Barraquito from the Canaries: Is it a coffee or a cocktail?

Get to know a spanish recipe that unite barmen & baristi!

The recipes that marry coffee with alcohol are not at all unusual, as we come across different recipes, classic and more modern, that attempt this particularly tasty marriage. There are recipes that are nothing more than a classic coffee with the addition of alcohol, such as Espresso Corretto or Irish Coffee, and there are recipes that lean more towards the cocktail side, such as Espresso Martini. And there is Barraquito which is hard to classify for coffee or cocktails!

Barraquito is a local specialty of the tourist Mecca of Spain, the Canary Islands. There are many stories of Barraquito's birth, as the urban legend tells of a Portuguese tourist nicknamed Barraco, who used to throw generous doses of local Licor 43 at a coffee breakfast. Most likely, Barraquito is the birthplace of the euphoric climate in the Canary Islands, a land of excitement, partying and relaxation, where alcohol flows abundantly. An alcoholic coffee like Barraquito is perfect for a party island like Tenerife or Ibiza. There is, of course, the alcohol-free version of Barraquito, but if you order it at a bar in the Canary Islands, barman will close your eyes asking "con vitamina?", Where vitamin is, of course, the local liqueur!

The secret to Barraquito is its impressive serving, as the ingredients are placed in layers  in a tall, transparent glass. It takes a bit of care and good quality materials to make our own Barraquito at home, but the effort will reward us! This coffee and cocktail hybrid is perfect for both a relaxed winter afternoon and warm summer evenings - always with the right company!

What do you need for an authentic Barraquito?

• Condensed Sweetened Milk
• Licor 43
• Frothed Milk
• One Espresso
• Cinammon
• A lemon peel 

How is Barraquito prepared?

• In a tall, transparent glass, place the sugar in the base, making sure the walls are not soiled.
• Next, carefully add Licor 43. The thickness of the layer should be half that of milk
• Add the espresso
• Finish with the foam milk
• Serve with a lemon peel and a little cinnamon

Tips for a delicious  Barraquito

• Barraquito has traditionally used Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur that is particularly popular in his home country. If you can't find it, you can mix vanilla liqueur with a little rum and a little honey - the result will be quite close to the taste of Licor 43.
• It is especially important for the layers to succeed so that the serving is beautiful and impressive. It is good to have our sweetened milk in the fridge and beat the foam very well to get the right textures.
• Pay particular attention not to “stain” the walls, which will ruin our service.
• Use a Arabica rich blend that will add sophisticated flavors to our cocktail. Aromatic coffees like Lavazza Aroma Top Vending or Lucaffe Mr Exclusive are perfect choices for Barraquito
• Don't add sugar, as both alcohol and sweetened milk add sweetness to your coffee.
• To serve it we need a tall transparent glass, almost like that of Freddo.
• Although it contains a whole espresso, Barraquito does not cease to have alcohol! We consume responsibly and leave the wheel aside if we drink more.

If the coming winter fills you with melancholy, it's never too late to jump to the sunny Canary Islands! Wake up to the barman hiding inside you, make a delicious Barraquito and your lounge will be flooded with summer! Salud!