Authentic Spanish Carajillo Recipe – Bold & Smooth Coffee Cocktail

Introduction

If you’re searching for a coffee cocktail that blends robust flavor with a touch of spirited warmth, the authentic Spanish Carajillo is your answer. This bold and smooth caffeinated drink is beloved throughout Spain, offering a harmonious fusion of strong coffee and sweet liqueur—perfect for everything from lazy weekend brunches to sophisticated after-dinner sipping. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, it’s a crowd pleaser that adds an elegant twist to any gathering.

What Makes the Spanish Carajillo So Special?

What sets the Carajillo apart is its pure simplicity and distinctive flavor profile. The deep, aromatic notes of freshly brewed espresso combine with the velvety sweetness of Licor 43 (or your favorite vanilla-citrus liqueur) to create a cocktail that’s equal parts warming and refreshing. This striking balance of bitter, sweet, and aromatic notes satisfies both coffee aficionados and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

The Essence of the Carajillo: Brew & Blend

An authentic Carajillo starts with top-quality espresso—think bold, fresh, and intensely aromatic. The secret lies in gently heating the licor (traditionally Licor 43) to draw out its subtle herbal and citrus notes before carefully blending it with piping hot coffee. Some versions even add a hint of cinnamon or lemon zest for extra complexity. The result? A Spanish classic that’s both silky smooth and bracingly robust.

How to Serve Your Spanish Carajillo

Serve your Carajillo in a small heatproof glass or corto glass to showcase its beautiful golden-brown color and inviting aroma. For a visually striking presentation, pour the liqueur first, then float the freshly brewed espresso on top with a gentle hand. Garnish with a thin strip of lemon peel or a cinnamon stick for a touch of Spanish flair. Enjoy it as a digestif, at brunch, or whenever you crave a coffee-based cocktail bursting with flavor.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 2. Each serving typically contains approximately 130 calories, largely dependent on the amount and type of liqueur and whether sugar or extra garnishes are added. It’s a lighter, spirit-forward cocktail, made to be sipped and savored.

Authentic Spanish Carajillo (Recap)

This Carajillo brings together espresso’s depth with a sweet, citrusy liqueur for a boldly aromatic cocktail with smooth undertones. Its minimalist ingredients and simple preparation make it a signature Spanish delight that’s easy to recreate at home.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal (or cocktail) planning.

Instructions

1. Brew 2 shots (2 ounces) of fresh espresso or very strong coffee.
2. In a heatproof glass, add the Licor 43 (or your chosen liqueur). For a classic Spanish touch, gently heat the liqueur in the glass—as is often done in Spanish bars—using a lighter or by placing the glass in warm water for a minute.
3. Add sugar to the liqueur if desired, then stir to dissolve.
4. Pour the hot espresso over the liqueur. For a layered look, gently float the coffee over the back of a spoon.
5. If serving iced (“Carajillo con hielo”), fill a rocks glass with ice and pour the mixed Carajillo over it.
6. Garnish with a strip of lemon peel or a cinnamon stick for aroma.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy while hot (or chilled, if iced).

Weekly Meal Planning

This Carajillo recipe is an excellent candidate for your weekly meal (and drink) plans—great for Sunday brunch occasions or dessert pairings. Save and schedule this recipe to plan when you want to treat yourself or impress guests, and use smart shopping lists that consolidate all your needed ingredients across the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Effortlessly calculates ingredient quantities across all your planned recipes
• Keeps your shopping list sorted by store aisle for maximum convenience
• Prevents double purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Streamlines your weekly food and cocktail prep for any schedule

Pro tip: Use the scheduling tool to see where ingredients for this recipe overlap with other planned meals or desserts (think lemon peel, sugar, or cinnamon). Plan your week and reduce food waste while saving time at the store!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes