Carajilο : the Spanish version of Caffe Corretto is the ideal closing for every dinner

In the magic world of coffee, there are many recipes combining the taste of coffee with a dose of alcohol. In Spain, this marriage gives us Carajilo!

By trying new coffee-based recipes, we can come a step closer to the coffee culture developed by the country from which they come from. The formulation of the recipes, the materials used, the way each people enjoys the special coffees they love, always hide interesting stories. The Spanish coffee culture, which is largely based on espresso-based beverages, can boast of Carajillo - the Spanish equivalent of Caffe Corretto!

Carajillo is nothing more than an espresso with a dose of alcohol, usually served after lunch or dinner, as it has digestive properties. The myth states that the recipe was invented by Spanish soldiers while Cuba was still a Spanish colony. The troubled Spanish soldiers used to add Cuban rum to their coffee to get courage ("coraje", in Spanish) - and that's how Carajillo started!

In Spain, Carajillo is traditionally prepared with rum or brandy, while its American version is more cocktail-like, using rum, triple sec liqueur and coffee liqueur! Carajillo is particularly popular in Mexico, where Licor43, a highly aromatic liqueur, is used - Mexicans love the intense aromas in their coffee, judging from their "national" coffee beverage, Café de Olla!

The recipe we are presenting is about the traditional, authentic Carajillo, as they serve it in Spanish restaurants at the closing of a dinner. You can use rum if you want to be closer to its first, Cuban version, or brandy, if you want the result to be more aromatic and sweet. Traditionally, Carajillo is served with sugar, as Spaniards claim to unite flavors and give character to the beverage!

What do you need for a traditional Carajillo?

• A short cocktail glass (like old-fashioned)
• 30 ml rum or brandy
• An espresso shot
• Granulated Sugar

How is  Carajillo prepared?

• Lightly warm the alcoholic drink
• Add the sugar to the hot drink and stir until it dissolves
• Put the drink with the sugar in the glass
• Wet the edges of the glass with some alcohol and rub a little sugar so that it sticks to the wreath of the glass
• Add the hot espresso

Tips for the perfect Carajillo:

• If you want to reduce the alcohol content of the beverage, you can apply an impressive trick that the Spaniards do: by lighting up the glass surface with a match, alcohol will burn out and have a very impressive "flamey" glass, which should then be extinguished with espresso. This trick requires a relative experience!
• If you decide to apply the above trick, it is good to have already rubbed the sugar on the wreath of the glass. Flames will caramelize sugar, giving it a special flavor!
• You can adjust the amount of sugar according to our tastes, but the Spaniards claim it is necessary for Carajillo, even in small quantities.
• If you want to move to Mexico and try Mexican Carajillo, just add instead of rum or Brandy, Licor43 and do not add sugar.
• You can also prepare the refreshing version of Carajillo, simply by serving a little taller glass and adding lots of ice cubes.
• There are versions of Carajillo using filter coffee. If you decide to prepare it with filter coffee, it is good to use a strong, dark roast blend and a slightly larger amount of coffee.

As the autumn goes, friendly gatherings will grow in friends' homes. Such a friendly assembly can easily get Spanish color: prepare Spanish tapas, open a Sangria and of course close the evening with tasty Carajillo!