Mexican Carajillo Recipe

Carajillo is a popular Mexican drink made with coffee and alcohol such as brandy or rum. It is often served as an after-dinner drink, enjoyed as a digestif or as a pick-me-up to end a meal.

Carajillo combines the richness of coffee with the warmth of alcohol. Sweeteners such as sugar, honey or condensed milk may also be added to balance out the bitterness of the coffee.

Origin & Cultural Significance

The origin of Carajillo can be traced back to Spain, where it was initially created by Spanish soldiers during the Spanish colonial period. The soldiers would combine their morning coffee with a splash of brandy to give them an extra boost of energy. 

Once the drink made its way to Mexico, it was adapted and embraced by the locals and now is a popular drink across the country. Carajillo is particularly popular in regions with a strong coffee culture, such as Veracruz and Oaxaca.

There are several regional variations of Carajillo throughout Mexico; in some regions, like Veracruz, a touch of vanilla extract or cinnamon is added to the drink. In other areas, a liqueur like Kahlúa or Licor 43 is used in place of the traditional spirits. 

Similar coffee-based cocktails can be found in other cultures around the world. In Spain, the birthplace of Carajillo, a similar drink called Café Solo con Brandy is enjoyed. In Italy, there’s the Caffè Corretto, where espresso is mixed with a shot of grappa or other liqueurs. Similarly, in Ireland, an Irish Coffee is made by mixing whisky with coffee and topping with cream.

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