Carajillo Affogato: The Perfect Mexican Coffee

The perfect boozy coffee dessert combining espresso, Licor 43, and creamy vanilla ice cream.
Recipe
A glass cup filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, elegantly transformed into an affogato with a hot espresso pour, creates a swirling effect on a gray plate atop a white one. A small gold spoon rests nearby. The light marble surface background adds to the dessert's minimalist elegance.

What is a Carajillo Affogato?

This boozy affogato recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a creamy, bold, and slightly sweet dessert drink with a warm, smooth kick. A Carajillo Affogato is a fusion of two beloved coffee traditions:

  • The Carajillo is a Mexican coffee cocktail made with Licor 43 and espresso.
  • The Affogato is an Italian dessert where hot espresso is poured over vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Two Ingredients, Zero Effort – Just espresso and Licor 43 over ice cream!
✔️ Perfect After-Dinner Drink – A coffee-based dessert cocktail to impress guests.
✔️ Customizable – Make it dairy-free, extra strong, or even a shaken version.

Ingredients for Carajillo Affogato

  • 1 shot of espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
  • 1 ½ oz Licor 43 (or your favorite vanilla-spiced liqueur)
  • 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free alternative)

How to Make a Carajillo Affogato

1️⃣ Scoop & Serve – Place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small glass or dessert bowl.
2️⃣ Brew & Pour – Pull a fresh shot of hot espresso and pour it over the ice cream.
3️⃣ Add the Licor 43 – The sweet vanilla-citrus notes complement the bold espresso.
4️⃣ Enjoy Immediately – Stir slightly for a creamier texture, or sip as it melts.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a stronger kick? Try a Shaken Carajillo Affogato—shake espresso and Licor 43 with ice, then pour over the ice cream for an extra frothy finish.

More Mexican Coffee Cocktails You’ll Love for the sobremesa

☕ Classic Carajillo – The traditional espresso and Licor 43 cocktail.
🥃 Shaken Carajillo – A frothy, elevated twist on the classic.

This Carajillo Affogato is the perfect way to end a meal—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a simple, indulgent moment.

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A glass containing vanilla ice cream is topped with espresso, creating a delightful Carajillo Affogato. The glass rests on stacked gray and white ceramic plates with a small gold spoon nearby. The background is a smooth, light gray surface, enhancing this elegant dessert cocktail's presentation.

Carajillo Affogato

The perfect boozy coffee dessert combining espresso, Licor 43, and creamy vanilla ice cream.
5 de 1 voto

Ingredients
  

  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or dairy-free alternative
  • 2 oz espresso coffee or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
  • 2 oz Licor 43

Instructions
 

  • Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small serving glass or dessert bowl.
  • Brew 2 oz of fresh espresso coffee.
  • Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream.
  • Add 2 oz of Licor 43 on top and let the flavors meld together.
  • Enjoy immediately! Stir slightly for a creamier texture, or sip as it melts.

Notes

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut, almond, or cashew-based ice cream.
For Extra Froth: Shake the espresso and Licor 43 with ice before pouring over the ice cream.
Want a Chocolate Twist? Drizzle melted Mexican chocolate or sprinkle cacao nibs on top.
Make it a Cocktail: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen Carajillo Affogato Martini.

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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