The Spanish Nightcap

The carajillo started as Spanish workers fortifying their coffee and grew up into Mexico’s favorite after-dinner drink: Licor 43 — a vanilla-citrus liqueur with, yes, forty-three ingredients — under a hot double espresso. Two components, one perfect argument for dessert in a glass.

How we build it

Licor 43 over one big clear cube, then the double shot pulled to order and poured directly on top, where it sits in a distinct dark layer under its own crema. Served unstirred: sip it layered for contrast, or give it one turn and drink it married. There is no wrong answer, only two right ones.

Why our way is best

A carajillo is only ever as good as its espresso, and ours was dialed in that morning on the same machine as your cortado. The vanilla and orange in the liqueur pick up the orange-peel note in our house blend so cleanly it sounds planned. It wasn’t. Sometimes the storm just cooperates.