Jigger & Joy — Secrets of the speakeasy, Spirit of the pub
Jigger & JoyCocktail Recipe← All Drinks
coffee, vanilla, sweet, citrus, aromatic

Carajillo

A Spanish-Mexican coffee cocktail combining espresso with Licor 43, served over ice for a sweet, vanilla-kissed caffeine boost.

herbal-liqueurEasy~13% ABV
MethodBuildGlassRocks GlassIcecubedGarnishCoffee beans or orange twist
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • 1½ ozespresso
  • 1½ ozlicor 43
  • Coffee beans or orange twistgarnish
Tools
Instructions
  1. 1Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
  2. 2Pour Licor 43 over the ice.
  3. 3Top with freshly pulled espresso.
  4. 4Stir gently to combine.
  5. 5Garnish with a few coffee beans or an orange twist.
#spanish#mexican#coffee#licor-43#dessert#after-dinner#vanilla
Save & Rate
Log in to rate
Save

Share this page

History & Origin

The Carajillo has roots in Spain, where soldiers were given coffee spiked with brandy for "coraje" (courage). The modern version with Licor 43 became wildly popular in Mexico, particularly in trendy bars and restaurants. The Spanish vanilla liqueur's citrus and vanilla notes complement espresso beautifully. In Mexico, it's often served dramatically: Licor 43 is lit on fire before espresso is added.

🛒 Tools for This Recipe

Everything you need to make a great Carajillo at home.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Hosting a Party?
Plan a party with Carajillo
Calculate bottles, build shopping lists, and plan food pairings.
Party Planner →
Which herbal-liqueur should you use?
Personalised bottle recommendations for the perfect Carajillo.
Find My Bottle →
More Like This
coffee
Spiced Carajillo
A warming twist on the classic Carajillo inspired by traditional Mexican Café de Olla. Cinnamon and warm spices transform this coffee cocktail into the perfect fall and winter sipper with cozy, aromatic complexity.
EasyView →
Carajillo 43
The signature Licor 43 cocktail that took Mexico by storm. Equal parts espresso and vanilla liqueur are shaken until frothy, creating a velvety coffee drink with sweet botanical notes. Lighter than an Espresso Martini but equally satisfying as an after-dinner indulgence.
EasyView →
herbal sweet
Liquid Cocaine
An intense herbal shot combining multiple liqueurs for a complex sweet flavor.
EasyView →
coffee
Creamy Carajillo
A dessert-style take on the classic Carajillo with the addition of heavy cream. This velvety smooth coffee cocktail appeals to fans of White Russians and Mudslides while offering a more sophisticated flavor profile.
EasyView →

🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.

Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

coffee, vanilla, sweet, citrus, aromatic◆Build