The Licor 43 cocktail recipe
for your table
Fill a tumbler generously with ice cubes.
Pour the Licor 43 over the ice.
Slowly pour the cold milk over it; it will remain for a moment as a white layer above the liqueur.
Stir briefly just before drinking, or let your guest do it themselves.
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The story
Licor 43 comes from Cartagena in Spain and owes its name to the 43 ingredients it is said to contain, mainly citrus fruits, vanilla, and herbs. The recipe is supposedly based on a drink from Roman times; the modern version has existed since 1946. In Spain, it is mainly drunk neat or over ice, but beyond the country's borders, things developed differently: in Tenerife, the barraquito with coffee and condensed milk grew into a local classic, while in the Netherlands, the combination with regular cold milk became the standard recipe. So simple that you wonder why no one thought of it sooner.
The right glass
A 25 to 35 cl tumbler is the right choice here: low enough to sit firmly in your hand, wide enough for plenty of ice. Choose clear glass. The moment when the white milk sinks through the amber-colored liqueur is the most beautiful part of this cocktail, and you want to see it. A thick base keeps everything cold for longer and gives it that café feel. If you serve it as an after-dinner drink, a smaller 20 to 25 cl size works best.
Duralex Picardie Tumbler 25 cl (6 pieces)
Onis Icon Tumbler 35 cl (6 pieces)
Twelve tumblers in two sizes together € 48,90.
The right tools
For a Licor 43 cocktail, in addition to the glass, use a bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for precise measuring and large ice cubes. These are the bar tools we use ourselves; you can find everything in our bar tools & cocktail sets.
Large cubes melt slowly, so your drink gets less diluted
Glassware set (our choice 01) + 3 bar tools together € 57,80.
Variations & twists
Replace the milk with chilled espresso and you have a Licor 43 Carajillo. See also our recipe for the Carajillo. With orange juice, it becomes a refreshing summer version; with tonic, a surprisingly dry long drink. The barraquito from Tenerife layers condensed milk, liqueur, espresso and frothed milk. Looking for more inspiration? Browse all cocktail recipes.
Servingtip
Use whole milk, not semi-skimmed: the fat carries the vanilla and keeps the cocktail creamy rather than watery. Pour the milk over the back of a spoon for a crisp white-to-amber gradient. It makes an impression without any extra work. Keep both the milk and liqueur ice-cold, and you won't need to fill the glass with much ice.
Good to know
Liqueur 43 or Licor 43?
The label says Licor 43, but in the Netherlands many people write liqueur 43. It refers to the same Spanish bottle from Cartagena, and the number refers to the 43 ingredients that, according to the makers, go into it: mainly citrus fruits, vanilla, and spices. If you ask for a cocktail with 43 at the bar, you'll almost always get the version with cold milk. Under the name liqueur 43 cocktail, you'll find exactly the same recipe, and a cocktail with liqueur 43 on a menu is simply this liqueur, topped up with milk or juice.
Mixing Licor 43 without a shaker
Mixing Licor 43 is easiest directly in the glass: first the ice, then the liqueur, and only then the milk. Measure with a jigger instead of pouring by eye, because five centiliters of liqueur to ten centiliters of milk keeps the vanilla recognizable without making the drink too sweet. The most common mistake is pouring in the milk all at once, which mixes everything immediately and leaves no trace of the white layer. For a longer drink, use orange juice or tonic.
Frequently asked questions
Which glass do you use for Licor 43 with milk?
A 25 to 35 cl tumbler. Check out our tumbler glasses for sets in hospitality quality.
What is the right ratio of liqueur to milk?
One part Licor 43 to two parts milk is the standard. For a creamier drink, use 1 to 3; for more liqueur flavor, keep it at 1 to 1.5.
Can you also use plant-based milk?
Yes. Oat milk works best. It's sweet and creamy enough to carry the vanilla. Almond milk is too thin, while coconut milk adds a tropical twist that not everyone enjoys.
Why does the milk sometimes curdle?
Due to acidity or a difference in temperature. Licor 43 contains citrus, so use well-chilled fresh milk and pour it just before serving; then it won't happen.
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