Carajillo Recipe (Carajillo 43)
Sep 19, 2025
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If you’re like me and constantly searching for the best espresso martini in town, this Carajillo cocktail is about to become your new go-to drink at home. It’s bold, smooth coffee cocktail but much lighter (and less boozy) than an espresso martini.
I first discovered the Carajillo 43 during one of my many trips to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, in Mexico. A bartender suggested I try it as an alterative to the espresso martini, and I was hooked.
Unlike the more complicated Espresso Martini, the Carajillo delivers big flavor with equal parts of just two main ingredients — a shot of espresso and Licor 43, a golden-hued Spanish liqueur infused with vanilla and citrus. Shaken together with ice, it creates a frothy, velvety cocktail that feels special enough for after-dinner sipping, yet easy enough for novice home bartenders to make in minutes.
What is Licor 43?
Licor 43, also known as Cuarenta y Tres, is a Spanish liqueur said to be made with a blend of 43 natural ingredients, including citrus, fruit juices and warming spices. Its smooth, sweet vanilla-forward flavor makes it a versatile cocktail ingredient and the key to the best Carajillo recipe.
The Origins of the Carjillo
According to the bartender who first introduced me to the drink, the Carajillo cocktail has roots in Spain. Originally, it was made by combining coffee with brandy or rum. In Mexico, using Licor 43 has become more popular, especially in cities like Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. You can find it served as an after-dinner drink at nice restaurants and beachside clubs and cafes.
Carajillo vs. Espresso Martini
If you love an Espresso Martini but want something simpler, the Carajillo 43 truly is your answer.
- For an Espresso Martini: Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and variations of other ingredients are mixed using a slightly more involved technique.
- For a Carajillo: Equal parts of espresso and Licor 43 are shaken to perfection. That’s it! The result is less booze-forward, smoother and easier to whip up at home.
Espresso Alternatives: No espresso machine? I prefer pre-made, unsweetened espresso that’s available in the refrigerated drink section of the grocery store. You also can use strong brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate or even decaf coffee to make it caffeine free.
3-Bean Garnish for Good Luck
The garnish of three coffee beans is a tradition most often associated with the Espresso Martini, but it carries over to other coffee cocktails like the Carajillo as well.
The three beans symbolize: health, wealth and happiness.
It’s considered good luck to serve coffee cocktails with three beans, almost like a toast in garnish form. Serving an even number of beans (like 2 or 4) is traditionally avoided, since odd numbers are seen as more auspicious in Italian culture, where the practice is thought to originate.
Why This is the Best Carajillo Recipe
What sets the Carajillo recipe apart is simplicity and balance. Bold coffee meets the smooth, complex sweetness of Licor 43, shaken to create that signature frothy top. Whether you call it a Carajillo 43 or simply the best Carajillo cocktail, it’s a drink that brings a little taste of Spain and Mexico right into your living room.
Carajillo Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso, or coffee alternative
- 2 ounces Licor 43
- ice
- 3 whole coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions
- Add Licor 43 and espresso to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube.
- Garnish with three whole espresso beans for a classic finish.
Notes
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