Carajillo Añejo

Carajillo Añejo

The carajillo is Mexico's after-dinner ritual: coffee and Licor 43, poured over ice and stirred until it turns silky. This version keeps the vanilla-spiced Licor 43 but adds SWOL Añejo for oak and roasted-agave depth the original does not have. It is smooth, smoky-sweet, and takes three minutes. Below is the classic method, the tequila twist, and how to serve it hot or iced. Think of it as Mexico's answer to the espresso martini.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero; its barrel age carries the coffee and Licor 43)
  • 1 oz Licor 43 (the vanilla-spiced Spanish liqueur that defines a carajillo; do not substitute)
  • 1 oz cold brew coffee (or a cooled shot of espresso)
  • Optional: dash of cinnamon or chocolate bitters
  • Garnish: coffee bean or orange peel
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Add SWOL Añejo, Licor 43, and cold brew to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake or stir until well chilled and lightly frothy.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over one big cube.
  4. Add bitters if using, garnish with a coffee bean or orange peel, and sip.
Style of Glass to use
  • Rocks Glass
Garnishes

Orange Peel

What is a carajillo?

A carajillo is a Spanish-origin coffee cocktail that became an after-dinner staple across Mexico. Traditionally it is just Licor 43 and coffee, served over ice. It is prized for being simple, warming, and lightly sweet, a coffee-and-liqueur pick-me-up rather than a heavy dessert drink.

Classic vs Mexican vs tequila carajillo

The classic two-ingredient carajillo is Licor 43 poured over ice with espresso. The popular Mexican serve shakes it to a foam and pours it tableside. This tequila carajillo adds SWOL Añejo for structure and a smoky-sweet edge, turning a two-ingredient sipper into a fuller cocktail while keeping the Licor 43 backbone.

Why Licor 43 matters?

Licor 43 brings vanilla, citrus, and warm spice that plain coffee liqueur cannot replicate. It is what makes a carajillo taste like a carajillo. If you swap in Kahlua you get a different, sweeter drink closer to a coffee cocktail than a true carajillo.

Hot or iced, and how to serve it?

Serve it iced over a large cube for a slow-diluting after-dinner drink, or build it warm with hot espresso for a cold-night version. Either way, an orange peel lifts the vanilla notes and a coffee bean signals the coffee inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a carajillo made of?

Traditionally Licor 43 and coffee over ice; this version adds SWOL Añejo tequila.

Can you make a carajillo with tequila?

Yes. Aged tequila adds oak and depth while keeping the Licor 43 base.

What can I use instead of Licor 43?

For an authentic carajillo, nothing matches it; Kahlua makes a sweeter, different drink.

Is a carajillo served hot or cold?

Most often iced, but it can be made warm with hot espresso.

Is it strong?

It is spirit-forward but small, closer to a sipping cocktail than a shot.

Espresso or cold brew?

Either; cold brew is smoother, espresso is bolder.

When do you drink a carajillo?

After dinner or at brunch as a coffee pick-me-up.

Carajillo Añejo TIPS

Big Ice & Aromatic Garnish

Use a large, clear ice cube to chill the drink slowly without watering it down, preserving the rich layers of vanilla, spice, and coffee. For a fragrant boost, express an orange peel over the glass before dropping it in, or add a dash of cinnamon bitters to warm the spice notes. Optional: sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely grated dark chocolate on top for an indulgent touch.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$124.99

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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