6 Houston Carajillos to Try Right Now
With Spanish and Mexican roots, this coffee cocktail is making its mark in Houston with various riffs and renditions
The carajillo has been around for decades. Originating in Spain, the coffee cocktail adheres to its Latin roots, with a simple two-part mixture of espresso and the top-selling Spanish sugar-based liqueur Licor 43 that has staked its claim in Mexico. But as the carajillo gains momentum around the U.S., many Houston restaurants and bars are offering their own welcomed spins on this caffeinated sip. Here are six carajillos to try right now:
Doris Metropolitan
This Israeli steakhouse keeps it simple with an icy Mexican rendition of the carajillo. Made with espresso and Licor 43, this drink serves as a perfect after-dinner or dessert cocktail but sip cautiously. The ice chips in this carajillo tend to melt faster, which could result in a more diluted experience.
Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails
Experience the best of both the espresso martini and carajillo worlds with this Midtown bar and coffee shop, which offers the carajillo martini, a combination of Licor 43, Pierre Ferrand cognac, and a double shot of fresh espresso.
Flora
Since Mexican cuisine is Flora’s forte, it’s only right that they come with their best carajillo. Take in views of Buffalo Bayou Park while sipping on this spiced, citrusy rendition of the coffee cocktail. Take it up a notch and pair with Flora’s molten molcajete chocolate cake, which is served with an ice cream also laced with orange peel.
The Marigold Club
The Marigold Club’s carajillo is proof that this cocktail truly doesn’t need much more than Licor 43 and espresso. The Montrose restaurant uses beans from local coffee company and cafe Xela Coffee Roaster, which offers an espresso with a potent punch. Served ice-cold with a large ice cube and a fragrant lemon peel, this drink is sure to wake you up.
Maven Coffee + Cocktails
This coffee and cocktail lounge is leading a local carajillo renaissance, using its patented cold brew concentrate to create its signature carajillo — one that might be the best in Houston. The coffee cocktail is made with a combination of Maven’s concentrate and espresso mix, Licor 43, and a dash of bitters, which is garnished with an orange peel and served over a fat ice cube that keeps the drink cold but not watery.
Clarkwood
When in search of another option with Maven’s touch, head to cocktail lounge Clarkwood, which uses Maven’s special concentrate in both its cult-favorite martinis, and its cinnamon-spiced carajillo, which is made with smoky mezcal, macadamia liqueur, and expressed orange.
