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