Carajillo

By Kristina Felix

Published April 18, 2025

Carajillo
Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Total Time
5 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(344)
Comments
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Icy and bold, the Mexican version of the carajillo cocktail combines strong coffee with Licor 43, a buttery Spanish liqueur boasting 43 ingredients, dominated by vanilla and citrus notes and a subtle hint of anise. While many carajillo recipes combine equal parts strong coffee and rum or brandy, this Mexican interpretation has become a classic. Serve the cocktail after dinner to keep the evening going, or for a weekend brunch. If you’re avoiding caffeine, decaf coffee works just as well.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 drinks
  • 4ounces very strong coffee or espresso, at room temperature
  • 4ounces Licor 43
  • Ice
Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    For each cocktail, combine 2 ounces coffee, 2 ounces Licor 43 and a handful of ice in a cocktail shaker or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until very cold and frothy, about 1 minute. Pour into a rocks glass and repeat for a second cocktail.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
344 user ratings
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Comments

Quintin Chisolm

I’m a slinger, the guy behind the bar. I was working in San Francisco in 2009 when I first learned of the Carajillo from a gentleman from Mexico City. Along came the Espresso Martini and the rest is history. Everyone is looking for a replacement. My version: 1.5 oz. Licor 43, .5 oz. Mr. Black, Double shot of espresso, hard shake over ice, strain into a Coupe, garnish with shaved Oaxacan Chocolate. Enjoy.

Sharon C

I have this often in Mexico and can never get it in NY. Now I can make my own.

Barbara from Ottawa

Divine! I'm famous for my classic Espresso martinis, but I love the sweetness and layers of flavors in this one.

Vicki

Yummm! Perfect after-dinner drink for a dinner party. You can make all the espresso at once and keep it in the fridge. I know some think espresso must be drunk immediately, but the liquor makes that argument irrelevant. It must be refrigerated, though, or it will develop mold pretty quickly.

Maripili

Original carajillo, a expreso with a shot of brandy. The perfect after lunch drink playing cards in the town square. That’s the drink you get if you order a carajillo in Spain.

Joe D.

Made this with Stok "Extra Bold" Cold Brew and thought it turned out quite nicely! You get some foam, but it doesn't linger, and it skews a bit sweet. Might be worth trying their Espresso Blend to offset the sweetness, or just reducing the Licor 43 if not using true espresso. A bistro near me adds a splash of Faccia Brutto Centerbe as well, and that's a fun variation if you're looking for a more dynamic flavor profile. Green Chartreuse would be even better if you can find it, I'm sure.

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