🇪🇸 Spain · Drinks
Café con Gotas (Coffee with a Dash of Liqueur)
By eatmundo · July 7, 2026
A delightful Spanish tradition, this coffee offers a subtle twist to your espresso. A fresh, hot shot of coffee is gently enhanced with just a few 'drops' of anisette liqueur or brandy, creating a warm, aromatic, and invigorating digestif.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by preparing a fresh, hot shot of espresso (approximately 30ml) using your preferred method, whether it's an espresso machine, moka pot, or filter coffee maker. The quality of the coffee is paramount here, so use good beans.
- 2
Pour the hot espresso into a small coffee cup or a traditional *vaso de chupito* (shot glass), if you prefer a very concentrated after-dinner drink.
- 3
If desired, add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to the hot coffee and stir until completely dissolved. The heat of the espresso will help melt the sugar quickly. This step is optional, depending on your sweetness preference and the liqueur used.
- 4
Now for the 'gotas' (drops): carefully add 5ml (about 1 teaspoon or a few drops) of your chosen liqueur. Traditionally, this is *anís seco* (dry anisette) or a small amount of brandy, like a *coñac español*. The amount is deliberately small to enhance, not overpower, the coffee.
- 5
Give the coffee a final gentle stir to integrate the liqueur, ensuring the flavors are well blended. The aromatic notes of the liqueur should subtly complement the bitterness of the coffee.
- 6
Serve the *Café con Gotas* immediately, allowing the drinker to savor the warm, complex aroma and the invigorating taste. This drink is typically enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of coffee is best for Café con Gotas?+
A strong, dark roast espresso is ideal, as its robust flavor stands up well to the addition of liqueur without being overwhelmed. A good quality Italian or Spanish blend is recommended.
What liqueurs are traditionally used for "gotas"?+
The most common choices are *anís seco* (dry anisette), a small dash of Spanish brandy (coñac), or sometimes *orujo* (a pomace brandy). The key is a small amount to infuse aroma and warmth, not to make it overtly alcoholic.
Is Café con Gotas the same as a Carajillo?+
No, while both involve coffee and spirits, *Café con Gotas* refers to a much smaller addition ("drops") of liqueur, often *anís*, and is typically a digestif. A *Carajillo* contains a more substantial amount of spirit, often brandy or rum, and sometimes the spirit is flambéed.
Can I make Café con Gotas with decaf coffee?+
Yes, you can absolutely use decaffeinated espresso or strong coffee. The focus of *Café con Gotas* is on the flavor combination and digestive properties, so the caffeine content is less critical than the quality of the coffee and liqueur.
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