If you follow WCL’s journey on the gram or you are from Mexico or Spain, the Carajillo —pronounced kaa·ra·hee·yo— is no stranger to you. The Carajillo is one of the most popular after-dinner drinks in Mexico and has quickly gained popularity throughout the U.S.
Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur that originated in Cartagena, Spain in 1946 when Diego Zamora along with his brother Angel, his sister Josefina and brother-in-law Emilio Restoy created the famed liquor off of local ingredients —fruits and herbs— and by following a recipe dating back to the year 300 AC. When the Romans conquered Carthago Nova —Cartagena today—, they discovered a delicious golden and aromatic elixir made with fruits and herbs from the area called Liqvor Mirabilis —a marvelous liquid. To avoid temptations, the Romans banned their production and consumption, but the Carthaginians continued to do so in secret.
Licor 43 is a very smooth and sweet liquor that can be drunk by itself or in dozens of recipes mixed with other spirits, milk, coffee, fruit juices, or sodas. Our favorites without a doubt are the Carajillo or the Blanco 43 —White 43 paired with milk and ice. Licor Cuarenta y Tres 43 is also one of the most important ingredients when creating the perfect sangria.
The Carajillo is created by shaking a hot espresso with 1.5 ounces of Licor 43 and as much ice as possible to create a perfect frothy drink. Drinking Licor 43 in Spain is as common as ordering a Bailey’s in the U.S. or a Grappa in Italy. As a matter of fact, there is somewhat of a similar drink in Italy where Grappa is mixed with an espresso to create what is called a Caffè Corretto —corrected coffee. The biggest differences between the Carajillo and the Corretto is that the latter is served warm, is extremely strong, and is not a celebratory or a drink to get the party going.
Something great about the Carajillo is not only that it is a very unique drink but it is also one that can be had any time of the day and anywhere. Not to ever be mistaken with an espresso martini, next time you find yourself in Mexico, Spain, or passing by Bistro in Dallas, make sure that you try one of these to get the party started. This marvelous cocktail will keep you going strong whenever the DJ cues ‘ Love Tonight by Shouse’, just like it happens to our good friend Fresni when he’s over at Bistro.
For more info on Licor 43 click here.
