Beverages

Perfect Carajillo Coffee Cocktail in 3 Steps

Name: Perfect Carajillo Coffee Cocktail in 3 Steps
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 oz Licor 43; 2 oz hot espresso; Ice

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Okay, so imagine this: you’re craving something that’s both a little pick-me-up and totally sophisticated, but you don’t want to mess around with a million ingredients. Enter the Carajillo Coffee Cocktail! This little Spanish gem is seriously one of my favorite things to whip up when I want something special without the fuss. It’s basically just two things, but trust me, the way they come together is pure magic. I first had a proper Carajillo Coffee Cocktail on a trip to Spain years ago, sipping it at a tiny cafe, and it was just *perfect*. It felt so simple, yet so elegant. I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home so I could have that little bit of Spanish sunshine whenever I wanted. And guess what? It’s ridiculously easy!

Why You’ll Love This Carajillo Coffee Cocktail

Honestly, what’s not to love about a drink that feels fancy but takes practically no effort? This Carajillo Coffee Cocktail is my go-to for so many reasons:

It’s lightning fast! Seriously, from thought to glass in under 5 minutes. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a quick after-dinner sip.
Sooo easy. If you can pour, you can make this. No shakers, no fancy techniques needed for this delicious Carajillo Coffee Cocktail.
The flavor! That rich coffee mixed with the sweet, vanilla-citrus notes of Licor 43? It’s a match made in heaven. It hits all the right spots.
It feels special. Even though it’s simple, serving a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail makes you feel a little bit like a mixologist. Plus, it always impresses guests!

Essential Ingredients for Your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail

Alright, so the beauty of this Carajillo Coffee Cocktail is how minimal the ingredients are. But because there are so few, the quality *really* matters here. You want each one to shine! Here’s what you’ll need to make this little bit of Spanish bliss:

2 oz Licor 43: This is non-negotiable for a classic Carajillo Coffee Cocktail. It’s a Spanish liqueur with notes of vanilla, citrus, and botanicals. It’s sweet and smooth and just perfect with coffee. Don’t try to swap this out!
2 oz hot espresso: And I mean good, hot espresso. Freshly brewed is key! That intense coffee flavor is what gives the drink its punch. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a really strong, hot coffee brewed with a Moka pot or Aeropress can work in a pinch, but espresso is the dream.
Ice: Simple, but important! You need enough to fill your glass so the hot espresso hitting it creates that lovely layered effect and cools it down just right.

See? That’s it! Just three things stand between you and a fantastic Carajillo Coffee Cocktail.

Equipment for Making a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail

Okay, so the good news here is you don’t need a fancy bar setup to make a perfect Carajillo Coffee Cocktail. Seriously, it’s probably all stuff you already have in your kitchen! Here’s the super simple list:

A glass: Any glass you like! A rocks glass or even a small tumbler works great.
A spoon: You’ll need this for a quick stir at the end.
Something to make espresso: Like I mentioned, an espresso machine is ideal, but a Moka pot or Aeropress will totally do the trick for your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail.

See? Told you it was easy!

Mastering the Carajillo Coffee Cocktail: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – actually making this glorious Carajillo Coffee Cocktail! It’s so ridiculously simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these forever. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping in no time:

Grab your glass and fill it with ice. You want a good amount of ice in there. This is crucial because you’re going to pour hot espresso over it, and the ice helps cool it down quickly and gives the drink that lovely chill. Don’t be shy with the cubes!
Pour in the Licor 43. Measure out your 2 ounces of Licor 43 and pour it right over the ice. It will settle at the bottom, which looks pretty cool before you stir it.
Brew your espresso and pour it right away. This is where the magic happens! Brew that hot espresso (remember, 2 ounces) and immediately, while it’s piping hot, pour it over the Licor 43 and ice. You’ll see it layer beautifully, with the dark espresso sitting on top of the golden liqueur. It’s a little show right in your glass!
Give it a gentle stir. Now, take your spoon and give the drink a few gentle stirs. You don’t need to go crazy, just enough to mix the espresso and the Licor 43 together. You’ll see the color change as it blends.

And just like that, you’ve made a perfect Carajillo Coffee Cocktail! See? Told you it was easy peasy.

Tips for the Perfect Carajillo Coffee Cocktail

Okay, so while the Carajillo Coffee Cocktail is super simple, a few little tweaks can take it from “good” to “oh my goodness, that’s amazing!” Trust me on these:

Fresh espresso is everything. Seriously. Using a shot that was just brewed makes a HUGE difference in flavor. If your espresso machine takes a minute, have your glass with the Licor 43 and ice ready to go so you can pour that hot espresso right over it.
Play with the ratio. The 1:1 ratio of Licor 43 to espresso is classic, but maybe you like it a little sweeter or a little more coffee-forward? Feel free to adjust! Start with the classic and then tweak it on your next one until it’s *your* perfect Carajillo Coffee Cocktail.
Don’t over-stir. A few gentle stirs are all you need to combine the flavors. You don’t need to melt all the ice or make it cloudy. Just enough to marry the two liquids.

These little things might seem small, but they really elevate your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail experience!

Variations on Your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail

Once you’ve mastered the classic Carajillo Coffee Cocktail, you might want to play around a little! It’s a fantastic base, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up too much. Here are a couple of easy ways to switch things up:

Add a twist of citrus. A little orange peel rubbed around the rim of the glass before you start adds a lovely little pop of citrus that complements the Licor 43 beautifully.
Spice it up. A tiny pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of cardamom stirred in can add a warm, cozy layer to your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail, especially in cooler weather.

Keep it simple, that’s the beauty of this drink!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Carajillo Coffee Cocktail

I get a few questions about the Carajillo Coffee Cocktail pretty often, especially if someone hasn’t tried it before! Here are the most common ones:

Can I use cold brew for a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail?

Traditionally, a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail is made with *hot* espresso. The heat of the coffee poured over the ice and Licor 43 is part of the magic – it creates that lovely layered effect and cools the drink down quickly. While you *could* try it with cold brew, it won’t have that same dynamic temperature change, and the flavors might blend differently. I’d stick to hot espresso for the most authentic experience!

What is Licor 43 and why is it used in a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail?

Licor 43 (Cuarenta y Tres) is a Spanish liqueur made with 43 different ingredients, though the dominant flavors you’ll taste are vanilla and citrus. It’s sweet, smooth, and has a really unique aromatic quality. It’s used in a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail because its sweet, complex flavor just pairs *perfectly* with the bitterness and richness of espresso. It’s a classic combination for a reason!

How strong is a Carajillo Coffee Cocktail?

Okay, so Licor 43 is 31% ABV (alcohol by volume). Since a standard Carajillo Coffee Cocktail uses 2 ounces of Licor 43, you’re getting about 0.62 ounces of pure alcohol. It’s definitely a boozy coffee drink, but because it’s mixed with espresso, it feels more balanced than just a straight shot of liqueur. It’s perfect for an after-dinner drink or a relaxed afternoon sip, but maybe not something you’d have multiple of!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so while I can give you a general idea, keep in mind that the exact nutritional info for your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail can totally vary! It depends on the specific brand of Licor 43 you use and even your espresso. Think of this as a ballpark estimate, not a precise breakdown. It’s more about enjoying the moment than counting every single calorie!

Share Your Carajillo Coffee Cocktail Experience

Alright, now it’s your turn! Have you made this Carajillo Coffee Cocktail? Did you love it as much as I do? I’d absolutely *adore* hearing about your experience! Leave a comment below and let me know how it went. Did you try any variations? What’s your favorite time of day to enjoy one? Don’t be shy – let’s chat about this fantastic drink!