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If you are a lover of both coffee and alcohol, then the chances are that you will love Carajillo. This is a classic hot coffee drink served with a dash of hard liquor added to it.
It originates in Spain and Latin America, but has quickly become popular all across the world, and it is clear to see why.
As this coffee cocktail has become popular across the world, lots of different variations of the original recipe have emerged.
This can make looking for a recipe quite a daunting experience, because there are simply so many. To help, I’ve shortlisted 25 of the best Carajillo recipes. So, let’s dive in.
For a classic Carajillo recipe, look no further than this one. This recipe tastes exactly like a Carajillo that you might drink in Mexico, and if you have ever done this, it is guaranteed to take you right back there.
With espresso and Licor 43 at the heart of this recipe, it is a total classic.
Carajillo is a Spanish drink, but it is primarily enjoyed in Mexico, and for this reason a lot of people follow the Mexican recipe. But, if you want to follow the classic Spanish recipe, give this one a go.
Instead of Licor 43, this recipe uses rum or brandy as the alcoholic addition, giving it a completely different, and very refreshing, flavor.
In Mexico, Carajillo is often enjoyed as an after dinner drink. If you want to enjoy your Carajillo in this way, I would recommend following this recipe.
This recipe uses espresso and Licor 43 served over ice in a wine glass, and it tastes almost identical to Carajillo that you might order in a restaurant. So, if you want to replicate this experience, give this recipe a try.
Alternatively, you could follow this wonderful recipe by ‘A Couple Cooks’. This recipe is incredibly similar to Carajillo, and it can also be modified to use different types of coffee or alcohol depending on what you prefer.
But, if you would rather stick to the classic recipe, then that is great too.
This is another classic Carajillo recipe, but it offers the ability to switch out Licor 43 for a variety of other types of alcohol. These include rum, brandy, or whiskey.
It also gives suggestions of different ingredients that you could add to your Carajillo to switch up the flavor, including lemon and cinnamon. So, if you want to modify your Carajillo, this is the perfect recipe.
Another Carajillo recipe that focuses on the drink’s Spanish history is this one. Instead of Licor 43, this recipe recommends that you use a coffee liqueur such as Kahula, as well as rum.
When this mixes with the espresso of the drink, it tastes slightly like a Carajillo, but with a twist. So, if you want to give that a go, follow this recipe.
Again, Carajillo Epoca is another drink that is very different from the regular Carajillo. This drink uses different ingredients, including rum and honey, to make the flavor sweeter.
It is different from the traditional Carajillo, but it is still delicious, and it makes a great after-dinner drink.
As I have said, while Carajillo is usually served using Licor 43, it can be used with different alcoholic ingredients too. This recipe includes Licor 43, but it also includes rum.
Additionally, it includes pineapple syrup to make the flavor slightly different from your regular Carajillo.
If you like an aesthetically pleasing drink, then this recipe is the perfect one to follow for your Carajillo.
This is because this recipe doesn’t require stirring, ensuring that your espresso simply sits on top of the Licor 43, creating two clear layers to look at while you drink your Carajillo.
For a quick Carajillo, this is the perfect recipe to follow. This takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and then it is ready for you to enjoy. Instead of Licor 43, this recipe uses rum or brandy, giving it a slightly different flavor.
But, there is no mistaking that this is a Carajillo.
You might expect this to be a classic recipe, but it is actually very different. This recipe includes an ingredient that hasn’t been included in any of the previous recipes I have looked at, and that is fresh cream.
So, instead of 3 layers, this recipe has 3 layers.
This recipe is very similar to some of the other classics that I have looked at, except it also includes Patron Citronge Orange. This makes the drink taste slightly different, making it perfect if you fancy a change.
This is another recipe with a slight difference as it includes an additional type of alcohol in the ingredients. This is Frangelico, and the inclusion of this changes the appearance and flavor of your Carajillo slightly from the classic recipe.
If you would prefer to use Brandy in your Carajillo, then this is the recipe to follow. This recipe replaces Licor 43 with Brandy, and also adds lemon peel to switch up the flavor a little.
If you like your liquor, then this is the perfect recipe for you. It follows the classic Carajillo recipe, but also includes Bourbon, hence why this cocktail is known as the ‘spiked’ version.
It has a strong taste of alcohol, but if this is something that you like, then it is perfect for you.
If you love Carajillo, and also love Frappuccino, then this is the recipe for you. You might expect this to be difficult, but it is actually very easy to follow and takes very little time to make. It will be ready in just 10 minutes.
The ingredients for this recipe are almost identical to all the classic Carajillo recipes that I have looked at. However, this recipe is served hot. So, if you don’t like iced coffee, follow this.
Again, this recipe is very similar to every other Carajillo recipe that I have looked at. However, the rum in this recipe is set alight before it is added to the coffee.
So, if you want a showstopper for your guests, this is the recipe for you.
Some of the recipes that I looked at earlier were heavily focused on appearance, but this recipe is focused solely on flavor. This recipe is usually served in a mug and looks just like regular coffee.
But, there is no mistaking that Carajillo flavor when you give it a taste.
As this is a traditional Spanish recipe for Carajillo, it omits Licor 43, instead opting for a combination of rum, triple sec, and coffee liqueur as the primary ingredients. So, if you want a Carajillo recipe that is very alcohol-heavy, give this one a go.
There is no denying that Pumpkin Spice Lattes have become one of the most popular seasonal coffees in the world. So, if you are a fan of a Pumpkin Spice Latte, you should consider trying this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Carajillo.
Finally, let’s wrap this up on something fun. This isn’t Carajillo in the traditional sense, but it tastes just like it.
As I have said, Carajillo is often served as an after-dinner drink, so if you make this recipe, it could be an after-dinner dessert too. This won’t be for everyone, but if you are Carajillo obsessed, you will love it!
