The caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail. It's made with fresh limes and a bit of sugar, but what makes this drink really special is the addition of cachaça, a spirit made from distilled sugarcane juice. This drink is bright and refreshing, making it the perfect cocktail to enjoy on a warm day. There are many variations of this lovely drink, but this caipirinha recipe follows the traditional lime-based approach.
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Things You'll Need
1 medium lime, quartered
2 1/4 tsp. cane sugar
Ice
2 oz. cachaça
Lime wheel or wedge for garnish
1. Add the limes and sugar
Add 3 to 4 lime wedges and 2 1/4 teaspoons of cane sugar to a short glass.
Tip
For best results, choose Persian limes with a strong scent and a nice fully green color.
2. Muddle the limes and sugar
Muddle the limes and sugar together until all of the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the cachaça
Add ice to the glass and then pour the cachaça over the top.
What is cachaça?
Dating all the way back to the 16th century, cachaça is among the oldest South American spirits. Made from distilled sugarcane juice, cachaça has a flavor profile somewhat similar to rum and comes in two varieties: unaged (white) and aged (yellow). White cachaça is typically used in cocktails, while yellow is usually enjoyed neat.
4. Stir the cocktail
Stir everything together with a spoon to combine all of the ingredients.
5. Garnish the cocktail
Garnish the drink with a lime wheel or wedge. Kick back and enjoy!
