Published January 16, 2026
We've got an all new BOOK CLUB discussion episode coming up on MONDAY and in preparation for that, we've got some cocktail pairings for you! So go grab everything you need to make these delicious concoctions as you listen!
Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo tells the story of detective Lauren Medina, who sees the calling card at a murder scene in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood and immediately knows the Pied Piper has returned.
It's equal parts police procedural and moody, horror mystery and one thing we picked up quickly about our girl, Medina? She likes her coffee.
So no better excuse than this to make ourselves a Carajillo!
It's one of the best known and most loved coffee drinks in much of Latin America with origins that some place in Cuba, others firmly in Spain, but most definitely: during the time of the Conquest.
It's also become a beloved bevvie in places like Mexico City and the Licor 43 version is said to be the Mexican take on this drink (vs. the rum or brandy version is considered more of a Spanish influence).
Either way? Delicious! Recipe below!
Carajillo Cocktail:
2 oz espresso
2 oz Licor 43
Toss your two ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake it up! Go for that frothy topping and serve in a coup glass or Val's preference: an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube.
Recipe courtesy of NY Times Cooking
Carajillo Mocktail:
2 oz Almave Ámbar
1 oz Cold brew concentrate (Val just used espresso)
0.5 oz Agave Nectar
3 dashes NA Orange bitters and 1 dash NA Aromatic bitters (Val used All The Bitter brand)
Same as above, toss this is all in a shaker with a little ice and do a limited shake. Gently mix up the ingredients but avoid too much dilution that will just make your flavors weaken. Serve in a coup or in Val's preferred glass with ice.
Recipe courtesy of Almave
Cheers!
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