This is from origin a Spanish espresso with alcohol.

It has it's origin from Latin America and is the short of the word Carajo which means something like “G...damned “. What they want to express with this is that the coffee by adding alcohol became more spicy, exciting. Also is it not a coincidence that the word Carajo is similar to our word Courage, that is what you need to drink this Spanish Espresso. Originally this was a combination of Rum added in the Spanish Espresso. Nowadays this Carajillo is made by adding inside a Espresso or Brandy, Rum, Whiskey or Licor ( mostly Licor 43, a branch in Spain ). This is served in small heat resistant glass. We are only familiar with the so called Spanish Coffee which a Licor is served NEXT TO the coffee, it Should be INSIDE the Espresso.

The most easy way to make a Carajillo is to add Brandy to a Espresso. Some preferr the Quemado version ( burned version ). This is made by heating Brandy with some lemon peel and a few coffee beans by using the steam pipe from the Espresso machine and then put it on fire. Use this flame to burn the sugar and add it. This burning mixture is put inside the Espresso machine and the fire is put out by adding the Espresso.

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In Summer time exists an other version , named : Cafe del Tiempo. In this version the Brandy is exchanged by en Anis Licor en served together with a glass with ice cubes. First the Espresso is sweetened and then poured on top of the ice cubes.

Although this Carajillo is an Espresso with high Alcohol levels, in Spain people drink this even at the breakfast or after Dinner.

On You tube somebody shows it how to do it