What Is a Carajillo? Spain's Coffee With Brandy and Mexico's Licor 43 Version
A carajillo is espresso combined with a spirit. In Spain it's usually hot espresso with brandy or rum, often served in a small glass. In Mexico, the most popular version is espresso shaken or poured over ice with Licor 43, a sweet Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur, typically in roughly equal parts or 1 part espresso to 1.5–2 parts liqueur.
What it is
A short coffee-and-spirit drink with two very different personalities:
- Spanish carajillo: a hot espresso with a measure of brandy, rum or whisky. Sometimes the spirit is warmed with sugar, lemon peel and coffee beans and flamed before the coffee is added.
- Mexican carajillo: espresso and Licor 43, shaken with ice or layered over ice in a rocks glass. Sweet, cold and very popular as an after-dinner drink.
Where it comes from
Carajillo is a traditional Spanish café drink. A popular story links it to Spanish soldiers in colonial Cuba mixing coffee with rum for courage (coraje), though like many drink legends it's hard to verify. In Mexico, the Licor 43 version became a modern favorite in restaurants and bars.
What it tastes like
| Style | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Spanish (brandy) | Warm, dry, bittersweet, warming alcohol |
| Spanish (rum) | Rounder, slightly sweeter, molasses notes |
| Mexican (Licor 43) | Sweet vanilla and citrus over bold coffee, cold and smooth |
How to make a Mexican-style carajillo
| Ingredient | 1 glass |
|---|---|
| Espresso or very strong coffee | 40–50 ml |
| Licor 43 | 50–60 ml |
| Ice | A rocks glass full |
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and pour in the Licor 43.
- Brew the espresso.
- Layered style: pour the hot espresso slowly over the back of a spoon onto the liqueur.
- Shaken style: shake espresso, Licor 43 and ice hard for 10–15 seconds, then strain over fresh ice for a foamy top.
How to make a Spanish-style carajillo
| Ingredient | 1 small glass |
|---|---|
| Espresso | 30–40 ml |
| Brandy or dark rum | 20–30 ml |
| Sugar (optional) | 1 tsp |
Warm the glass, add the spirit and sugar, then pour in the hot espresso and stir.
No espresso machine?
A moka pot works well — see how much coffee for a moka pot — or make a short, strong AeroPress shot.
Drink responsibly
A carajillo contains alcohol and caffeine together. Caffeine can mask the feeling of being drunk, so keep track of how much you have and never drive after drinking.
Similar drinks
- Irish coffee — coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream
- Espresso tonic — a non-alcoholic bitter, bubbly alternative
- Affogato — often served with a splash of liqueur
Frequently asked questions
What alcohol is in a carajillo?
Brandy or rum in Spain; Licor 43 in the popular Mexican version.
Is a carajillo served hot or cold?
Traditionally hot in Spain; usually over ice in Mexico.
What is Licor 43?
A sweet Spanish liqueur flavored with vanilla, citrus and spices.
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