If you’re planning a night out in Las Vegas, chances are you’re staring at a cocktail menu trying to decide between two caffeine-fueled favorites: the Carajillo or the Espresso Martini. You want something that fits the vibe – whether that’s a smooth start to dinner, an elevated first date drink, or enough kick to keep you going past midnight. The problem? These two cocktails sound similar but deliver very different experiences. That’s where Más Por Favor comes in-serving both with intention, style, and a deep understanding of how Vegas nights actually unfold.
Vegas isn’t a one-drink city.
Here, a cocktail isn’t just about taste – it’s about timing, stamina, and setting. Pick the wrong drink too early and you’re overwhelmed. Pick the wrong one too late and you’re fading fast.
That’s why “Carajillo vs Espresso Martini” has become a surprisingly common question-especially among locals and visitors who want to pace themselves without killing the vibe.
Let’s break it down properly.
A Carajillo is a Mexican-favorite cocktail made with:
The vibe: modern, stylish, and a little insider
The taste: smooth, lightly sweet, aromatic, and low on bitterness
Typical ABV: ~11%
In Las Vegas, the Carajillo shines as a starter drink – perfect for easing into the night without going too hard too fast.
At spots like Mas Por Favor, it’s become the go-to for guests who want something elevated but approachable.
If the Carajillo side of this debate caught your attention, it’s worth understanding where this drink comes from – and why it’s become a local favorite – so we break that down in detail in our guide on What Is a Carajillo – and Where Las Vegas Locals Actually Drink It.
An Espresso Martini typically includes:
The vibe: classic Vegas luxury
The taste: bold, creamy, and punchy
Typical ABV: 20% or more
This is the drink you order when the night is just getting started-or when you need a second wind before a late dinner, DJ set, or club stop.
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
| Dinner to start the night | Carajillo | Smooth, sweet, and digestion-friendly |
| First date | Carajillo | Sophisticated without overpowering |
| Pre-club (10–11 PM) | Espresso Martini | Stronger boost to keep energy high |
| “I want something sweet” | Carajillo | Vanilla-citrus notes, crowd-pleaser |
| “I love classic martinis” | Espresso Martini | Bold, familiar, and boozy |
If it’s after 10 PM, the Espresso Martini usually wins.
The higher alcohol content combined with caffeine makes it better suited for:
That said, some locals still prefer a Carajillo late at night because it’s less aggressive and easier to enjoy slowly – especially if tequila or mezcal is already in the mix.
No – and that’s the point.
A Carajillo is significantly lower in alcohol, making it:
An Espresso Martini packs more punch, both in booze and caffeine.
If you want:
It’s become the “insider alternative” on the Vegas cocktail scene-especially in Mexican-influenced spaces.
If you want to try both cocktails in a setting that actually matches how Vegas nights unfold, Más Por Favor is a great place to start – serving Carajillos and Espresso Martinis in a space that moves effortlessly from tacos up front to tequila-fueled energy in the back.
Here’s the real local rule:
And if you’re somewhere that understands both – like Mas Por Favor – you don’t have to overthink it. Order what fits this moment, not the whole night
Check out our full menu or Reserve your table today!
We are located at 3879 Spring Mountain Rd Las Vegas, NV 89102
