Carajillo cocktail in a rocks glass with a thick cream-colored espresso foam and three chocolate-covered espresso beans, dark background with white surface.

Carajillo with Tequila

Equal parts tequila, Licor 43, and fresh espresso shaken hard over ice. Rich and silky with a thick foam top and a vanilla-meets-coffee finish that lingers.

This cocktail is part of our Date Nite collection, made to be sipped while you cook together.

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Build Your Drink

INGREDIENT LIST

1 oz tequila blanco
1 oz Licor 43
1 oz fresh espresso, cooled slightly
¼ oz demerara syrup, optional

COCKTAIL METHOD

Brew espresso and allow to cool for 1–2 minutes.
Combine tequila, Licor 43, espresso, and demerara syrup if using in a shaker.
Fill with ice and shake hard for 15–20 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with three espresso beans.

Notes from the Bar

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

THE FOAM IS EVERYTHING

Shaking hard and long is what creates that signature thick foam on top. Don't rush it. A full 15–20 seconds of vigorous shaking makes all the difference between a flat pour and a proper Carajillo.

ESPRESSO OPTIONS

Fresh espresso gives you the best foam and the boldest flavor. A moka pot is a great home option and produces a concentrated, espresso-style brew that works beautifully here. → Shop to our favorite moka pot

If you don't have an espresso machine or moka pot, a very strong shot of cold brew concentrate will work in a pinch, though the foam will be less pronounced.

LICOR 43

This Spanish liqueur is the soul of a Carajillo. It has notes of vanilla, citrus, and warm spices that make the drink taste more complex than three ingredients should. Find it at most well-stocked liquor stores or online.

TEQUILA CHOICE

Blanco keeps the drink clean and lets the espresso and Licor 43 shine. A light reposado adds a subtle caramel note that plays nicely with the vanilla in the Licor 43. Either works.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

A ritual we return to

Our cocktails are part of something bigger for us. They’re the beginning of Date Nite, a connection-centered experience we created to help you slow down, share a meal, and enjoy time with the one you love.

Each Date Nite is thoughtfully planned for you, so you are not stuck deciding what to cook or how to pull the night together. We pair one cocktail with a complete menu, a simple flow from prep to plate, and small details that make the evening feel easy and connected from start to finish.

It is not about perfection. It is about presence, and creating space to reconnect, whether that is with your partner or simply with yourself, over a really good meal.

Four nights.
No planning required.

Choose your menu, set the table, and enjoy the night.

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We created this for you — and the one you love.

Kevin & Kate

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