Give your late-night sessions a buzz with the carajillo cocktail. Its potent flavor and rich history will have you gearing up for the long battle of staying up past midnight.
Looking for an easy espresso coffee cocktail?
Then, the carajillo coffee cocktail is a great choice! This coffee-forward drink boasts an intense espresso flavor mingled with the sweetness of rum. It’s a classic cocktail recipe whenever you need a bit of liquid courage or carajillo.
When life calls for something stronger than a black cup of coffee, it’s time to make a carajillo. Carajillo is a Spanish cocktail made with Liquor 43, rum, and espresso. It has the strong coffee flavor of an espresso martini or coffee cocktail, but it’s a bit simpler.
What Is a Carajillo?
The history of the carajillo is a bit murky, much like the drink’s dark brown hue. Some historians claim its origins began when Spanish conquistadors made their way over to Cuba. Their opposition, the Cubans, would drink a carajillo for courage, or carajillo, before battle. Others believe the drink originated in the Spanish province of Catalonia in the early 19th century. Whichever story you choose to believe, the result is the same – strong coffee mixed with liquor.
Today, the carajillo cocktail remains a popular cocktail in Mexico City, with some even deeming it the Irish coffee of Mexico. The original carajillo recipe is said to contain a shot of espresso served alongside brandy or rum. We took that original recipe and beefed it up by adding Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur with notes of citrus and vanilla. We also add hot espresso for a pick-me-up and rum for a hint of caramel-y sweetness. Its complex flavor profile and velvety smooth texture make this simple drink a classic amongst coffee and cocktail enthusiasts.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Carajillo
How to Make a Carajillo
- Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker.
- Add all the ingredients and shake well.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with coffee beans.
Expert Recipe Tips
- This drink is unique in that you can mix it up or leave the cocktail elements separately, as it’s commonly enjoyed in other countries. If you prefer the latter, ditch the cocktail shaker and simply add your ingredients one at a time, leaving them untouched, allowing each layer to be enjoyed.
- We use coupe glasses, but we’ve seen carajillo cocktails served in a variety of vessels from rocks glasses to nick and nora glasses. It’s up to you.
How to Serve a Carajillo Cocktail
A carajillo is the perfect after-dinner delight when conversations start to pick up, keeping you awake into the wee hours of the morning. You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preferences.
More Cocktail Recipes
Whether you’re trying not to nod off during your guests’ boring conversations or want to get a taste of tradition, the carajillo is just the thing you need. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!
Carajillo
Mexican, SpanishEquipment
- cocktail shaker
- fine mesh strainer
- Stirring spoon
- alcohol measuring cup
- Cocktail glass coupe glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Licor 43
- ½ oz rum
- 2 oz espresso
- Coffee beans - for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add all the ingredients and shake well.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with coffee beans.
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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