The carajillo, a simple two-ingredient Spanish coffee cocktail, is fast becoming the new espresso martini, with experts predicting a viral moment across UK bars. Made from equal parts Licor 43 and espresso, shaken over ice and garnished with orange zest, it offers a lighter, spiced alternative to the classic martini. Joe Harper, head of food & beverage operations at The Zetter hotel, told Metro: “The carajillo is definitely a lot easier to put together than a good espresso martini. So I can totally understand the appeal.”
What is a carajillo?
The carajillo (pronounced caah-raah-hee-yo) is Spain’s answer to the Irish Coffee or Italian Caffe Corretto. It’s a two-ingredient cocktail that can be whipped up in seconds: 50ml Licor 43, 50ml freshly-pulled espresso, shaken over ice and strained into a rocks glass. The Licor 43, named after its 43 botanicals including vanilla, orange peel and cocoa, gives the drink a delicately spiced, vanilla-forward flavour that pairs perfectly with espresso, resulting in notes of orange, vanilla and chocolate.
Its simplicity and potency are key to its appeal. “It’s simple, yet potent,” says Harper. The drink’s origins are steeped in legend: the name is said to derive from the Spanish word ‘coraje’ (courage), with soldiers in Cuba lacing their coffee for bravery before battle. A less wholesome theory links it to the curse word ‘Carajo!’, suggesting it was a morning pick-me-up in Andalucia.
How to make a carajillo at home
- 50ml Licor 43
- 50ml freshly-pulled espresso
- Ice
Pour the liquid into a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into an ice-filled tumbler. Garnish with a ribbon of orange zest, expressed over the drink. Optionally, add three coffee beans to represent health, wealth and happiness.
Rise in popularity
Through Spanish trade and migration, the carajillo made its way to Mexico, where it is now one of the most widely-ordered drinks, especially as a post-meal digestif. Younger generations are also ordering it on nights out as a pick-me-up, positioning it as a sophisticated alternative to vodka Red Bull.
The espresso martini has long been a favourite in the UK, with 74,000 average monthly searches in 2024, making it the UK’s most sought-after cocktail online and fourth globally. This love for boozy coffee dates back centuries—by 1663, London had 83 coffee houses, and the trend has evolved to include alcohol.
Where to try a carajillo in London
Currently, the best places to order a carajillo in London are tapas venues like Camino and Las Iguanas. For a posher experience, Viajante87 in Notting Hill uses cooled espresso and 15ml cold brew coffee liqueur (Mr Black) alongside Licor 43. Santo Remedio offers a version with a sugar rim for £10.
Joe Harper predicts the drink will soon dominate UK bar menus: “I can totally see it appealing for the same reasons as the espresso martini. When that’s the case, a takeover is always possible.” With its simplicity, rich flavour, and cultural cachet, the carajillo is poised to become the next big thing in coffee cocktails.
