How To Make a Carajillo (Step-by-Step Recipe)
Making a Carajillo is surprisingly easy, and the best part? You can tweak it to match your taste, either make it stronger or sweeter or even serve it iced. So here's how you can do this drink:
Equipment
- Espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress
- Heat-resistant glass or serving cup
- Stirring Spoon:
- Optional: Ice cubes for the iced version
Materials
- 1 shot of espresso (or strong coffee)
- 1.5 oz Licor 43 (or brandy, rum, or whiskey)
- Optional: sugar or simple syrup
- Ice cubes (for the iced version)
Instructions
- Brew the Espresso – Start with a fresh, hot shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a Moka pot or AeroPress will work just fine.
- Prepare the Liquor – Pour Licor 43 (or your choice of brandy, rum, or whiskey) into a heat-resistant glass. This will be the base of your drink.
- Mix the Espresso with the Liquor – Slowly pour the hot espresso into the glass. Stir lightly to blend the flavors without diluting the strength of the coffee.
- Sweeten If Needed – If you prefer a slightly sweeter Carajillo, add a small amount of sugar or simple syrup and stir until dissolved.
- Serve Hot or Iced – Enjoy it as a warm digestif or pour it over ice for a refreshing Carajillo on the rocks.
- Enjoy! – Sip slowly and appreciate the balance of bold espresso and warming liquor.