The Barraquito cocktail is a rich, layered coffee drink from the Canary Islands. It offers a sweet, creamy, and aromatic experience in a single glass. Condensed milk adds gentle sweetness, while freshly brewed espresso brings an intense coffee aroma. Licor 43—Spain’s iconic liqueur—adds warm vanilla and citrus notes, while the milk foam gives the drink a velvety texture. Together, these flavors create a perfectly balanced combination. A dusting of cinnamon and a twist of lemon zest add a distinctly Mediterranean touch. It feels almost like sitting on the terrace of a café in Tenerife on a sunny afternoon. The Barraquito is more than just a coffee: it is a dessert in a glass that both warms and indulges.
Story
The history of the Barraquito is closely linked to Tenerife and the Bar Imperial in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. According to one popular story, a man named Sebastián Rubio—known by the nickname “Barraco”—was the first to order this particular combination. Over time, other guests began referring to the drink by his name. Originally enjoyed as an afternoon treat or an after-lunch dessert, it soon became popular across the island and throughout the day. The traditional recipe always includes Licor 43. Together with the coffee and condensed milk, it gives the Barraquito its distinctive sweet and aromatic character. Today, numerous alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations exist. However, the classic layered presentation remains its hallmark, making the drink just as striking in appearance as it is in flavor.
Ingredients
¾ oz (20–25 ml) condensed milk
1 oz (30 ml) Licor 43, a Spanish vanilla and citrus liqueur
1 oz (30 ml) freshly brewed espresso
1 oz (30 ml) warm milk, frothed
This recipe isn’t strictly about exact proportions, so feel free to experiment depending on which ingredient you prefer and which flavor you would like to emphasize.
How to Make a Barraquito Cocktail
Pour the condensed milk into the bottom of a heat-resistant glass, then carefully add the Licor 43. Next, slowly pour in the freshly brewed hot espresso, taking care to keep the layers distinct. Then, gently spoon the warm frothed milk on top. From bottom to top, the layers should be: condensed milk – Licor 43 – coffee – milk foam. For the classic Barraquito appearance, it is worth keeping this order intact.
Serving and Garnish
The Barraquito cocktail is traditionally served in a heat-resistant coffee glass with a handle or in a small glass. Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the milk foam, then add a thin twist of lemon zest either on top or around the rim of the glass. Ideally, use a clear glass so that the distinctive layers remain fully visible.
Calorie Content
A single serving of a Barraquito cocktail contains approximately 180–190 calories, mainly due to the sugar and alcohol content of the condensed milk and Licor 43. However, since the recipe does not require strictly fixed proportions, the calorie count can rise quickly if you prefer a sweeter version.