How to make a Carajillo: Mexican After Dinner drink

Carajillo, mexican coffee cocktail held by a man

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.

licor 43 bottle, ice, espresso coffee maker, glaces

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.

carajillo an after dinner mexican coffee cocktail

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of carajillo?

The name “carajillo” is believed to come from the Spanish word “carajito” which is a diminutive form of “carajo,” which is a slang term for “oops” in some Spanish-speaking countries.

What type of liquor is Licor 43?

Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur made from a secret blend of Mediterranean citrus fruits and aromatic herbs. It tastes sweet and smooth, with hints of vanilla and caramel.
The origins of the liqueur date back to ancient Rome, where a similar drink was made by mixing honey with fruits and herbs. The drink was then rediscovered in the 1940s, and the recipe was further refined to create the Licor 43 we know today.
It is a very versatile liqueur; it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a wide variety of cocktails, like Carajillo, as I mentioned before. It can also be used in cooking and baking, adding a unique and delicious flavor to many dishes.

Is liquor 43 a rum, whisky or vodka?

None, Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur.

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A person holding a glass with ice and carajillo in it.

Carajillo, the best after dinner Mexican coffee cocktail

Alejandra Graf

Carajillo is a Spanish origined spiked coffee drink very popular in Mexico City. This drink is made with espresso and Licor 43 and it's served during la sobremesa (the after-dinner part of a Mexican big meal).

5 de 2 votos

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Course Drink

Cuisine Mexican

Servings serving

Calories 175 kcal

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

Serving: 1servingCalories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 45mgSugar: 18gCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg

Keyword blueberry drink, cocktail, coffee cocktail

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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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