Licor 43 Original: The Spanish Vanilla Liqueur Behind the Carajillo 43

Licor 43 Original Spanish Liqueur is a distinctive golden liqueur produced in Cartagena from a closely guarded family recipe containing 43 natural ingredients.

Mediterranean citrus, ripe fruit, vanilla, coriander and delicate floral notes combine to create a smooth, sweet and gently spiced flavour. Its unusual balance allows Licor 43 to work equally well served neat, poured over ice, mixed with coffee or used in cocktails.

Presented in a 70cl bottle at 31% ABV, Licor 43 Original is best known as the essential ingredient in the Carajillo 43, a refreshing espresso cocktail that has become particularly popular in Mexico. It is also used in the famous Mini Beer 43 shot, creamy dessert drinks and Spanish-inspired cocktails.

What Is Licor 43?

Licor 43 is a premium Spanish liqueur made from a secret blend of 43 ingredients, including Mediterranean citrus fruits and selected botanicals.

Despite its prominent vanilla flavour, it is not simply a vanilla liqueur. Its profile is built across four broad flavour groups:

• Citrus
• Botanicals
• Sweet fruit and vanilla
• Floral notes

Orange and lemon provide brightness, while coriander introduces subtle spice. Mature fruit and vanilla create its smooth sweetness, with orange blossom and lemon blossom adding a softer floral character.

The result is complex but approachable, with enough sweetness for dessert-style drinks and enough citrus and botanical structure to remain balanced in cocktails.

Why Is It Called Licor 43?

The name refers directly to the 43 ingredients used in the recipe.

The Spanish name is pronounced roughly as lee-kor cuarenta y tres, with cuarenta y tres meaning “forty-three”.

The full recipe remains a Zamora family secret and has been passed between generations. The producer confirms the use of Mediterranean citrus and botanicals but does not publish a complete list of ingredients or their proportions.

This secrecy is an important part of the liqueur’s identity. Although many drinkers can identify orange, lemon, vanilla, coriander and floral notes, its complete flavour cannot be attributed to one dominant ingredient.

Produced in Cartagena, Spain

Licor 43 is produced exclusively in Cartagena, a historic port city on Spain’s southeastern Mediterranean coast.

The modern liqueur was launched by the Zamora family in 1946. According to the brand’s origin story, its creators drew inspiration from an ancient golden drink known as Liqvor Mirabilis, or “marvellous liquid”, which was associated with the Roman-era city of Carthago Nova.

The ancient connection forms part of Licor 43’s brand legend rather than a claim that the present-day recipe has remained unchanged for thousands of years. The modern family recipe and production process were developed during the 20th century and remain closely controlled by the Zamora family.

Today, Licor 43 continues to be made in a restricted production area at the company’s Cartagena site.

How Is Licor 43 Made?

The precise recipe is confidential, but Licor 43 provides a detailed outline of its six-stage production process.

1. Ingredient Selection

Mediterranean citrus fruits and characteristic botanicals are carefully selected. The producer states that sourcing has been refined over the history of the liqueur to maintain ingredient quality.

2. Maceration

Ingredients are placed in a mixture of alcohol and water to extract their aromas and flavours. Some are macerated separately, while others are grouped together.

3. Fusion

The different infusions and ingredients are combined in exact proportions according to the secret Zamora family recipe.

4. Resting

The completed liqueur rests in stainless-steel tanks for between six and nine months. The final resting period is determined by the judgement of the company’s authorised Licor 43 expert.

5. Cold Treatment

The liquid is held at approximately -5°C for five days. This treatment helps create the smooth finish associated with Licor 43.

6. Filtration

The liqueur is passed through microfilters to remove remaining particles and achieve its clear, polished golden appearance.

This extended process helps explain why Licor 43 tastes more layered than a straightforward flavoured spirit or sweetened vanilla syrup.

What Does Licor 43 Taste Like?

Licor 43 is sweet and vanilla-led, but citrus, spice, fruit and flowers provide additional depth.

Mediterranean orange and lemon appear across both the aroma and palate. Coriander introduces gentle spice, while ripe fruit and vanilla create its rounded sweetness. Orange and lemon blossom contribute a light floral quality, with citrus peel bringing enough astringency to prevent the liqueur from becoming excessively sugary.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright golden yellow with a clear, polished appearance.

