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Carajillo

A bold coffee-and-liqueur drink with rich crema and warm spice.

Base spirit
Liqueur
Style
Coffee
Glassware
Rocks glass
Technique
Shake

The Carajillo combines hot espresso with Licor 43 for a sweet, spiced coffee cocktail with vanilla, citrus peel, and herbal tones. Shaken (Spanish-style) it becomes creamy and frothy; built (Mexican-style) it pours layered and aromatic. Its structure is simple yet expressive, driven by the vivid spice profile of Licor 43.

A Carajillo with a thick crema layer in a rocks glass.

Ingredients

Servings
  • • 2 oz Licor 43
  • • 1 shot hot espresso

Did you know?

“Spain’s traditional carajillo used brandy, but Mexico popularized the Licor 43 version; PunchDrink notes its rise as a modern after-dinner staple in Mexico City.”

Source:PunchDrink archives; Spanish coffee histories

Bartender's Note

Shake while espresso is hot to build proper crema.

Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.

How to make the Carajillo

  1. 1Add hot espresso and Licor 43 to shaker.
  2. 2Shake hard.
  3. 3Strain over ice.

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