Carajillo

By Kristina Felix

Published April 17, 2025

  • Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Monica Pierini.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
5 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(427)
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

  • 4 ounces very strong coffee or espresso, at room temperature

  • 4 ounces 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
427 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.

Donald Hilton

I learned of this drink in The Canary Islands and a sister drink made with the same liquor called a Barraquito. It is layered with sweetened condensed milk at the bottom and milk foam at the top. Very delicious and easy to make.

jbarquin

I'm still (in admittedly very juvenile fashion) chuckling at the name of the drink. I'm assuming "carajillo" is a diminutive form of "carajo", which would see an apt name for this drink. If you're curious re: "carajo", look at the entry at del.rae.es (the Royal Academy's Spanish dictionary). I think "carajillo" is a brilliant name for this cocktail.

Huh

I don’t drink coffee at all so i would not know what is meant by strong. To serve this to others, any recommendations on a k-cup that would be delish for this. Please and thank you.

Allison

Garnish with an orange zest curl. It’s a game changer.

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