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    You are here: Home / Beverages / Carajillo Cocktail

    Carajillo Cocktail

    Douglas Cullen, This blog generates income via ads and affiliate links which earn us a small commission.

    A Mexican After-Dinner Coffee Drink

    A Carajillo is an easy to prepare Mexican cocktail served as an after-dinner digestif or as a dessert course. Although originally from Spain, the carajillo has become an integral part of restaurant culture in Mexico particularly in Mexico City.

    Espresso and Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur are served over ice to get a nice layered effect. The carajillo is a perfect drink to serve on a slow, relaxing, warm evening.

    Carajillo Mexican Cocktail in Glass

    Licor 43 is made with a secret blend of citrus and fruit juices, vanilla, and aromatic herbs and spices. It has a well-rounded, sweet flavor that lingers. It is a slow-sipping liqueur.

    Traditionally, this coffee cocktail is made with espresso but you can substitute some very strong coffee and get acceptable results.

    How to Make

    You only need two ingredients. Preparation couldn’t be simpler.

    Ingredients:

    • Espresso or very strong coffee
    • Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur
    • Ice

    If you can’t find Licor 43 at your local market or wine store, it’s readily available online.

    Glassware:

    • 8-ounce rocks or wine glasses
    Ingredients to make a Mexican Carajillo cocktail.

    Prepare your espresso or strong coffee, then measure out 2 ozs. Let cool for a few minutes.

    2 Ounces of Espresso in Small Glass Cup

    Measure out 2 ozs. of Licor 43.

    Licor 43 in Small Glass Cup

    Add 4 ice cubes to your rocks glass and add the Licor 43.

    Pouring Licor 43 into Glass

    Slowly pour the espresso over the ice. The coffee will float on top of the Liqueur.

    Pouring Espresso to Cocktail Glass

    If you pour the espresso slowly, it will float on top of the liqueur which makes for a sharp looking drink. Serve immediately.

    Mexican Carajillo Cocktail Closeup

    Are you going to add the Carajillo to your recipe book?

    Provecho!

    Glass of Carajillo Cocktail
    Print Pin
    4.50 from 6 votes

    Carajillo Cocktail

    The Carajillo is a popular coffee based after-dinner drink served in Mexico prepared with Licor 43, a sweet aromatic Spanish liqueur.
    Course Drink
    Cuisine Mexican
    Keyword Carjillo Cocktail, Mexican Cocktail
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories 180kcal
    Author Andrés Carnalla

    Equipment

    • espresso maker or stovetop espresso pot
    • 8 ounce rocks glasses

    Ingredients

    • 2 ozs. espresso coffee
    • 2 ozs. Licor 43
    • 4-6 ice cubes

    Instructions

    • Chill the glasses in the freeze for 15 minutes before preparing.
    • While your glasses are chilling, prepare your espresso and let cool for a few minutes.
    • Place 4 ices cubes in each glass, then add the Licor 43, then slowly pour the coffee over the ice.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Notes
    • Pour the coffee very slowly and it will float on top of the liqueur which makes the drink look really sharp.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 65mg | Sugar: 18g

    More Mexican Drinks

    • Hot Chocolate with Kahlua
    • Classic Michelada

     

    More Beverages

    • Champurrado Mexican Hot Chocolate
      Champurrado (Chocolate Atole)
    • Classic Mexican Margarita
      Classic Mexican Margarita
    • Glass of Agua de Melon
      Agua de Melon
    • Mexican Mangonada Drink on Table
      Mangonada

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. john doe says

      August 10, 2020 at 11:45 am

      Carajillos are Spanish not Mexican.

      Reply
      • Juan Doe says

        January 14, 2021 at 3:26 pm

        Not Mexican, but thanks for participating.

        Reply
      • Cóctel Cartel says

        April 02, 2021 at 8:54 am

        The author states the cocktail originally derives from Spain… Maybe you missed it, easily done if the entire post wasn’t read. ;)

        Reply
    2. Shanta Lapierre says

      March 28, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      Wow! Happy reading

      Reply
    3. Cicely says

      February 09, 2023 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      My Cousin tried this this Cancun and she made me taste it. I was speechless at how much I enjoyed it. We all bought a bottle when we got back home.

      Reply

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    Hola, I am Douglas. Let me share my love of Mexican Cuisine with you that developed over 20+ years of living in Mexico.

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