- Roy Schijvens
- Last updated on 23/08/2024
Master the Art of Barraquito: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Tenerife’s Favorite Coffee!
What is Barraquito?
Are you looking to sit down for a coffee after a long day of exploring Tenerife? Then we advise you to order a Barraquito – the best local coffee in Tenerife, also known as “Zaperoco”. Barraquito is a multi-layered coffee and consists of espresso, frothed milk, condensed milk and a touch of Licor 43 which is Spain’s number 1 liqueur.
Where to Order a Barraquito
You can order the Barraquito in almost every restaurant in Tenerife and it’s often served as a dessert after a meal. If you want to make sure the waiter understands you, watch this short video that explains how to pronounce Barraquito. If you want to know how to make Barraquito at home, check out the Barraquito recipe below.
Barraquito Recipe
To make the perfect Barraquito, you need:
- 1 cup of espresso.
- ~1 tbsp. condensed milk.
- Licor 43 or Tia María.
- Frothed milk.
- Lemon zest.
- Milled cinnamon.
How to Prepare Barraquito?
Time needed: 5 minutes.
- First, pour the condensed milk on the bottom of a glass.
- Add the Licor 43 or Tia María.
- Add the espresso.
- Gently add the frothy milk on top of the coffee. This is the correct order to achieve all 5 layers.
- The final step is to decorate the Barraquito with some lemon zest and a bit of cinnamon.
You can always adapt the Barraquito recipe to your own taste, enjoy! For a detailed tutorial on how to make the Barraquito, click on the picture below to watch our video.
The Cultural Significance of Barraquito Across the Canary Islands
The Barraquito transcends its origins as a delightful coffee concoction to embody the vibrant culture and spirited hospitality found throughout the Canary Islands. Originally innovated by imaginative bartenders looking to treat their regulars, this beverage quickly became a staple in cafes across the archipelago.
Canary Islands’ Approach to Life
According to local lore, the Barraquito was designed to offer patrons a taste of the islands’ joyful and lively essence. Its layers of espresso, Licor 43, milk, and a hint of lemon and cinnamon are thought to mirror the diverse and dynamic landscapes of the Canary Islands—from the stunning coastlines to the lush, verdant mountains. The name itself captures the drink’s light-hearted and pleasurable nature, encapsulating the Canary Islands’ approach to life: celebratory, colorful, and full of zest.
The Barraquito: A Cultural Icon of the Canary Islands
Today, the Barraquito stands as a cultural icon throughout the islands, celebrated not only for its delicious complexity but also as a symbol of the islands’ rich tradition of culinary creativity and exceptional hospitality. It serves as a reminder of the islands’ heritage and the warmth of their people, making it a must-try experience for visitors and a point of pride for locals.
Interested in more about coffee or other coffee recipes? Check out how a local tour guide in Valencia explains the process of making delicious iced coffee in this recipe: Café del Tiempo – The Spanish Iced Coffee.
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