Hey, Welcome back to Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today I will share my personal favourite recipe Carajillo Recipe. It all started one morning when I stumbled upon this Spanish drink during a trip to Barcelona.
As I sat in a cozy café, sipping on my first-ever carajillo, I was instantly hooked by its rich aroma and warming feeling. Since then, it’s become my go-to drink for those early mornings when I need a little extra kick to start my day.
But what makes carajillo truly special to me is the memories it brings back. Whenever I take that first sip, I’m transported back to that bustling café in Barcelona, surrounded by the chatter of locals and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s like a little piece of Spain right in my own kitchen.
Now, whenever I make myself a carajillo, I can’t help but smile as I remember that unforgettable morning in Barcelona. It’s amazing how a simple drink can hold so much meaning and bring back such fond memories. If you one of them who likes cocktails so you have to try Rum Punch and Bee’s Knees Cocktail.
Carajillo Recipe
Equipment
- Espresso machine or coffee brewer
- Heat-resistant glass or cup
- Measuring tools
- Stirring Utensil
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed espresso or decaf espresso
- 1 ounces Licor 43
- 8 ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare a shot of espresso or strong coffee using your preferred method. If using coffee, make sure it’s brewed to be strong to stand up to the liquor.
- While the coffee is still hot, pour it into a heat-resistant glass or cup.
- Add 1 to 1.5 ounces of rum or brandy to the coffee. Adjust the amount of alcohol based on your preference for strength.
- Serve the carajillo immediately, and enjoy it as a delightful pick-me-up or after-dinner drink.
Notes
- You can also make this using one part Licor 43 to one part espresso, if you prefer a stronger Licor 43 flavor.
- We use decaffeinated espresso.
- If you make the espresso before dinner and put it in the freezer or refrigerator it will be nicely chilled and ready for an after dinner cocktail. The espresso can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- This cocktail can also be served over ice in an old fashioned or rocks glass.
Nutrition
Where did carajillo begin?
The origin story of the Carajillo — like many drinks that come to us from the mists of history — is rather murky. In fact, there are several, very different, origin stories surrounding the drink.
One of the most popular stories originates in Spanish-occupied Cuba. It is believed laborers on plantations drank coffee and a shot of rum for “courage” or coraje in Spanish. Many believe, carajillo is derived from the word.
It evolved from there to become a common neighborhood drink. Easy and acceptably consumed from morning to night. If that story doesn’t satisfy, then turn toward another story where workers invented the drink so they could toss it back quickly and get back to work.
What is Licor 43?
Licor 43 is a popular Spanish liqueur made with a top-secret blend of 43 herbs and spices – hence the name! The recipe has been closely guarded by the Zamora family ever since they invented it in 1946 but the flavour is unique with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and orange peel.