Carajillo Recipe
Espresso and Rum, comforting and boozy way to finish a meal
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Ingredients
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Coffee base
Liqueur & spirit
Sweetener & aromatics
Optional flaming (safety equipment)
Method
Coffee base
Brew two fresh shots of espresso (about 60 ml total). If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a very strong 60 ml of coffee using a moka pot or concentrated pour-over and keep it hot.
If using hot strong coffee instead of espresso, pour 60 ml hot coffee into the serving glass and proceed as below.
Liqueur & spirit
Warm the rum and coffee liqueur gently: pour the 45 ml dark rum and 15 ml coffee liqueur into a small heatproof measure or metal spoon. (Warming is optional but helps release aromatics.)
If you prefer not to warm, simply measure the spirits and keep at room temperature.
Sweetener & aromatics
Place 1 tsp demerara or brown sugar in your serving glass (an old-fashioned or small rocks glass works well).
Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it peel-side down above the glass and giving it a firm twist to release the oils; then rub the peel around the rim and drop it in as garnish.
If using cloves, stud the orange peel with 1 or 2 whole cloves before garnishing for a clove aroma as you sip.
Assemble & optional flaming
Simple Carajillo (non-flaming)
Pour the warmed (or room-temperature) rum and coffee liqueur into the espresso in the serving glass. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Flaming Carajillo (for experienced users only)
Place a small metal spoon or heatproof saucer above the glass. Carefully warm a tablespoon of the rum (do not overheat). Pour the warmed rum onto the spoon so a small pool sits above the drink, or float directly on top of the espresso. Ignite carefully with a long lighter or match; let the flame burn for 5–10 seconds to slightly caramelize the sugar and deepen aromatics, then extinguish by covering the flame with a larger metal lid or blowing carefully. Allow the glass to cool a few seconds, stir gently to incorporate any caramelized sugars, then garnish with the orange peel and serve. Exercise caution: keep flammable materials away, do not perform near children, and avoid if using high-proof spirits or large quantities of alcohol.