Easy Carajillo Recipe (Just 2 Ingredients)

Easy Carajillo Recipe (Just 2 Ingredients)

This Carajillo recipe is Spain’s simplest yet most sophisticated coffee cocktail—just espresso and Licor 43. No shaking, no fancy tools. In minutes, you get a drink that balances bold coffee with sweet, spiced vanilla liqueur. Perfect for after dinner, brunch, or whenever you need a caffeinated kick with a boozy twist.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Brunch Cocktail, Dinner

Cuisine: Spanish

Keyword: cafe cortado recipe, carajillo recipe, coffee cortado recipe, cortes hot chocolate recipe, starbucks cortado recipe

Prep Time: 2

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 150kcal

Cost: 3

Equipment

1 Espresso machine or Moka pot (for strong coffee)
1 Heatproof glass (or small coffee mug)
1 Measuring jigger (or tablespoon for ratios)
1 Spoon (optional, for stirring)

Ingredients

2 oz 60ml freshly brewed espresso (or 1/4 cup strong coffee)
1.5 oz 45ml Licor 43 (substitutes: Galliano, Baileys, or homemade vanilla-cinnamon syrup + brandy)

Instructions

Warm the Glass – Fill your glass with hot water, swirl, and discard. This keeps your drink hot longer.
Add the Liquor – Pour 1.5 oz Licor 43 into the glass.
Top with Espresso – Slowly pour 2 oz hot espresso over the liquor. Do not stir—let the layers mingle naturally.
Optional Flair – For drama, light a spoonful of Licor 43 and drizzle it over the drink (carefully!).
Serve Immediately – Sip as-is or with a lemon twist or cinnamon stick.

Notes

For a Smoother Sip: Use a single-origin espresso with chocolatey notes.
Iced Carajillo: Pour over ice and add orange zest for freshness.
Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream for a dessert-like treat.
Non-Alcoholic Hack: Replace Licor 43 with vanilla syrup + a pinch of cinnamon.
Spiced Upgrade: Infuse the liquor with a star anise pod overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal