Trend Alert! Move Over Espresso Martinis, Carajillos Are Taking Over H-Town

Trend Alert! Move Over Espresso Martinis, Carajillos Are Taking Over H-Town

Traveler Table's take on the carajillo features the traditional espresso and Licor 43 but with aged rum. (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

ON A RECENT trip to the bar at Washington Ave.’s B&B Butchers for a nightcap of espresso martinis, the bartender suggested his guests try a carajillo instead. The Spanish cocktail is made of espresso and Licor 43, the latter of which is named for its 43 ingredients. And, while the exact recipe is guarded by the Spanish family that distills it, it is known to contain citrus and vanilla, the two most prominent flavors. Many of Houston’s hottest restaurants are putting their own twists on this cocktail that’s giving espresso martinis a run for their money!


Cuchara

CUCHARA At this Montrose hotspot, a cocktail glass is brought to the table with Licor 43 over ice and a cinnamon stick. The cinnamon stick is set on fire as hot espresso is poured on top. Stir and enjoy!

Traveler's Table (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

TRAVELER’S TABLE Also in Montrose, Traveler’s Table calls their version of the carajillo ‘Night for Day’ and they include aged rum in their recipe. It’s one of many dessert cocktails on the menu — don’t miss the vodka-based Grown Up Girl Scout that’s garnished with a thin mint cookie!

The Annie

THE ANNIE In Uptown, The Annie also offers an extensive dessert cocktail menu and serves its Carajillo in a martini glass instead of the traditional tumbler.

MAD

MAD Another scene-y Uptown haunt, MAD has a Nitro Carajillo that’s dramatically served from a canister that’s pressurized to serve a drink that’s more reminiscent of Nitro cold brew coffee than a fancy cocktail.

W!LD

W!LD Just opened in the heights, this cocktail-bar-meets-coffee-shop-meets-CBD-dispensary serves up the Secret Weapon Carajillo. The traditional espresso and Licor 43 are shaken up with mezcal, Kahlua and cinnamon to boozy perfection and served with a candy orange garnish.

Bar No. 3

TONIGHT & TOMORROW/BAR NO. 3 Montrose’s La Colombe d’Or hotel is the perfect spot for a nightcap, offering up its carajillo here in plush environs. Choose bar or restaurant, indoors or out. Or an art-filled lounge with comfy sofas. Heck, you might even want to spend the night!

Food
Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Owner Maricela Olivo and Montrose Med Spa

WHAT MAKES MONTROSE Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Montrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

Keep Reading Show less

Guests enjoy 360-degree views from the infinity pool

A PARADISE FOR nature lovers, surfers and adventure seekers, Costa Rica often sees repeat visitors. The seven provinces, though different in the way of microclimates and the presence of volcanoes, cloud forests or beaches, are all predictably friendly, green and breathtakingly beautiful. Travelers come to anticipate and appreciate the “pura vida” lifestyle, i.e. an appreciation for the here-and-now beauty and wonder that the country offers so abundantly.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

Keep Reading Show less
Food