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How to make the Carajillo cocktail, a cult classic in Mexico

By Mark Stock Sep 29, 2025 1:18 PM

two coffee cups — Chevanon / Pexels

This cocktail comes to us from Mexico and is a great option to celebrate a couple of happenings. For one, we’re in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month. Also, National Coffee Day is coming right up on October 3rd.

We got our hands on a recipe from the Mondrian Mexico City Condesa and bartender Gerardo Romero. It’s a satisfying and relatively simple drink Mexicans love as both a cocktail or digestif. We love it as a comforting introduction to the autumn season.

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“The secret of a great Carajillo is always in the coffee,” says Romero. “By pairing medium-roast beans with Licor 43, we create a smooth, intense drink with a signature touch that makes it irresistible.”

Read on for the full recipe and shake one up for your next happy hour or post-meal sipper.

Mondrian Carajillo

There are just two ingredients in this fall-friendly cocktail recipe but the details do add up. Be sure to use a medium roast coffee for the best results. It takes advantage of Licor 43, a lesser-known liqueur that hails from Spain and adds a lot as it’s made up of 43 secret ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces Licor 43
1 ounce hot espresso

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice until frothy and strain into an ice-filled cocktail glass.

Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since… Read Full Bio

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