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A Smoked Vanilla Carajillo cocktail in a rocks glass with a layer of foam and a burning, cinnamon-dusted orange peel garnish, set next to a pine garland.

Smoked Vanilla Carajillo


  • Author: Amnelis Cruz

Description

The Smoked Vanilla Carajillo is a bold winter cocktail that blends vanilla-infused bourbon, Licor 43, espresso, and orange bitters.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz of vanilla bean-infused bourbon
  • 1.5 oz Licor 43
  • 1 shot espresso
  • 2 dash orange bitters
  • Orange with fire and cinnamon on top

For the vanilla-bean infused bourbon:

  • 750 ml bottle of bourbon (choose a mid-range brand you enjoy)
  • 2 whole vanilla beans


Instructions

  1. Add vanilla bean-infused bourbon, Licor 43, espresso, and orange bitters to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well until chilled.
  3. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with an orange slice — torch the peel and sprinkle cinnamon over the flame before placing it on the drink.

For the vanilla-bean infused bourbon:

  1. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise with a knife to expose the seeds inside. You don’t need to scrape them out — the whole bean goes in.
  2. Place the split vanilla beans into the bourbon bottle (or transfer to a clean glass jar if needed).
  3. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 5 to 7 days. Shake gently once a day. You can taste after day 4 — stronger infusions can go up to 10 days.
  4. Once the flavor is where you like it, remove the vanilla beans to prevent over-infusion. You can strain into a clean bottle or leave a bean in for looks and longer flavor development.