Nose: Vanilla, sweet orange peel and lemon zest, followed by ripe fruit, coriander and delicate citrus blossom.

Palate: Smooth and silky with sweet vanilla, Mediterranean citrus and mature fruit. Gentle botanical spice and light floral notes add complexity.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering vanilla, candied citrus, coriander and a lightly drying touch of orange peel.

How Strong Is Licor 43?

Licor 43 Original is bottled at 31% ABV.

This makes it stronger than many cream and fruit liqueurs, which are often bottled between approximately 15% and 25% ABV, but lighter than standard vodka, gin, rum and tequila at around 37.5% to 40% ABV.

Its strength allows the liqueur to remain clearly noticeable when mixed with espresso, milk, citrus juice or other spirits. It also gives Licor 43 enough structure to be served neat or over ice without tasting like a simple dessert syrup.

How to Drink Licor 43

Licor 43 is one of the most versatile sweet liqueurs available.

It can be enjoyed:

• Neat at room temperature
• Chilled
• Over ice
• Directly from the freezer
• Mixed with espresso
• Topped carefully with cream
• Served with milk
• Lengthened with soda or ginger beer
• Used in dessert cocktails
• Added to cakes, puddings and sauces

The producer does not prescribe one ideal serving temperature. It can be enjoyed at room temperature, chilled or over ice, depending on whether the drinker wants its aromas, sweetness or silky texture to be most prominent.

Serve It Neat or Over Ice

The simplest Licor 43 serve is known as the Puro 43.

Ingredients

• 35ml to 50ml Licor 43 Original
• Ice, optional
• Lemon slice, optional

Method

1. Pour a small measure into a liqueur glass or tumbler.
2. Serve at room temperature, chilled or over crushed ice.
3. Add a thin lemon slice if desired.

Serving it neat allows the full combination of vanilla, fruit, citrus, botanicals and flowers to remain clearly defined.

Ice makes the liqueur feel smoother and less sweet while bringing its citrus and coriander notes forward.

Make a Carajillo 43

The Carajillo 43 is the brand’s most recognisable coffee serve and one of its most important modern cocktails.

It combines hot espresso with chilled Licor 43, creating a drink that balances coffee bitterness against vanilla, citrus and botanical sweetness. Licor 43 describes it as the brand’s most popular serve in Mexico.

Ingredients

• 50ml Licor 43 Original
• One freshly prepared espresso
• Ice

Method

1. Add the Licor 43 to a cocktail shaker.
2. Pour in the hot espresso.
3. Add plenty of ice.
4. Shake firmly until chilled and lightly foamed.
5. Strain into a tumbler filled with fresh ice.

Shaking the hot coffee with ice rapidly cools the drink and creates a light foam across the surface.

For the best balance, use espresso with enough roasted bitterness to contrast the sweet vanilla liqueur. Darker roasts create a more intense drink, while lighter roasts allow more of the citrus and floral character to emerge.

Why Do Licor 43 and Coffee Work So Well Together?

Licor 43 contains several flavours that naturally complement roasted coffee:

• Vanilla softens bitterness
• Citrus brightens dark roast flavours
• Coriander adds spice
• Mature fruit introduces sweetness
• Floral notes increase aroma
• The liqueur’s silky texture gives the drink greater body

Coffee also prevents the liqueur from feeling overly sweet. The bitterness and roasted flavours create contrast, producing a more balanced cocktail than mixing Licor 43 with a sugary soft drink.

Drinkers who enjoy the Carajillo may also like Licor 43 Baristo, an expression combining the characteristic vanilla and citrus flavour of Licor 43 with freshly roasted coffee notes.

Make the Famous Mini Beer 43

The Mini Beer 43 is a layered shot designed to resemble a miniature glass of beer.

Golden Licor 43 creates the appearance of lager, while a layer of cream forms the white “foam” on top. Despite the name and appearance, it contains no beer.

Ingredients

• Chilled Licor 43 Original
• Double cream or heavy cream
• A small shot glass

Method

1. Chill the Licor 43 in the freezer.
2. Pour it into a small shot glass, leaving room at the top.
3. Slowly pour the cream over the back of a spoon.
4. Allow the cream to form a separate layer above the liqueur.
5. Serve immediately.

