Carajillo, the perfect combination between liquor and coffee
We all love to enjoy coffee in any of its presentations, from a strong espresso, a cappuccino or latte macchiato to spend an incredible afternoon, or even in its cold versions (smoothies) to combat the effects of summer. It is impossible not to get out of the routine with our favorite drink, but there is a delicious preparation, capable of delighting us, it is about carajillo, one of the most popular for its combination of coffee and liquor.
As the farewell to summer is just around the corner, the carajillo could become the best option during the coming months. Why are we so sure? It turns out that, in addition to delighting our palates, it will also help us warm up. This is because the recipe usually includes rum, brandy or whiskey. It is then served flamed, which is when the drink is burned, to eliminate alcohol levels and preserve its aroma and flavor in the drink.
If until now you have never heard of this incredible coffee or you would simply like to know more about it, from its origins and how to prepare it from home, Incapto Coffee, invites you to continue reading and find out everything related to carajillo.
Where does carajillo come from?
Everything indicates that carajillo was born in Cuba when it was a Spanish colony, in the middle of the 19th century, during the war. The soldiers, to relieve tension and calm themselves, used to mix products that were within their reach. In that case they were, sugar, rum or brandy and of course coffee.
When they made this mixture, they noticed that their bodies immediately became warm and they automatically felt good. This drink that made them much braver was called “Corajillo”. However, as time went by, people began to call it carajillo and that is how it is known today.
But this is not the only theory about the name of said coffee. Since, Wikipedia details that at the Francia-Barcelona station, the muleteers who were patiently waiting for their loading turn, made a peculiar request. They did not ask for coffee and a drink, as they preferred to have it mixed, saying the following: “que ara guillo.” Which means I'm leaving now, in Catalan. This is where the apocope “caraguillo” arises and later what we know today as carajillo, as a result of the phonetic deviation.
Whatever the origin of its name, this coffee spread throughout Spain, in fact everywhere we can see a carajillo on the menu of bars, restaurants and cafes.
What is the carajillo?
As we have explained above, carajillo is a coffee that is characterized by having a significant presence of any type of liquor, be it rum, whiskey or brandy. Another characteristic that distinguishes it is that the alcohol contained in this drink is flamed. This is probably the Spanish touch, with which we delight the world.
At some point you may have seen older people with a carajillo in hand during soccer games. In fact, most of them went to the stadium canteen to taste this delicious coffee and at the same time, cope with the low temperatures.
The most impressive thing about this mixture of coffee and liquor is that it is not the first time it has been made, it even dates back to the seventies or eighties of the last century. An example of this is the irish coffee. A drink of humble origins that continues to delight the most demanding palates.
Do you have a complicated preparation?
Making a carajillo is not difficult at all, since it is about combine hot coffee and any alcoholic beverage. Brandy is normally used, but it's okay if you have any other. When serving it we just have to look for a small glass and that's it!
This type of coffee is usually drunk after eating or after dinner. As for its preparation, it turns out to be simple enough and we will explain it to you shortly. If you want to prepare it at home you must have the following:
-A cup of freshly brewed espresso or black coffee
-59 ml of brandy or any other liquor
-A teaspoon of brown or white sugar
Now it's time to get to work. The preparation is as follows:
-The first thing we must do is choose the liquor (the one we like the most). Regarding the quantity, this will vary depending on whether you like it more or less loaded. In short, it has more liquor flavor or is practically absent. The experts of Incapto Coffee, they advise placing one third of alcohol for two thirds of coffee.
-If you have doubts regarding the liquor to use, don't worry, since you can choose between: Brandy, cognac (the most traditional), whiskey, rum, anise, brandy or pomace, baileys, herbal liqueur, among others. As you will see you have something to choose from.
-With regard to sugar, you can add it to taste.
-In the traditional preparation, the liquor is first heated and then some coffee beans are placed in it. As well as a lemon and sugar rind.
-Some people also use cinnamon sticks, this gives a delicious touch to the drink.
-Once all the previous steps are ready, we proceed to flame the drink, which is when it is set on fire, with the aim of lowering the liquor levels. With this we also get the aromas to mix and stand out.
- To put out the fire, place the saucer or a glass glass over the cup, until it runs out of oxygen.
How to prepare coffee?
Regarding coffee. We can prepare it in any coffee maker we have at home (moka pot, filter, American or superautomatic). In hospitality, it is common to do it in an espresso machine.
-When we have our espresso ready, we proceed to serve it in a glass or small glass cup.
-It is essential to serve it very hot.
-The ideal is to add the liquor first, and the coffee is not poured directly, but rather over the back of a spoon. This ensures that the liquids do not mix, because they have different densities.
Well, this is one of the most basic and simple ways to prepare carajillo. As expected, this drink is only suitable for adults, due to its alcohol content. At the same time, we advise you to be very careful when preparing it, to avoid any burns while we flame (burn) the drink.
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