How to Make a Carajillo Recipe: Behind the Scenes Creating Our Artwork

How to Make a Carajillo Recipe: Behind the Scenes Creating Our Artwork

Looking for the perfect carajillo recipe?

You've come to the right place! Step behind the scenes with us as we show you how we brought our hand-drawn Carajillo recipe artwork to life—digitally illustrated right here in our cozy, woman-owned studio in Fort Worth, Texas.

The carajillo recipe has stolen our hearts (and maybe kept us up a few extra hours). This traditional Spanish-Mexican coffee cocktail is pure magic in a glass—bold espresso meets the sweet vanilla notes of Licor 43, creating something that's both energizing and sophisticated. When we decided to illustrate this classic carajillo recipe for our cocktail art collection, we knew we had to capture that perfect balance of coffee culture and cocktail elegance.

From Sketch to Sip: Our Digital Process

In this video, you'll watch our complete digital illustration journey—from that intimidating blank canvas to our finished Carajillo poster. Using our iPad and Apple Pencil in Procreate, we carefully hand-draw every element of this beloved carajillo recipe. You'll see how we build up the rich, layered colors of the espresso, the golden hues of Licor 43, and that gorgeous foam layer that makes this carajillo recipe cocktail so Instagram-worthy.

Every stroke is intentional. We spend hours perfecting the way light hits the glass, how the coffee floats on top of the liqueur, and even the subtle reflections that make the drink look real enough to grab. No AI shortcuts, no stock images—just pure artistic dedication and way too much caffeine fueling our creative process.

Why This Carajillo Recipe is Perfect

There's something beautifully honest about this simple carajillo recipe. With just two ingredients, the carajillo recipe doesn't hide behind fancy garnishes or complicated techniques. It's just excellent espresso and quality Licor 43, shaken together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This authentic carajillo recipe reminds us that sometimes the best things in life are elegantly simple.

This carajillo recipe perfectly embodies our Fort Worth studio vibe—we're coffee lovers who happen to adore a good cocktail (or cocktail lovers who happen to need coffee to function, depending on the day). The carajillo recipe bridges that gap beautifully.

Art That Feels Like Home

We create wall art that sparks joy and conversation. Whether you're designing your perfect coffee corner, styling a sophisticated bar cart, or searching for that ideal gift for the coffee-and-cocktail enthusiast in your life, our Carajillo print brings warmth and personality to any space.

Each print is produced right here in Fort Worth on premium 270 gsm cardstock—because art this good deserves paper that feels substantial in your hands. When you hang this piece, you're not just decorating; you're celebrating the art of mindful drinking and the beauty of handcrafted design.

Ready to bring some coffee-cocktail energy to your walls? Our Carajillo recipe artwork is waiting to find its perfect spot in your space.

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Hand-drawn Carajillo cocktail wall art, 8x10-inch print featuring espresso bubbles and Licor 43.

Classic Carajillo Recipe

The carajillo recipe is a beloved Spanish-Mexican coffee cocktail that perfectly balances the bold, bitter notes of fresh espresso with the sweet vanilla and citrus flavors of Licor 43. This elegant two-ingredient carajillo recipe creates a beautiful layered effect and smooth, creamy foam when properly shaken.

Ingredients

  • 1½ ounces espresso or cold brew
  • 1½ ounces Licor 43

Instructions

  1. Brew 1½ ounces of fresh espresso and let cool slightly (or use cold brew)
  2. Add both the espresso and Licor 43 to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy

Serves 1

Notes

For the best carajillo recipe results, use freshly brewed espresso rather than regular coffee. This carajillo recipe can also be served in a coupe glass without ice for a more elegant presentation. Some bartenders prefer to layer this carajillo recipe by pouring the espresso slowly over the back of a spoon for a beautiful visual effect.
Michael Livesay-Wright

Michael Livesay-Wright

Michael is the creative force behind Mod Day Art, a small, woman-owned business based in Fort Worth, Texas. As the in-house artist, he crafts unique designs in their home studio, drawing inspiration from his and Yvette’s shared passions for faith, travel, and the art of a well-made cocktail. Together, they have successfully leveraged their combined expertise in business, graphic design, and illustration to serve hundreds of clients through their previous marketing ventures.