The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice), lime, sugar, and ice. It’s a simple yet refreshing drink with a balance of sweetness and citrusy tanginess, perfect for hot weather or anytime you’re in the mood for a tropical vibe.
To make a Caipirinha, you typically start by cutting a lime into wedges, muddle the lime wedges with sugar in a glass, fill the glass with ice, pour in the cachaça, and then stir well.
While it’s a beloved drink in Brazil, the Caipirinha has gained international popularity, becoming a staple in many cocktail bars around the world, especially in tropical or Latin American-themed establishments.
Caipirinha
A combination of tart lime, sweet sugar, and the distinctive flavor of cachaça makes Caipirinha an iconic cocktail enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Cachaça
- 2 tsp Sugar adjust to taste
- 1 Lime
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
- 1 Lime wheel or wedge for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing the lime thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Dry it with towel.
- Cut the lime into wedges. You'll need about 4 wedges for one drink. Place the lime wedges in a sturdy glass.
- Add the granulated sugar to the glass. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences.
- Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle the lime wedges and sugar together. The goal is to release the lime juice and dissolve the sugar without pulverizing the lime peel too much.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes. Crushed ice works particularly well if you have it.
- Pour the cachaça over the ice and lime mixture in the glass.
- Using a stirrer or a long spoon, stir the ingredients together well to combine the flavors and chill the drink.
- Optionally, garnish the drink with a lime wheel or wedge.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Optionally if you can’t find caipirinha in the store or you just don’t like the taste of it, you can substitute it with vodka of your choice.
When you make this cocktail with vodka, it will be called Caipiroska in Brazil.
Nutrition
Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 0.4mg