Carajillo recipe
Warm espresso meets sweet citrus spice over crackling ice.
Method: Build ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: Modern Classics
Ingredients
- 2 oz Licor 43 (or Spanish vanilla liqueur)
- 2 oz Espresso (freshly brewed hot)
How to make a Carajillo
- Fill a sturdy rocks glass completely with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz of Licor 43 directly over the ice.
- Extract a fresh double shot of hot espresso (approximately 2 oz).
- Slowly pour the hot espresso over the liqueur to create a layered, frothy separation.
- Stir briskly just before sipping to meld the vanilla sweetness and robust coffee notes.
Garnish
Coffee beans
Pro tip
Pour hot espresso slowly over ice and liqueur to achieve a dense, velvety crema cap.
History of the Carajillo
While the name's exact etymological roots remain debated—often linked to the Spanish word coraje (courage)—the beverage's evolution spans from colonial Cuban rum-and-coffee tonics to its modern Mexican renaissance as an iconic after-dinner staple featuring sweet vanilla liqueur. Modern bartenders still keep Carajillo in circulation because the recipe shows a clear point of view without needless decoration.
Flavour profile
Sweet, Roasty, Vanilla
Variations
- Mezcal Carajillo — Substitute 0.5 oz of the liqueur with artisanal Oaxacan mezcal for a smoky backbone.
- Horchata Carajillo — Add a splash of artisan horchata alongside the espresso for creamy nutty depth.
- Spiced Orange Carajillo — Express an orange peel over the glass and add a dash of orange bitters.
Practise making the Carajillo in the free Virtual Bar game.