Spanish Carajillo Recipe (Coffee with Brandy)
Carajillo is a traditional Spanish alcoholic coffee made by combining strong coffee or espresso with a spirit such as brandy, rum or aguardiente.
Usually served hot in a small glass or coffee cup, it is a short, strong drink in which the flavour of the coffee remains prominent. Brandy is a popular choice in Spain, although the ingredients and preparation vary between regions.
Some versions are sweetened with sugar or flavoured with lemon peel or cinnamon, while Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liqueur, is another popular addition.
Strong, warming and simple to prepare, carajillo is commonly enjoyed after a meal, combining coffee and a digestif in a single drink.
Origin & Cultural Significance
The exact origins of carajillo are uncertain, and several different stories exist about how the drink and its name developed.
One popular theory links carajillo to Cuba when it was under Spanish rule. According to the story, coffee was mixed with rum to provide courage, or coraje in Spanish, with the word eventually developing into carajillo. Other explanations link the drink and its name to different parts of Spain.
Whatever its precise origins, carajillo became established as part of Spanish coffee culture and remains a simple way of combining coffee with a small measure of alcohol.
Similar combinations of coffee and spirits can be found elsewhere in Europe, including the Italian caffè corretto.
What does a Carajillo taste like?
Carajillo has a strong coffee flavour accompanied by the warmth and distinctive flavour of the spirit used to make it.
A brandy carajillo is rich, warming and slightly fruity, while rum can give the drink a sweeter flavour. Sugar can be added to soften the bitterness of the coffee, although it is optional.
When lemon peel or cinnamon is added, the drink takes on subtle citrus or spiced aromas without losing its characteristic coffee flavour.
Carajillo Variations
Carajillo varies considerably across Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
In Spain, brandy, rum and aguardiente are commonly used, while Licor 43 is another option. Some versions are prepared simply by pouring the spirit into coffee, while others incorporate sugar, citrus peel or spices.
Regional Spanish coffee drinks have also developed from similar combinations. In Cartagena, for example, café asiático combines coffee with Licor 43, brandy, condensed milk, cinnamon and lemon.
The Mexican carajillo has developed into a distinctly different drink and is commonly made with espresso and Licor 43, often shaken and served over ice.
Spanish Carajillo Recipe
Spanish carajillo is a simple alcoholic coffee made with strong espresso and brandy, with optional sugar, lemon peel and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- Espresso or strong coffee - 3 fl oz
- Brandy - 1 fl oz
- Sugar - 1 tsp, optional
- Lemon peel - 1 strip, optional
- Cinnamon stick - 1, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the espresso or strong coffee.
- Pour the brandy into a small heatproof glass or coffee cup.
- Add the sugar, if using, and stir to combine.
- Pour the hot coffee over the brandy and stir gently.
- Add a strip of lemon peel or cinnamon stick if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 219Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g
Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.
