Barraquito: Tenerife's Layered Coffee, Explained

What is a barraquito?

A barraquito is a layered coffee from Tenerife, served in a small glass. From the bottom up it is sweetened condensed milk, a shot of Licor 43 (a sweet vanilla liqueur), espresso, and a top layer of frothed milk, finished with ground cinnamon and a strip of lemon peel. It is the signature coffee of the Canary Islands and you will find it in cafes all over Tenerife.

The layers are the point. They are poured so they sit separately in the glass before you stir them together.

The layers, from bottom to top

1. Condensed milk. A spoonful of sweetened condensed milk at the bottom. This is what makes the drink sweet, so no sugar is needed.
2. Licor 43. A measure of Licor 43, a Spanish vanilla-and-citrus liqueur. This is the layer that makes a barraquito a barraquito rather than an ordinary coffee.
3. Espresso. A shot of coffee poured over the back of a spoon so it floats on the liqueur.
4. Frothed milk. A thick layer of steamed, frothy milk on top.
5. The finish. A dusting of cinnamon and a thin strip of lemon peel (some places use lime).

With or without alcohol

The full version with Licor 43 is sometimes called a "barraquito especial" or "barraquito completo". If you want it without the liqueur, ask for a "barraquito sin alcohol". Without the Licor 43 it is essentially coffee with condensed and frothed milk, still sweet and still layered, just not boozy. Both are normal orders, so neither will raise an eyebrow.

How to drink a barraquito

Look at the layers first, then stir. The idea is to mix the condensed milk up from the bottom so the whole glass becomes sweet and creamy. Drink it warm. It works as an after-lunch coffee or a small afternoon treat rather than a quick morning espresso.

How to make a barraquito at home

You need a small heatproof glass, an espresso, and a way to froth milk.

1. Spoon a layer of condensed milk into the bottom of the glass.
2. Add a measure of Licor 43 on top (skip for the non-alcoholic version).
3. Pour a shot of hot espresso slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats.
4. Top with frothed warm milk.
5. Finish with a pinch of cinnamon and a strip of lemon peel.

Serve straight away, while the layers are still distinct and the coffee is hot.

Barraquito questions

What is a barraquito? A layered Canarian coffee from Tenerife, made with condensed milk, Licor 43, espresso and frothed milk, topped with cinnamon and lemon peel and served in a small glass.

Does a barraquito always contain alcohol? The classic version contains Licor 43. You can order a "barraquito sin alcohol" to leave the liqueur out, which gives you the same layered coffee without the booze.

What is Licor 43? A sweet Spanish liqueur flavoured with vanilla and citrus, said to use 43 ingredients. It is the layer that defines a barraquito.

Where does the barraquito come from? It is associated with Tenerife and is the most typical coffee of the Canary Islands. You will find it on cafe menus across the islands. For more local food and drink, see our guide to Canarian cuisine.