How to Make a Carajillo That’ll Wake Your Spirit (and Maybe Your Neighbors)

Presented by Tori from DIa Cafe

Let’s talk about a cocktail that hits all the right notes: bold, a little sweet, unapologetically strong, and with a Latin twist that says "I'm not here to play." We're talking about the Carajillo—a coffee cocktail that’s as fun to say as it is to drink.

But before we dive into the recipe (and trust us, you’ll want to try this one immediately), let’s spill the beans on the magic behind this blend: DIA Café.

What’s DIA Café?

DIA Café isn’t just another name on a coffee bag—it’s a movement. Born in Greendale, Wisconsin (yes, you read that right), DIA started as a local café with a big vision: to blend passion and community through coffee that speaks our language. Ethically sourced from passionate growers across Latin America, DIA coffee is more than your morning fix—it's a love letter to our roots.

DIA partners with Latino families and showcases the art, flavors, and soul of Latin America. Think of DIA as your cool cousin who throws the best parties, brings the good coffee, and somehow always has their life together. Yeah—that’s the vibe.

Every sip is bold, bright, and full of fire. It’s coffee with ganas.

So…What’s a Carajillo?

A Carajillo is the cocktail version of that friend who convinces you to go out for “just one drink” and then leads you into an unforgettable night. It’s strong. It’s sweet. It’s simple. It’s what happens when espresso meets liqueur and decides to throw a party in your mouth.

Here’s the breakdown:

Main characters: A shot of espresso or strong coffee + Licor 43 (a smooth Spanish liqueur that tastes like vanilla and dreams).
Bonus characters: Ice, cinnamon, and maybe a little personal flair (tequila or rum, anyone?)
How it’s served: Over ice or hot. Nightcap or brunch move. Fancy glass or mason jar—no judgment here.

Though it has Spanish origins, the Carajillo is huge in Mexico, where it’s often the star of after-dinner conversations that go way past midnight.

Meet Tori: The Brains Behind Your New Favorite Drink

Tori from DIA Coffees is about to walk you through a Carajillo recipe that slaps. She’s using DIA’s Mucho Macho blend—a bold coffee that doesn’t just wake you up, it lifts you up.

This version is creamy, frothy, and just sweet enough to make you forget there’s alcohol in it (careful now). It’s perfect for impressing your friends, winding down after a long day, or just giving yourself a little ¡vámonos! boost when needed.

How to Make the Perfect Carajillo (DIA Style)

What you’ll need:

DIA Café’s Mucho Macho brewed coffee (or your favorite blend from seizethedia.com)
Sweetened condensed milk
Licor 43 (or sub in tequila, rum, or mezcal if you’re feeling spicy)
A big ol’ cup of ice
Cinnamon (for that final touch)

Let’s break it down:

Step 1:
Start by adding sweetened condensed milk to your brewed coffee—about 1 tablespoon per serving. No need to be exact; we’re not baking a cake here.

Step 2:
Froth the mixture together. You can use a handheld frother or just give it a good whisk with some flair. You want it creamy with a light foam on top—like a café con leche that decided to dress up.

Step 3:
Pour your Licor 43 into a large glass full of ice. Be generous. You're not here for a weak pour.

Step 4:
Now, gently pour your frothy coffee-milk mixture over the ice and liquor. It’ll layer beautifully if you take your time.

Step 5:
Give it a little swirl to mix the flavors. Think of it like waking up all the ingredients and telling them it’s showtime.

Step 6:
Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It's a small move with big energy.

And just like that—bam—you’ve got yourself a Carajillo that’ll make you rethink every coffee cocktail you’ve ever had.

When to Serve It (AKA When Not to)

After dinner when the vibes are still high but your energy is not.
Mid-day when you want something sweet and strong (hello, work-from-home pick-me-up).
At brunch, because mimosas are tired and coffee deserves its moment.
Anytime you want to feel like a Latin mixologist with excellent taste in beans.

Final Sip

The Carajillo is proof that simple ingredients, when done right, can deliver serious wow. And when you start with a coffee like DIA’s Mucho Macho, you’re already halfway to greatness.

So go ahead. Seize the DIA. Stir up a Carajillo. And raise your glass to bold flavor, vibrant culture, and cocktails that keep the night (or day) going.

P.S. If you’re not already stocked up, head over to www.seizethedia.com to grab your bag of Mucho Macho or any of DIA's spirited blends. Trust us—once you go Latin, your coffee game never goes back.

Latin Coffee Recipes Done Right: Café con Leche with DIA Café

Presented by Lucia From DIA Coffee

Let’s be real—there’s coffee, and then there’s coffee. The kind that hits your soul, not just your sleep-deprived brain. And if you know anything about Latin culture, you know that coffee is more than a morning routine—it’s a ritual. It’s community, comfort, and a little fire in your cup. So if you need more latin coffee recipes in your life, we got you!

