What is carajillo?
It is a very easy-to-prepare, after-dinner Mexican cocktail; it’s a digestif or digestivo as we say it in Mexico. It is made with strong espresso and a sweet Spanish liquor called Licor del 43.
This drink is served after everyone has finished eating their main meal, dessert has been served, and the conversation is at its peak, at the sobremesa. You will find it in every restaurant and cantina in Mexico City, and you can ask for it in two different ways: puesto ( on the rocks) and shekeado (mixed in a cocktail saker).
This drink is popular all over Latin America. Each country has its own version of it. For example, in Colombia, they use rum or brandy; in Cuba, with rum, etc.
What is licor 43?
It is a sweet Spanish yellow-gold liqueur that is said to be made with 43 botanicals, including aromatics, spices, herbs, roots, and citrus. Because of its sweetness and vanilla flavor notes, this liquor is a natural pair with coffee, but be sure to try it in other cocktails.
Ingredients for this recipe, the Mexican cocktail carajillo
- Espresso coffee
- Licor del 43
- Ice cubes
How to make the carajillo (coffee cocktail)?
Prepare the coffee, espresso, or robust coffee, and set it aside. Fill a cocktail glass with big ice cubes and add Licor 43. Stir it with a spoon, place the spoon backward, and pour the espresso coffee over it. You’ll have a beautifully layered cocktail, a classic carajillo cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
Carajillo, the best after dinner Mexican coffee cocktail
Equipment
- 1 glass
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 oz espresso coffee
- 2 oz Licor 43
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee, espresso or very strong coffee, set aside. Fill a coctail glass with big ice cubes and add the licor 43. Give it a stir with a spoon and then place the spoon backwards and pour the espresso coffee over it.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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