The result combines sweet vanilla and citrus with rich cream, creating a flavour similar to a light dessert.

The Licor 43 Original Mini Beer Glass Pack includes the liqueur with purpose-designed glasses for recreating the serve at home.

Can Licor 43 Be Stored in the Freezer?

Yes. Licor 43 Original can be placed in a standard domestic freezer and will not freeze solid under normal conditions.

After a few hours, it becomes cold and slightly more viscous, producing a particularly smooth neat serve or a better-defined Mini Beer layer.

Freezer storage reduces the perception of sweetness and alcohol, although it can temporarily make the more delicate floral aromas less obvious.

For a more aromatic experience, serve it at room temperature. For a smoother and more dessert-like drink, serve it chilled or frozen.

Make a Sour 43

The Sour 43 replaces whisky or another base spirit with Licor 43, creating a softer, sweeter variation on the classic sour format.

Ingredients

• 40ml Licor 43 Original
• Juice of half a lemon
• 10ml sugar syrup
• Egg white or cocktail foamer, optional
• Ice

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake without ice first when using egg white.
3. Add ice and shake again.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an ice-filled tumbler.
5. Garnish with lemon peel.

Licor 43 already contains considerable sweetness, so the sugar syrup can be reduced or omitted according to taste.

Fresh lemon is essential because its acidity cuts through the vanilla and mature-fruit flavours.

Make a Spanish Margarita 43

Licor 43 can also replace orange liqueur or part of the tequila in a sweeter Spanish-inspired Margarita.

Ingredients

• 50ml Licor 43 Original
• 30ml Blanco tequila
• 20ml fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Salt and a lime wedge

Method

1. Add a salt rim to a Margarita or rocks glass.
2. Pour the Licor 43, tequila and lime juice into a shaker.
3. Fill with ice.
4. Shake firmly until chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with lime.

The tequila brings earthy agave and pepper, while lime provides the acidity needed to balance Licor 43’s vanilla sweetness.

For an alternative classic Margarita, try Giffard Triple Sec or Cointreau Orange Liqueur.

Make Licor 43 with Ginger Beer

Ginger beer introduces spice, acidity and carbonation, creating a refreshing long drink.

Ingredients

• 50ml Licor 43 Original
• 15ml fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• Lime wedge or fresh chilli

Method

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the Licor 43 and lime juice.
3. Top with chilled ginger beer.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with lime or a small piece of chilli.

The ginger reduces the impression of sweetness, while lime reinforces the liqueur’s Mediterranean citrus flavours.

Make a Passion Fruit 43

Passion fruit works well with Licor 43 because its tropical acidity contrasts with the liqueur’s vanilla and ripe-fruit sweetness.

Ingredients

• 50ml Licor 43 Original
• 150ml passion fruit juice
• Ice
• Half a passion fruit, optional

Method

1. Add the Licor 43 and passion fruit juice to a shaker.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Shake until chilled.
4. Pour into a glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with passion fruit.

The official Maracuya 43 serve uses a simple one-part Licor 43 to three-parts passion fruit juice ratio.

Add Licor 43 to Hot Coffee

Licor 43 can also be added directly to hot coffee for a warming after-dinner drink.

Ingredients

• 20ml Licor 43 Original
• 20ml hot coffee
• Whipped cream

Method

1. Pour the Licor 43 into a heatproof shot glass or small coffee glass.
2. Carefully add the hot coffee.
3. Finish with whipped cream.

The official Hot 43 recipe uses equal measures of coffee and liqueur, creating a small but rich serve.

For a longer drink, increase the coffee while keeping the Licor 43 at approximately 25ml to 35ml.

Use Licor 43 in Desserts

The combination of vanilla, citrus, ripe fruit and spice makes Licor 43 a useful dessert ingredient.

It can be added to:

• Vanilla cheesecake
• Tiramisu
• Crème brûlée
• Chocolate mousse
• Bread and butter pudding
• Ice cream
• Custard
• Pancake sauces
• Macaron fillings
• Chocolate ganache
• Coffee cakes
• Fruit puddings

A small measure can also be poured over vanilla ice cream or used to soak sponge cake.