DIA Café is here to bring that Latin fire to your daily brew. Whether you’re a coffee purist or someone who just wants to upgrade their kitchen game, this guide to making Café con Leche—Latin style—is your one-way ticket to caffeinated bliss.

So, Who Is DIA Café?

DIA Café isn’t just another bag of beans on a grocery shelf. Every coffee bean they roast is a shout-out to the bold, authentic, and unapologetic spirit of Latin America.

Their mission? Blend passion with community. DIA sources its beans ethically from passionate growers all across Latin America—people who live and breathe coffee the same way your abuela does. When you brew a cup of DIA, you’re fueling more than your day—you’re helping uplift Latino communities and keeping our cultural traditions alive and well.

And that’s not just good coffee. That’s real good coffee.

Introducing Lucia — Our Cafecito Coach

Now that we’ve got your attention (and probably your taste buds tingling), meet Lucia. She’s part of the DIA crew and the go-to for no-nonsense, all-flavor coffee recipes. Today, she’s bringing you the ultimate classic: Café con Leche.

This recipe is the kind of thing that makes you pause for a moment and say, “Why haven’t I been making this every day?” Lucky for us, Lucia’s here to show us how it’s done—with a DIA twist.

What Is Café con Leche, Anyway?

“Café con leche” translates directly to “coffee with milk,” but don’t let the simplicity fool you. This drink is a staple from Spain to the Caribbean, and every region (and every household) has their own take.

At its core:

Ingredients: Strong coffee (usually espresso or bold drip) and scalded milk.
Prep Style: The milk is heated just under boiling—not steamed, not foamed, just good ol’ fashioned scalding.
Flavor: Similar to a caffè latte or café au lait, but often richer and more coffee-forward.
Presentation: In some places, it’s even served in a glass—because why not show off that smooth layering?
Variations: In Puerto Rico and Cuba, it’s common to add sugar, sometimes a lot of it.

And yes, it’s easy to find in Latin cafés and diners across the world—but why not master it at home?

Lucia’s DIA-Style Café con Leche

This version uses DIA Café’s signature blends to bring out the bold flavors that define Latin coffee culture. Whether it’s Mucho Macho’s strength or Suavecito’s smooth charm, there’s a roast that fits your vibe.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step.

What You’ll Need:

Steamed (scalded) milk
Strong drip coffee (DIA blends work best)
Sugar (optional, but highly recommended)
Whisk or milk frother

Step 1: Milk First

Start by heating your milk until it’s just under a boil. Once it’s ready, pour it straight into your favorite mug. Yes, the one with the chip on the handle that you refuse to throw away.

Step 2: Sweeten It

Add sugar. One to two tablespoons is the sweet spot, but hey—if you want more, do you. Café con leche is all about comfort.

Step 3: Froth It

Now take your whisk or frother and stir that milk and sugar until you get a nice little foam. Not too thick, just enough to give the top of your drink a smooth, creamy finish.

Step 4: Coffee In

Pour in your hot drip coffee slowly over the milk. Watch it mix together into something warm, rich, and ready to kickstart your day.

And that’s it. Four simple steps to a café-worthy drink at home.

Which DIA Blend Should You Use?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong—but here’s a cheat sheet:

Mucho Macho – Strong, intense, perfect if you like a bold cup.
La Chula – Bright and fun, with just enough edge.
Babalu – Classic and earthy, with that old-school charm.
Suavecito – Mellow and smooth, like the name suggests.
Buena Suerte – A little bit of everything—your good luck charm in a mug.

Each blend brings its own attitude to the table, so go with what speaks to your taste (and mood).

More Than a Drink

In Latin homes, coffee is never just about caffeine. It’s how we welcome guests. It’s how we end a meal. It’s how we slow down in a fast world. Café con Leche is a reflection of that rhythm—simple, comforting, and rich with meaning.

So the next time you need a moment to reset, brew a cup with DIA. You’re not just drinking coffee—you’re keeping a tradition alive.

Grab your favorite blend, channel your inner Lucia, and make that Café con Leche. Because life’s too short for boring coffee.

Your cup. Your culture. Your moment.

Brew it right.

Spiced Coffee Tonic: A Refreshing Coffee Twist with DIA Café

A Bright, Bubbly Coffee with a Spicy Citrus Kick

We’re all used to the usual Americanos and Lattes but occasionally a coffee drink comes along that takes you by surprise, that excites your taste buds and makes you wonder why you haven’t been drinking it all along. Coffee isn’t just a morning necessity; in Latin culture, it’s a celebration and a way of bringing people together. And this recipe is a perfect example of that—introducing the Spiced Coffee Tonic, a refreshing, effervescent coffee drink that’s as bold as it is unique.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your usual iced coffee routine or you're in the mood for something with a bit of a kick for your next coffee break, this drink is the perfect blend of bubbles, spice, and citrusy zest. And we’re making it with DIA Café beans, the heart of Latin American coffee culture, so you know it’s going to be just right.

But Why DIA Café?

