This Cinco de Mayo, ditch the usual suspects and elevate your celebration with a sophisticated and invigorating cocktail: the Horseshoe Carajillo. This delightful riff on the ever-popular espresso martini swaps vodka for the nuanced flavors of Herradura Reposado tequila, creating a truly memorable and festive drink. The rich, smooth character of the reposado beautifully complements the bold espresso and sweet liqueur, offering a unique and satisfying experience.

At the heart of this exceptional cocktail lies Herradura Reposado, a tequila steeped in history and crafted with meticulous care. For over 150 years, Casa Herradura has been hand-harvesting, crafting, and estate-bottling their fine artisanal tequilas in Amatitán, Jalisco. Herradura holds the distinction of being the first Reposado in the tequila industry, a testament to their pioneering spirit and commitment to quality.
Aged for 11 months in American white oak barrels, this tequila develops a stunning rich amber hue with captivating copper undertones. On the nose, it offers warm and inviting notes of anise, vibrant fruit, and subtle spices, all beautifully interwoven with the central aroma of sweet, cooked agave. The palate is surprisingly smooth, delivering a delightful interplay of vanilla and buttery notes dancing alongside the sweet cooked agave. The experience culminates in a smooth and sweet finish with a tantalizing hint of spice, leaving a lasting impression.
Now, let’s bring this exceptional tequila to life in the Horseshoe Carajillo. This recipe is simple to follow and yields a complex and satisfying cocktail perfect for toasting to Cinco de Mayo.
The Horseshoe Carajillo
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Herradura Reposado tequila
- 1 oz fresh, chilled espresso
- ¾ oz coffee liqueur (such as Licor 43 or a traditional coffee liqueur)
- Orange peel, for garnish (optional)
- Ice
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Chilled coupe or martini glass
Instructions:
- Chill Your Glass: Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least a few minutes to ensure it’s nicely chilled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the Herradura Reposado tequila, chilled espresso, and coffee liqueur.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake Well: Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled. This will properly combine the ingredients and create a lovely frothy top.
- Strain: Double strain the mixture into your chilled glass. Double straining (using both the built-in shaker strainer and a fine-mesh sieve) will ensure a smooth and elegant cocktail without any ice shards.
- Garnish (Optional): Express the oils from an orange peel over the top of the drink by twisting it gently, and then drop it into the glass as a fragrant garnish.