Best Carajillo Recipe | Easy Spanish Coffee Cocktail with Licor 43 (Bar-Quality Drink)
Carajillo Recipe with Licor 43 | Easy Spanish Coffee Cocktail for Parties & After-Dinner Drinks
Today, I will discuss with you a globally famous and trending drink recipe whose aroma, texture, and flavor you will really like, and its name is Carajillo. This Carajillo recipe is a Spanish coffee cocktail that takes only 2 minutes to make, but its feeling will stay with you for a long time. Moreover, this iconic Spanish-Mexican espresso cocktail—made with rich hot espresso and the warm vanilla-citrus flavor of Licor 43—has become one of the most searched, most shared, and most loved after-dinner drinks around the world.
The reason the Carajillo recipe is exploding in popularity is simple: it delivers bar-quality flavor with almost no effort. The combination of creamy espresso, sweet liqueur, and a silky frothy top (especially in the shaken Mexican version) creates a dessert-like cocktail experience people can’t resist. It’s the perfect middle ground between a coffee lover’s drink, a premium liqueur recipe, and an easy cocktail for beginners.
This traditional Spanish Carajillo is currently so viral that it’s trending on places like Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and Google Discover under the name shaken Carajillo 43, so you can check it out in your feed. So grab your espresso, open your bottle of Licor 43, and let’s make the most irresistible Carajillo you’ve ever tasted — a drink that’s not just popular, but absolutely unforgettable.
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Carajillo Recipe (Spanish Coffee Cocktail)
This Carajillo recipe is a luxurious Spanish-Mexican coffee cocktail made with hot espresso and sweet, citrus-vanilla flavored Licor 43. It’s quick, elegant, and perfect for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, dinner hosting, and late-night dessert drinks.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Licor 43 (Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur)
- 2 oz fresh espresso (hot; can substitute strong brewed coffee)
- Ice cubes (for shaken version)
Optional Garnishes:
- Orange peel twist
- Cinnamon stick
- Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder
- Coffee beans
Instructions
Mexican "Shaken" Carajillo (Most Popular)
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in Licor 43.
- Add hot espresso carefully.
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds until frothy.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel or cinnamon stick.
Classic Spanish Carajillo (Stirred Version)
- Add Licor 43 to a heat-safe glass.
- Pour hot espresso over it.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately — no ice.
Notes
- Use fresh espresso for maximum aroma.
- Shake aggressively to get that signature golden froth.
- For a sweeter cocktail, add ½ tsp brown sugar or vanilla syrup.
- Add whipped cream for a dessert-style version.
- Use a large ice cube so the drink doesn’t dilute quickly.
- Make it stronger by adding ½ oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa).
- Always serve immediately for the perfect temperature contrast.
Variations
- Carajillo 43 Nitro
Add nitro cold brew for a creamy, café-style foam. - Iced Carajillo Latte
Add 2–3 oz cold milk or oat milk for a summer twist. - Spiced Holiday Carajillo
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise — great for Christmas drinks and holiday cocktails. - Carajillo with Baileys
Rich and creamy; perfect dessert drink. - Carajillo Martini
Shake espresso + Licor 43 + vodka; serve in a martini glass.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 5Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0g
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What Is a Carajillo?
A Carajillo is a bold, aromatic Spanish coffee cocktail traditionally made by mixing hot espresso with a sweet, citrus-vanilla liqueur like Licor 43. It’s one of the most popular after-dinner drinks, loved for its warm aroma, smooth texture, and the perfect balance of creamy espresso and bright, spiced liqueur notes.
This drink has become a viral hit in both Spain and Mexico, especially the Mexican Carajillo 43, where the cocktail is shaken with ice to create that signature golden foam you see in cafés, bars, and luxury restaurants.
🌍 Where Carajillo Comes From
The Carajillo was born in Spain, where hot coffee was mixed with brandy or rum to give workers coraje (courage). The name “Carajillo” actually comes from the word corajillo, meaning a little courage.
In Mexico, the drink evolved into the modern version we all know today — espresso + Licor 43 + ice, shaken until creamy and frothy. This version is served in high-end restaurants, cocktail bars and is now one of the most ordered coffee cocktails in Latin America.
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Spanish Carajillo vs Mexican Carajillo — What’s the Difference?
For those who think that Spanish Carajillo and Mexican Carajillo recipes are the same, I have specially created this section to clear up all your confusion.
Spanish Carajillo — Classic, Hot, & Comforting
This is simple, strong, and cozy. The Spanish carajillo is the original classic served hot — perfect for after-dinner rituals and quiet cafés.
- Main spirit: traditionally brandy or Licor 43 in modern variations.
- Preparation: Pour spirit into a warm glass, add hot espresso, stir gently.
- Texture & flavor: Warm, aromatic, balanced — vanilla, citrus, and spice depending on liqueur.
- Best served: Hot; often after meals in Spain and coastal cafés.
Mexican Carajillo — Bold, Iced, & Party-Ready
Loud, bright, and modern — the Mexican carajillo is typically an iced or shaken espresso cocktail made to serve in bars and street cafés across Mexico.
- Main spirit: Licor 43 is extremely popular; Kahlúa or other coffee liqueurs are common too.
- Preparation: Hot espresso added to spirit then shaken over ice or poured over ice — frothier and colder.
- Texture & flavor: Cold, refreshing, with a brighter citrus-vanilla profile when Licor 43 is used.
- Best served: Iced or on-the-rocks; great for parties, brunches, and warm weather.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Spanish | Mexican |
|---|---|---|
| Served | Hot, stirred | Iced or shaken |
| Common liquor | Brandy, Licor 43 | Licor 43, Kahlúa |
| Occasion | After-dinner, cozy cafés | Parties, brunch, street cafés |
| Taste profile | Warm, spiced, aromatic | Bright, sweet, frothy |
| Quick tip | Warm the glass first | Shake to froth espresso |
Small note: Both styles share the same soul — espresso + spirit — but the serving temperature and technique create two very different experiences.
Quick Pickup: How to choose?
- Cozy night in: Spanish — warm, slow-sipped.
- Outdoor party or brunch: Mexican — iced, shareable.
- Want dessert vibe: Add cream or Baileys to either version.
- Want more bar-style foam: Shake hard with ice (Mexican method).
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Ingredients Need To Make Carajillo Recipe
Let’s walk through every ingredient for the Carajillo Recipe (Licor 43 coffee cocktail).
Core Ingredients (what you absolutely need)
- Licor 43 — 2 oz (Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur). This is the classic choice: sweet, vanilla-forward with orange highlights. Use the official brand for authenticity when possible.
- Fresh espresso — 2 oz (hot, double shot / 18–30 sec extraction). Crema matters — it gives aroma and body to the cocktail.
- Ice (for shaken/iced versions) — large cubes work best to avoid rapid dilution.
- Garnish options — orange peel twist, whole coffee beans, or a cinnamon stick for aroma.
Licor 43 provides the signature vanilla-citrus sweetness. Espresso brings bitterness and body.
Supporting Ingredients & Smart Substitutes
- Kahlúa or coffee liqueur (substitute) — use 1–1.5 oz if Licor 43 isn’t available. Results in a deeper coffee sugar profile (less citrus).
- Vodka (for Carajillo Martini) — 1 oz to 1.5 oz for a stronger, cleaner alcohol backbone.
- Oat milk or cream — 2–3 oz if you want a creamy iced latte version (great for vegan ‘Carajillo Latte’).
- Vanilla syrup / brown sugar — ½ tsp to 1 tsp to boost sweetness without changing the base liqueur.
- Alternative citrus — grapefruit peel or a twist of orange oil if you want sharper citrus notes.
Coffee & Equipment (small investments, big difference)
- Beans: Medium-dark roast, freshly ground for espresso. Look for tasting notes: chocolate, caramel, and a bright finish.
- Espresso machine or Moka pot: Espresso machine for crema; high-quality Moka pot or Aeropress works for strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Cocktail shaker or heat-proof glass: Shaker for shaken Carajillo (Mexico); heat-proof glass or small carafe for stirred Spanish style.
Flavor Pairings & Aromatics (how to style your serve)
- Orange peel or expressed orange oil — enhances Licor 43’s natural citrus notes.
- Cinnamon stick or a light dusting of ground cinnamon — warming spice for holiday cocktails.
- Dark chocolate or cocoa powder — sprinkle for a dessert-style finish.
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How to Make a Carajillo — Step-by-Step Guide (Spanish & Mexican Styles)
Quick, bar-quality espresso cocktail with Licor 43. Perfect for holiday cocktails, after-dinner drinks, and party menus.
Measure & Pour the Licor 43 (Premium Liqueur)
Start with 2 oz (60 ml) of Licor 43 in a heat-proof glass or cocktail shaker. Licor 43 is a sweet Spanish vanilla-citrus liqueur — the aroma is the backbone of this premium coffee cocktail. This step sets the flavor foundation for a bar-quality Carajillo.
Pull Fresh Espresso (Crema Matters)
Brew a fresh double shot of espresso (~2 oz / 60 ml) — hot and aromatic. The crema from a freshly pulled espresso gives the Carajillo a luxurious mouthfeel and helps the flavors integrate. Prefer manual? Use stovetop moka or strong French press coffee if needed.
