Sep 10 2026

Carajillo Recipe

Time6m
Serves1

Espresso, Licor 43

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Drink

Method

Drink

  1. 1

    Prepare espresso

    Brew 2 fresh espresso shots (about 60 ml total) and pour them into a pre-warmed small glass or cup. Warming the glass reduces temperature shock and helps aroma.

  2. 2

    Sweeten

    Add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar to the hot espresso and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer sweeter.

  3. 3

    Add liqueur

    Pour 1 oz (30 ml) Licor 43 into the sweetened espresso. Stir gently once to combine. The liqueur’s vanilla and citrus notes will meld with the coffee.

  4. 4

    Garnish and serve

    If desired, express an orange twist over the drink to release oils, then drop it in or rest on the rim. Serve immediately while hot.

Optional Flambé Step

  1. 5

    Flambé (optional, for show)

    If you want a flambéed Carajillo: pour the extra 0.5 oz high-proof spirit over the mixed drink, carefully ignite with a long lighter, let the flame burn a few seconds to warm and slightly caramelize the sugars, then extinguish by covering with a small metal cup or wait until it self-extinguishes. Stir once and serve. Exercise extreme caution when flaming alcohol.

More from International Tea and Coffee Company