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Author:
Franco Salzillo
The Spanish coffee of carajillo is taking the world of coffee by storm. Well, it probably has to do with its sweet, boozy personality! Few coffee specialties are so rich and creamy, sweet and fragrant, and it’s all thanks to an exceptional ingredient — Licor 43.
Here’s how to make an authentic Spanish coffee at home, a fabulous after-dinner drink to make at your next dinner party. There’s something extraordinary about this specialty, especially if you haven’t tried it before. This is how experts make Spanish coffee.
To make this Iberian specialty coffee, you need espresso, strong and freshly brewed. One shot per cup. Use a strong coffee, Arabica, medium to heavy roast works best.
You’ll also need Licor 43, but we’ll talk about it a bit more in a minute. Last but not least, we’re topping this boozy coffee with whipped cream (if homemade, even better) and cocoa powder, just for the looks.
I like what the liqueur does for my Spanish coffee, but if you want yours a bit sweeter, have in hand your favorite sugar or sugar substitute. Now, for the star of the show, here’s what you need to know about Licor 43.
Diego Zamora invented this sweet, golden liqueur in 1946 in Spain. Its recipe remains a well-guarded secret, but we know it is flavored with forty-three ingredients, including herbs, fruit, spices and vanilla — the liqueur’s most predominant flavor.
Licor 43 is one of the best-selling digestives or after-dinner drinks on the planet, and it’s best enjoyed in a hot cup of sweet coffee.
Making this beauty is easy. Brew the espresso and combine it with the vanilla-scented liqueur. Some people pour theirs over ice, and others then shake it, but the most popular version is steaming hot.
Add chocolate syrup for an exciting variation or try yours with caramel sauce. This is more than coffee; it’s dessert in its own right. Let’s make ourselves a Spanish coffee!
Brew the espresso and pour it into the serving cup. Pour in the Licor 43 and stir gently with a spoon.
Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.
Taste and adjust the sweetness to taste.
