A New York City woman ordered her go-to cocktail, an espresso martini, at a restaurant. However, her server recommended she try a similar drink instead, which she called her “new favorite.”
In a video with over 217,000 views, TikToker Erin DiPietro (@erindipietro) holds up a cocktail in a whiskey glass. She takes a sip and opens her eyes in surprise. The drink has an opaque, brown base with a foamy top.
On-screen text explains her reaction. She wrote, “The waiter introduced me to a Carajillo when I tried to order an espresso martini and I think I have a new favorite drink.”
What Is A Carajillo?
A carajillo is a Spanish cocktail that combines espresso and Licor 43, not too far off from the more popular espresso martini. Some carajillos also contain tequilla or rum. However, espresso martinis are typically made with vodka, espresso, and Bailey’s.
In an email to BroBible, DiPietro shares that the carajillo at the restaurant she went to contained “espresso and Licor 43 with a little orange zest.” She continues, “I am on the hunt for a place that has [carajillo] on the menu, it’s pretty uncommon. But if a bar has Licor 43 and espresso I should be good to go!”
On Reddit, other cocktail lovers on r/cocktails discussed whether carajillos or espresso martinis are the better espresso-based drink. Some point out that carajillos are much easier to make, usually consisting of just two ingredients.
“Personally I like this better than the espresso martini. Can add some tequila or mezcal as well if you want a little extra booze too,” one wrote.
Another bartender left a glowing review. They said, “Just made one of these in the hopes of getting on my bars menu and it’s absolutely killer! Might even say I’d prefer this to an espresso martini going forward.”
Plus, there might be a good reason the TikToker’s server offered her the espresso cocktail alternative. Espresso martinis have a bad reputation for backlogging the bar on a busy night. So, the carajillo speeds things up behind the scenes, too.
Do Commenters Agree?
Viewers told DiPietro in the comments that restaurant workers also converted them from espresso martinis to carajillos.
“Omg a bartender did that to me in Scottsdale! I’m never going back!” one exclaimed.
A second wrote, “Truly delicious! Been having them for about 5 years now, won’t ever do an espresso martini again!”
“I had 3 carajillos in Guadalajara and I’m still awake 6 months later,” another commenter joked.
Others offered variations of the espresso drink that might be even better.
“At my job we use a peanut butter tequila. Sooooo good,” a viewer suggested.
“Add the extra shot of tequila. It’s so so good,” another added.
“Yeah it’s hit or miss when i introduce people. i did a salted caramel version that went over pretty well,” a second wrote.
@erindipietro My eyes have been open to the carajillo #carajillo #cocktail