Spanish Coffee with Licor 43

The Spanish Coffee is a coffee cocktail that features Licor 43, an uncommon liqueur that tastes of vanilla and spice, with distant hints of citrus. This recipe calls is so simple to make – the hardest part is actually brewing  the coffee.

It’s a very cozy drink, great for after dinner or enjoying on a chilly evening. It’s especially perfect for when you’re snowed in, but don’t wait for cold weather. This is a perfect replacement for an evening coffee.

Tasting Profile

This drink is predominantly bitter from the coffee, but with strong overtones of vanilla and spice. And also the sweetness from the whipped cream.

When you lift the drink to your mouth, you get the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. On your first sip, you taste that bold bitterness, but along with the sweet vanilla notes from both the whipped cream and Licor 43.

The liqueur also brings subtle hints of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, which add depth and warmth to the overall profile. You’ll also detect faint citrus undertones which add a refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the drink.

The whipped cream on top also creates a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel that complements the bold coffee and sweet liqueur.

Key Ingredients

Coffee

While you can use any type of coffee you prefer, my personal favorite is Community Coffee’s chicory blend. Adding chicory, a bitter herb, to coffee is a New Orleans tradition. It gives the coffee richer flavor, which makes it delicious on its own or in cocktails.

And when you prefer to stick to decaf, the most delicious one I’ve found is Melitta. It’s so good, you would think it had caffeine if you didn’t know better.

Licor 43

This Spanish liqueur is made from a secret blend of 43 different herbs and spices, which gives it its distinctive flavor profile. The top notes are of vanilla and warm spices, with subtle hints of citrus and caramelized sugar.

Licor 43 is often described as having a “tropical” or “exotic” flavor, which makes it a perfect pairing for the bold, robust coffee. Its sweetness also helps to balance the bitterness of the coffee.

Whipped Cream

The final touch to is the whipped cream. This creamy topping adds a luxurious texture to the drink, and also helps to further balance the bitterness of the coffee with its sweetness. And it makes the drink look so inviting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spanish Coffee in a classic Irish coffee mug or a similar heat-resistant glass. You can warm the mug or glass before you pour to help maintain the temperature of the hot coffee.

For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream.

Food Pairings

Consider pairing it with a decadent chocolate cake, a warm brownie with ice cream, or a cinnamon-sugar dusted churro. Or for something lighter, a fruit tart or sorbet.

For entrees, it’s wonderful with braised short ribs, spicy chorizo dishes, or grilled shrimp or scallops.

Related Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy this drink, be sure to check out Irish Coffee, which features coffee with Irish whiskey and, optionally, Irish cream. And Almond Chocolate Coffee, which blends amaretto and creme de cacao with coffee.

 

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