Caipirinha Cocktail

The caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil and is particularly refreshing! This cachaça and lime cocktail is truly unique.

If you haven’t tried it yet Caipirinha, well: you didn’t live! Yes, Brazil’s national drink is just fine. In fact, it’s one of our favorite cocktails here at A Couple Cooks because there really isn’t anything quite like it. It’s made with cachaça, a liquor made from sugar cane that tastes like a funky version of rum. Combine that with lime, sugar, and lots of ice, and you have one of the most refreshing drinks on the planet. Come on, let’s show you how to make one!

What is a caipirinha?

Caipirinha is Brazil’s national drink, made from cachaça liqueur, lime and sugar. It is pronounced “Kai-pir-reen-yah” and means “little peasant girl”. The exact story behind the drink is pretty grim. Some people think it first appeared around 1918 as a cure for the Spanish Flu (although this recipe has lemon, garlic, and honey… a bit different!). Anyhow, it has become massively popular around the world today.

This cocktail is on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning it has an ‘official’ definition. The ingredients of a caipirinha are:

What is cachaça? Is it worth buying?

The only way to make a caipirinha is with cachaça. Don’t even ask for a replacement! (You can, however, substitute the vodka in a caipirinha to make a caipiroska!) Is it worth buying a bottle? Here’s what you need to know:

• cachaça is a liqueur made from sugar cane, produced exclusively in Brazil.
• How do you pronounce cachaca? Say “cah-cha-za”.
• Which does ______________ mean cachaça taste good? It has a distinct flavor that is really hard to describe. Some say it tastes like grass and herbs. There’s something else out there that we don’t know what to call, so we like to say funky.
• How much cachaça Costs? A small bottle costs about $20 (in the US).
• Is it worth buying? Yes! We think so. Not if you’re a strict minimalist. There aren’t many other well-known cocktails you can make with it, so you’ll only use it for caipirinhas. But they’re so tasty, we think you won’t have a problem emptying the bottle.

How to Make a Caipirinha (3 Steps!)

For the caipirinha, puree the lime with the sugar and then add the alcohol. The pestle consists of gently crushing fruit or herbs to release their juice. They use the same type of technique in a Lime and Mint Mojito. How to prepare a caipirinha:

1. Confusion: Pour the lime and sugar into the bottom of a shaker. Mash gently with a cocktail pestle or wooden spoon.
2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Add the cachaça and shake in a shaker filled with ice. (Don’t have one? Use a mason jar!)
3. Pour into a glass and add the garnish. Strain the drink into the cocktail glass. Garnish with lime wedges if you like!

Step it up with clear ice!

Are you receiving and want to impress your guests with a caipirinha? Consider making a batch of clear ice! Clear ice is crystal clear, not cloudy like regular ice. It’s what bartenders in fancy bars use to make drinks awesome. Make a batch and you can cut them into large organic shapes like you see in the pictures. All you need is a small cooler and 24 hours. Here’s how to make transparent ice cream.

When to serve a caipirinha

A caipirinha is fun and festive, perfect for parties and entertaining or a casual evening sipping alone! It’s great like:

• summer drink
• signature drink
• Aperitif at aperitif time
• Night drink for girls or boys
• Happy hour drink
• Drink at dinner

Rather classic cocktails

This mojito is a must-have classic! Here are a few more of our classic top cocktails that you might enjoy as well:

• Pisco Sour The magical combination of pisco and lime in this Peruvian drink gives it an incomparable taste.
• Tom Collins This popular, light and sparkling gin cocktail!
• Daiquiri The perfect balance of alcoholic, tart and sweet with rum, lime and sweetener.
• Margarita On the rocks made with 3 simple ingredients: Lime, Cointreau and Tequila. Try all the variations.
• Vodka Moscow Mule, Lime, Ginger Beer, Copper Mug. Classic! Try all the variations.
• Piña Colada The best Piña Colada recipe you will find! It only takes 5 ingredients and 5 minutes.
• Gin Gimlet A classic lime juice and gin cocktail. Also try French Gimlet.