Let’s talk about DIA Café—because good coffee isn’t just about the beans; it’s about the story behind them. At DIA Café, we pride ourselves on bringing you the bold, unapologetic flavors of Latin America in every cup. We work with passionate coffee growers who share our love for coffee, culture, and community. When you brew with DIA Café, you’re not just fueling your day—you’re supporting a tradition that spans generations, all while keeping Latin American coffee culture alive and thriving.

With DIA Café beans, you’re bringing the bold and the beautiful straight to your kitchen. Whether you're brewing with Mucho Macho, La Chula, or Babalu, you’re unlocking the authentic flavors that make each sip an experience. And if you’ve got a little Latin fire in your soul, DIA Café is here to help you brew it right.

Get to know Lucia — Our Cafecito Queen

Lucia is the secret ingredient to turning any coffee moment into a ritual. As DIA Café's in-house barista, she knows how to take coffee from “just okay” to “I can’t stop thinking about it.” Today, she’s bringing you a recipe that’s a perfect example of Latin coffee creativity: the Spiced Coffee Tonic. With Lucia’s tips, you’ll learn how to mix the flavors of DIA Café with effervescent tonic water, a hint of spice, and citrus zest for the ultimate refreshing coffee drink.

What Is Spiced Coffee Tonic?

A Spiced Coffee Tonic is a perfect marriage of two things that are almost never paired together—coffee and tonic water. The result? A light, bubbly, and aromatic drink that’s sure to become your new favorite coffee concoction. Add a pinch of cinnamon, some brown sugar for sweetness, and a twist of orange, and you’ve got yourself a refreshingly complex beverage. The best part? It’s a unique take on a coffee tonic that’ll make you feel like you’ve got a secret recipe up your sleeve.

Spiced Coffee Tonic Recipe

What you’ll need:

4 oz freshly brewed coffee (cooled)
4 oz tonic water
1 teaspoon brown sugar (or sweetener of choice, optional)
Ice cubes
A few dashes of cinnamon
Orange peel or freshly grated orange zest (for garnish)

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee

Start with the DIA Café beans of your choice. Lucia recommends either Mucho Macho for an intense, bold base, La Chula for a bright and fun vibe, or Babalu for a smooth, earthy charm. Brew 4 oz of coffee and allow it to cool. You can even brew extra and save it for another batch—this recipe is as versatile as your coffee cravings!

Step 2: Ice, Ice Baby

Fill a glass halfway with ice cubes. The ice will not only chill your drink but also keep it nice and refreshing, making it the perfect treat on a warm day—or anytime you just need to feel cool.

Step 3: Add the Tonic and Coffee

Pour 4 oz of tonic water into the glass over the ice. Then, slowly pour in your cooled brewed coffee. The combination of the smooth, rich coffee with the sparkling, crisp tonic water creates a lovely contrast that’s fun to sip and even more fun to make.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Stir in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (or your sweetener of choice) if you prefer a little sweetness. Then, add a few dashes of cinnamon to give it that signature warmth. The spice is subtle but adds a unique depth to the drink—perfect for someone who loves a little complexity in their coffee.

Step 5: Add the Citrus Twist

Finish the drink with freshly grated orange zest or a twist of orange peel. The citrusy aroma will elevate the whole drink, and the zest adds just the right amount of bright, zippy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the coffee.

Step 6: Sip and Enjoy

Take a moment to admire the refreshing bubbles, the warmth from the cinnamon, and the bright citrus notes. Sip, enjoy, and let the Spiced Coffee Tonic become your new go-to whenever you want something that’s both energizing and sophisticated.

Why DIA Café and Lucia’s Tips Matter

DIA Café isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about the culture, the stories, and the connections that come with every sip. When you brew with DIA Café beans, you’re infusing your coffee moments with authenticity and tradition. Lucia’s tips are the secret to crafting this Spiced Coffee Tonic just right, whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned pro.

DIA Café beans, like Mucho Macho, La Chula, and Babalu, bring their own personalities to your cup. Whether you’re looking for boldness, brightness, or something earthy and classic, there’s a roast that matches your vibe. And Lucia’s expertise will help you unlock the true potential of these beans, turning them into something more than just coffee.

More Than a Drink

In Latin cultures, coffee isn’t just about the caffeine—it’s a way of life. It’s how we bond with friends, how we start our mornings, and how we slow down in a fast-paced world. The Spiced Coffee Tonic is a modern twist on that tradition, bringing together the best of coffee and refreshment in one glass.

So the next time you’re looking for something refreshing and fun, grab your DIA Café beans, channel your inner Lucia, and brew the Spiced Coffee Tonic. Because life’s too short for ordinary coffee—especially when you’ve got something this special brewing.

Your coffee. Your moment. Brew it right. Spice it up. Seize your day.

Try it yourself and tag us @diacoffees with your Spiced Coffee Tonic! Got your own spicy twist? We want to see it.

#DiaCafé ☕🔥