When baking, remember that alcohol does not always evaporate completely. Desserts containing Licor 43 should be treated as alcoholic unless the cooking method has been specifically tested.

Licor 43 Original vs Licor 43 Horchata

Licor 43 Horchata combines the soul of Licor 43 Original with traditional Valencian horchata.

Horchata is made from tiger nuts and has a naturally light, creamy texture despite containing no dairy cream. The current recipe is dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free and suitable for vegans.

Original is the more versatile cocktail ingredient, while Horchata is a softer choice for drinkers who enjoy creamy textures and nutty spice.

The Licor 43 Original and Horchata Bundle offers an easy way to compare both styles.

Licor 43 Original vs Licor 43 Chocolate

Licor 43 Chocolate Liqueur combines the vanilla, fruit, spice and botanical character of the original with carefully selected cocoa.

It was initially introduced as a limited edition before becoming part of the permanent Licor 43 range.

Original is more suitable for cocktails requiring brightness and strength. Chocolate is the better option for after-dinner drinks and creamy coffee serves.

Licor 43 Original vs Crème Brûlée

Licor 43 Crème Brûlée Liqueur is inspired by the classic dessert and focuses on rich cream, vanilla and caramelised sugar.

It is bottled at 16% ABV and is best enjoyed chilled or over ice.

The Crème Brûlée edition will appeal to drinkers who enjoy sweet cream liqueurs, while Original offers greater variety in cocktails and mixed drinks.

Explore the Complete Licor 43 Range

HTFW stocks several expressions from the Spanish liqueur producer.

Licor 43 Original

Licor 43 Original Spanish Liqueur is the classic 31% ABV expression made from the secret 43-ingredient family recipe.

A smaller 35cl bottle of Licor 43 Original is also available for tasting, gifting or smaller home bars.

Licor 43 Baristo

Licor 43 Baristo combines the original liqueur’s vanilla and citrus with freshly roasted coffee flavours.

It is an excellent choice for Carajillo drinkers who want a more pronounced coffee profile.

Licor 43 Horchata

Licor 43 Horchata is a lighter, creamy-textured expression with tiger nut, spices, roasted nuts and citrus.

Licor 43 Chocolate

Licor 43 Chocolate adds selected cocoa to the original flavour profile for a richer dessert liqueur.

Licor 43 Crème Brûlée

Licor 43 Crème Brûlée takes inspiration from creamy custard and caramelised sugar.

Explore every currently available expression in the Licor 43 collection.

Is Licor 43 Vegan and Gluten-Free?

Licor 43 Original is suitable for vegans and is gluten-free.

The producer also states that it contains no nuts or eggs and is free from the allergens listed under the applicable European consumer-information legislation. A small amount of colouring is used to maintain colour stability.

These details apply specifically to Licor 43 Original. Other products in the range may differ.

Licor 43 Chocolate, for example, contains milk-derived ingredients and is not vegan, while the current Licor 43 Horchata recipe is vegan and dairy-free.

Does Licor 43 Expire?

Licor 43 Original does not carry a conventional best-before date.

However, its citrus extracts and botanicals provide fresh aromatic notes that can evolve over time. The producer recommends enjoying it within a reasonably short period after purchase for the brightest flavour.

A bottle should be kept:

• Upright
• Securely closed
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from excessive heat
• At a stable temperature

If correctly sealed, the liqueur may gradually develop sweeter, woodier and raisin-like flavours rather than becoming unsafe.

Is Licor 43 a Good Gift?

Licor 43 is a strong gift option because it can be enjoyed in several different ways.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Coffee lovers
• Espresso Martini drinkers
• Home cocktail makers
• Spanish food and drink enthusiasts
• Vanilla liqueur fans
• Dessert lovers
• Christmas and birthday gifts
• People building a home bar
• Drinkers who prefer sweet spirits
• Fans of the Carajillo 43

The distinctive golden bottle is immediately recognisable, while the broad range of serving options means the recipient does not need to be an experienced cocktail maker.

For a more complete gift, choose the Licor 43 Mini Beer Glass Pack or add a Licor 43 miniature to a mixed spirits selection.

