Carajillo

The Carajillo has a rich, sweet, vanilla, caffeinated, smooth flavor profile. A beloved Mexican coffee cocktail that masterfully combines rich espresso with smooth Licor 43, creating an elegant drink that's both energizing and indulgent. This sophisticated sipper bridges the gap between cocktail hour and coffee break with its perfect balance of vanilla sweetness and bold coffee intensity.

A Carajillo requires 3 ingredients: Licor 43, Hot espresso, Coffee beans.

A Carajillo takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

A Carajillo is traditionally served in a rocks, garnished with 3 coffee beans.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Carajillo by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Carajillo's story begins in 19th century Spain, where it was originally created as a simple mixture of coffee and brandy, served to Spanish soldiers and workers as a morning pick-me-up. The name itself is believed to derive from 'corajillo,' meaning 'little courage,' referring to the liquid bravery it provided. The modern version we know today evolved significantly when it crossed the Atlantic to Mexico, where bartenders began experimenting with different spirits. The breakthrough came with the substitution of Licor 43, a Spanish vanilla and citrus liqueur with 43 secret ingredients, which transformed the drink from a simple coffee-and-spirit combination into something truly magical. Mexican bartenders perfected the layered presentation technique, creating the distinctive visual that has made the Carajillo a social media sensation. The drink experienced a massive resurgence in the 2010s, particularly in Mexico City's craft cocktail scene, and has since spread internationally, becoming a staple in specialty coffee shops and craft cocktail bars worldwide.