The Caipirinha is considered the national cocktail of Brazil, and for good reason. It’s made from their most popular distilled spirit – Cachaca – and while I’ve never had the pleasure of drinking one in Brazil, I’m told that’s the perfect climate for enjoying this wonderful cocktail.
The true Caipirinha recipe is very simple: Cachaca, limes and sugar. Cachaca is distilled from straight cane juice, but it’s more tart and sharp than its cousin, rum.
You could fancy the Caipirinha up, but the charm of this cocktail is in the simplicity. It’s ideal for sipping along on a warm evening as you wonder why we bother with all the complications of modern living.
The Caipirinha
- 2 ounces Cachaca
- 1-2 juicy limes (key limes are particularly good)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (some prefer superfine sugar or simple syrup)
Cut the lime(s) into quarters or eighths, remove the core and any seeds, then muddle them with the sugar in the mixing glass from a shaker. Add crushed ice to the mixing glass, then add the Cachaca, then shake it all together. Pour everything, including the ice and the lime sections, into an old-fashioned glass. (The limes will continue to release juice, so you definitely want to leave them in.) That’s it!
Note: some people recommend brown sugar. It doesn’t look so pretty, but it tastes great. Also, some people recommend using the cheaper Cachacas rather than the high end stuff.
As for food suggestions, honestly? This drink goes with everything. Dinner, snacks, party trays – whatever. I can’t even bring myself to make specific suggestions because it’s just one of those drinks that’s never wrong.
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Updated: November 26, 2010
Copyright: January 21, 2010
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Caipirinha is great with any citric fruit. I love it with passion fruit and pineapple.
You can try capivodka with berries. Some girls think the smell and taste of cachaça is too strong. It is also great and refreshing, just a bit more elegant.
The really cheap cachaça is not a good choice. Just take a good white one. Forget Pitu or Pirassununga. Try Ypioca, Germana or Sagatiba.
The Brazilian people really loves sugar, so if be careful with your request there.