Combine Licor 43 & Hot Espresso
Pour the hot espresso directly over the Licor 43. For the classic Spanish Carajillo, simply stir gently to combine — the liqueur warms and releases vanilla-citrus notes. For the Mexican (iced / shaken) style, go to the next step to shake with ice.
(Optional) Shake with Ice — Mexican Iced Carajillo
If you prefer the chilled, frothy Mexican version: add ice to a cocktail shaker, pour in the Licor 43 and hot espresso (careful — tempered heat is fine), seal, and shake hard for 8–10 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice for an effervescent, café-style finish.
Garnish & Serve — Make It Photogenic
Garnish with an orange peel twist (expressed oils over the glass) and/or a cinnamon stick. A couple of toasted coffee beans on top look gorgeous and reinforce the coffee aroma. Serve immediately as an after-dinner cocktail.
Pairing & Presentation — Serve with Dessert
Pair the Carajillo with chocolate, churros, tiramisu, or a citrus tart.
Carajillo Variations — 10 Must-Try Twists
Iced Carajillo Latte — Summer Coffee Cocktail
What it is: Licor 43 + cold-brew or chilled espresso + milk (dairy or oat) + ice. Light, creamy, and perfect for warm-weather menus and reels.
Spiced Holiday Carajillo — Christmas & Winter Warmth
What it is: Hot espresso + Licor 43 + warm spices (cinnamon, star anise, clove). Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange peel for aroma.
Carajillo Martini — Espresso Martini Meets Carajillo
What it is: Licor 43 + vodka + fresh espresso, shaken hard and served up — think espresso martini with a Spanish twist.
Carajillo Affogato — Dessert-Level Indulgence
What it is: Scoop of vanilla gelato + hot espresso + Licor 43 poured over — a show-stopping dessert cocktail.
Keto Carajillo — Low-Carb, High-Fat Friendly
What it is: Sugar-free vanilla syrup or sweetener + cream or coconut milk + a splash of Licor 43. Keeps carbs low while delivering rich flavor.
Vegan Carajillo — Oat Milk & Plant-Based Twist
What it is: Licor 43 (check labeling) + espresso + creamy oat or almond milk. Great for social shares and vegan search intent.
Carajillo with Baileys — Creamy Dessert Cocktail
What it is: Licor 43 + Baileys Irish Cream + espresso. A decadent, silky drink that pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts.
Carajillo Old Fashioned — Barrel & Coffee Notes
What it is: Licor 43 + bourbon or aged rum + espresso + orange twist. A stirred, spirit-forward riff for craft cocktail fans.
Carajillo 43 Nitro — Café-Style Nitro Twist
What it is: Nitro cold brew + Licor 43 + a touch of vanilla — silky texture and great for Instagram reels and café menus.
Spiked Cold Brew Carajillo — Brunch & Party Favorite
What it is: Cold brew concentrate + Licor 43 + optional coffee liqueur, served over ice with an orange twist. Easy to batch for brunches and gatherings.
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Serving Suggestions of Licor 43 Cocktail — Pairings, Occasions & Presentation
Here are some great ideas for serving Carajillo recipes to impress your guests. Be sure to try the one you like.
Chocolate & Dessert Pairings
Serve Carajillo with rich chocolates, dark-chocolate truffles, flourless chocolate cake, or tiramisu. The coffee + vanilla notes in Licor 43 accentuate chocolate flavors — perfect for dessert menus and gourmet cocktail nights.
Classic Spanish Desserts
Think flan, churros, or custard. These pairings lean into the Carajillo’s Mediterranean heritage — ideal for themed dinners and premium liqueur pairing features.
Cheese & Savory Boards
A Carajillo contrasts beautifully with a salty-sweet cheese board (manchego, aged gouda, quince paste). Great for cocktail hours and small plates menus.
Holiday & Event Ideas
Serve warm Carajillos during Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve toasts, or holiday brunches.
Brunch & Coffee Bar Setup
Add Carajillo to a DIY coffee bar with syrups, creamers, and toppings (cinnamon, orange zest).
Comfort Cookies & Bites
Shortbread, almond cookies, or biscotti make for easy plating.
Carajillo Recipe FAQ
Try a 1:1 swap with coffee liqueur for a richer, sweeter result, or mix half amaretto + half triple sec for a closer orange-vanilla note.
Avoid pre-shaking with hot espresso — foam dissipates. For batch recipes, keep the coffee and liqueur refrigerated and combine 1:1 to taste.
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