Why Licor 43 Original Stands Out

Licor 43 Original offers:

• Production in Cartagena, Spain
• A secret family recipe of 43 ingredients
• Mediterranean citrus fruits
• Vanilla, ripe fruit and coriander
• Orange and lemon blossom
• A six-stage production process
• Six to nine months of resting
• A five-day cold treatment
• A distinctive golden appearance
• A versatile 31% ABV
• Suitability for neat serves, coffee and cocktails
• The foundation of the Carajillo 43
• Vegan and gluten-free production
• Several related flavoured expressions

Its greatest strength is the way it combines apparently contrasting flavours. It is sweet but also citrus-led, floral but gently spicy, and smooth enough for sipping while remaining strong enough for cocktails.

Why Buy Licor 43 at HTFW?

Hard To Find Whisky stocks Licor 43 Original alongside flavoured expressions, gift sets, miniatures and a broad collection of cocktail liqueurs.

Customers ordering from HTFW benefit from:

• Authentic bottles sourced from established suppliers
• Secure, purpose-designed packaging
• UK and international delivery options
• Free personalised gift messages
• Access to gift packs and unusual liqueur flavours
• A family-run drinks specialist trading since 1991
• A Birmingham retail store for in-person shopping

The current listing contains 70cl of Licor 43 Original at 31% ABV and is suitable for cocktails, desserts, coffee drinks or serving over ice.

Browse the complete range of liqueurs at HTFW, including coffee, chocolate, fruit, herbal and cream liqueurs from around the world.

Final Thoughts

Licor 43 Original is far more complex than its sweet vanilla-led reputation might initially suggest.

Its secret recipe brings together 43 ingredients, including Mediterranean citrus fruits and selected botanicals. Orange, lemon, coriander, ripe fruit, vanilla and delicate blossom notes combine in a liqueur that is smooth, aromatic and remarkably versatile.

Serve it neat to explore the complete flavour profile, chill it for a silkier texture or mix it with espresso to create the classic Carajillo 43. It can also be layered with cream in a Mini Beer 43, balanced with lemon in a sour or paired with tequila and lime in a Spanish Margarita.

For coffee drinkers, dessert lovers and home cocktail makers, it remains one of Spain’s most distinctive and useful liqueurs.

Shop Licor 43 Original Spanish Liqueur now at HTFW.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Licor 43?

Licor 43 is a golden Spanish liqueur made in Cartagena from a secret family recipe containing 43 ingredients.

Why is it called Licor 43?

The name refers to the 43 ingredients used to create its flavour.

What does Licor 43 taste like?

It combines Mediterranean citrus, vanilla, ripe fruit, coriander and delicate orange and lemon blossom.

Is Licor 43 a vanilla liqueur?

Vanilla is a prominent flavour, but Licor 43 is more complex than a conventional vanilla liqueur. It also contains citrus, botanicals, mature fruit and floral notes.

Where is Licor 43 made?

It is produced exclusively in Cartagena, Spain.

What is the alcohol percentage?

Licor 43 Original is bottled at 31% ABV.

How large is the HTFW bottle?

The standard bottle contains 70cl.

What is a Carajillo 43?

A Carajillo 43 combines Licor 43 with hot espresso and ice. The ingredients are shaken together and served over fresh ice.

What is a Mini Beer 43?

It is a layered shot made with chilled Licor 43 and cream. Its golden body and white cream top make it look like a miniature beer.

Does the Mini Beer 43 contain beer?

No. The drink only resembles a small glass of beer.

Can Licor 43 be stored in the freezer?

Yes. Licor 43 Original will not freeze solid in a normal domestic freezer and can be served well chilled.

Can Licor 43 be drunk neat?

Yes. It can be enjoyed at room temperature, chilled or over ice.

Is Licor 43 vegan?

Licor 43 Original is suitable for vegans.

Is Licor 43 gluten-free?

Yes. The producer states that Licor 43 Original is gluten-free.

Does Licor 43 expire?

It does not have a conventional best-before date, although its fresh citrus and botanical flavours may evolve over time.

Is Licor 43 the same as Licor 43 Horchata?

No. Original is a clear golden 31% ABV liqueur, while Horchata is a lighter 16% ABV expression inspired by Valencian tiger-nut horchata.