Caipirinha
Mix an authentic Caipirinha with cachaça, lime, and sugar. A simple, rustic, and incredibly refreshing drink.
Strengthmedium
GlassTumbler
BaseCachaça
GarnishLime wedge
Prep Time5 mins
CuisineBrazilian
Description
The Caipirinha is the vibrant heart of Brazil in a glass. As the country's national cocktail, this drink is simple, rustic, and explosive in flavor. Unlike many other cocktails, the lime is not just juiced but muddled directly in the glass with sugar. This releases not only the juice but also the essential oils from the peel, giving the Caipirinha its unmistakably intense aroma. The base is cachaça, a sugarcane spirit that gives the drink its characteristic, slightly grassy note. A true Caipirinha is a celebration of simplicity and the perfect companion for any party.
Preparation
- Wash one lime thoroughly, cut off the ends, and cut the lime into eighths.
- Place the lime wedges and the white cane sugar into a sturdy tumbler glass.
- Using a wooden muddler, firmly press and twist the lime wedges in the glass to extract the juice and oils from the peel. The sugar should dissolve in the juice.
- Fill the glass to the brim with crushed ice or small ice cubes.
- Pour the cachaça over the ice.
- Stir briefly but thoroughly with a spoon to chill and mix everything. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve with short straws.
