traditional and modern Mexican cooking, along with my advice on where to eat, stay and play on your visit to Mexico!

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