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mezcal carajillo

Carajillo Mezcal: A Perfect Blend of Coffee and Mezcal

Twist on a Classic

The Carajillo Mezcal pairs bold coffee with the smoky depth of Del Maguey’s artisanal mezcal. Perfect after dinner or as an evening treat, it delivers warmth and richness in every sip.

Date
March 25, 2025

Ingredients

44 mlDel Maguey Mezcal
30 mlfreshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
15 mlsimple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
Ice
Coffee beans (for garnish, optional)
Servings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee: Brew a shot of strong espresso or your favorite dark coffee. The quality of the coffee plays a key role in the overall taste of the Carajillo mezcal, so opt for freshly brewed espresso or a rich, flavorful coffee.
  2. Chill the Glass: Begin by adding ice to a rocks glass to chill it.
  3. Combine Mezcal and Coffee: In a shaker, combine Del Maguey mezcal and freshly brewed coffee. If you prefer your drink a little sweeter, you can add 1/2 oz of simple syrup to balance the flavors.
  4. Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake the ingredients well to chill the mixture.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass over fresh ice. For a finishing touch, garnish with a few coffee beans for a nice aromatic accent.

Tips and Variations for the Carajillo Mezcal

The Carajillo mezcal can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to make it your own:

  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter Carajillo, feel free to add more simple syrup or a dash of vanilla syrup. For those who enjoy less sweetness, simply skip the syrup.
  • Try a Cold Brew: If you prefer a smoother, less acidic coffee flavor, swap the espresso for cold brew coffee. The cold brew’s mellow profile pairs beautifully with the mezcal.
  • Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur. These additions enhance the drink’s complexity and add an unexpected twist.

Best Mezcal for the Carajillo Mezcal Cocktail

When crafting your Carajillo mezcal, the choice of mezcal makes all the difference. Del Maguey’s mezcals are known for their artisanal quality and unique flavors. Del Maguey Vida Puebla is an excellent choice for this cocktail. Its smooth smokiness and complex flavor profile complement the coffee beautifully, enhancing the drink’s bold character without overpowering it.

Discover other recipes like the Mezcal Negroni in our blog.

Products we recommend

Glass of mezcal carajillo with ice on a wooden table, served alongside a small shot glass and a bowl of ground coffee.

What Is Carajillo Mezcal?

If you’re looking for a cocktail that combines the bold flavors of coffee with the smoky richness of mezcal, the Carajillo mezcal is a must-try. This popular drink, traditionally served with brandy or rum, takes on a new dimension when made with Del Maguey’s artisanal mezcal. Whether you’re serving it as a post-dinner drink or enjoying it as an after-work treat, the Carajillo mezcal brings together warmth and smokiness in every sip.

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Carajillo Mezcal FAQ

Any expression works — the recipe lists our recommendation. Vida Clásico and Vida Puebla are approachable, versatile choices for most cocktails, while single village expressions like Chichicapa or Tobalá add more distinctive character.
Del Maguey mezcales are balanced rather than aggressively smoky. In a cocktail, the smoke softens into a warm, roasted-agave depth — citrus, sweetness, and dilution round it out, so the drink stays bright and easy to enjoy.
We recommend freshly squeezed every time. Bottled juice loses the aromatic oils and bright acidity that balance the mezcal, and the difference is easy to taste in a three- or four-ingredient recipe.
Yes. Agave syrup and simple syrup are usually interchangeable, most orange liqueurs can stand in for each other, and garnishes are flexible. Keep the mezcal, the citrus, and the proportions, and the drink will hold together.
Use the Shop Now link at the top of the page to order online, or Find Us to locate a store or bar near you that carries Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal.