Carajillo facts for kids

A carajillo is a warm coffee drink mixed with an alcoholic spirit. It's a popular drink in Spain and several countries in Latin America. For example, in Colombia, it's often made with brandy. In Cuba, people usually use rum. In some parts of Mexico, it's common to use Licor 43, mezcal, or a coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Tía María. A carajillo is usually served in a small glass.

People often tell a story about how the carajillo got its name. They say it started when Cuba was part of Spain. Soldiers would mix coffee with rum to give themselves coraje, which means courage in Spanish. The word corajillo is a smaller version of coraje, and it later changed to carajillo. In the Catalan language, a carajillo is called a cigaló. A similar drink in Italy is known as caffè corretto.

How to Make a Carajillo

There are many ways to make a carajillo. Sometimes, it's as simple as adding a spirit to an espresso coffee. Other times, the spirit is heated with lemon, sugar, and cinnamon before the coffee is added.

The exact way to prepare a carajillo can be different in various parts of Spain. For example, in Catalonia, it's often made simply with coffee and brandy (not flamed), and the sugar is served on the side. This lets the person drinking it add as much sugar as they like.

In the Castellón Province, the preparation is usually a bit more detailed. Here, it's common to heat and slightly flame the alcohol in the glass. Sugar, cinnamon, coffee beans, and a piece of lemon peel are also added. This more fancy version is often served in nice restaurants.

A Typical Spanish Recipe

A common Spanish way to make a carajillo involves mixing three parts coffee with one part brandy or another spirit. First, the alcohol is heated. Then, a few coffee beans, a piece of lemon peel, and sugar are added. Some people also include a small piece of cinnamon stick. This mixture is then lit on fire and stirred. This helps to reduce the alcohol a little and mix the flavors. The flame is put out by covering the glass with a small saucer of coffee. While this is happening, a fresh glass of coffee is prepared. Finally, everything is combined in the coffee glass and served hot. If the alcohol is poured first, and the coffee is poured slowly over the back of a spoon, the liquids might not mix right away because they have different weights.

Mexican Carajillo

In Mexico, carajillos are usually made with espresso or another strong coffee. They are mixed with "Licor 43", which is a sweet liquor with vanilla and citrus flavors. This drink is poured over ice in a short glass. It's often enjoyed after meals to help with digestion.

Images for kids

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  A carajillo ready to drink

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  Another view of a carajillo

See also

In Spanish: Carajillo para niños