The Caipirinha: A Contemporary Cocktail For Any Occasion
Caipirinhas are a traditional Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime and sugar. The drink is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, although some say it was created much earlier. It has since become popular throughout Brazil and around the world.
In its most basic form, a caipirinha is made by muddling limes and sugar in a glass before adding crushed ice and cachaça. Although traditionally served neat, there are now many variations on the original recipe including caipiroscas (made with vodka), caipisake (made with sake) and even non-alcoholic versions.
Today, this refreshing cocktail has become an international favorite for entertaining guests or just enjoying at home during summer months. Whether you prefer your caipirinha classic or like to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, this contemporary twist on an old favorite will make any occasion special.
Caipirinha
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2 ounces cachaça Brazilian sugarcane spirit
- - 1/2 lime cut into 4 wedges
- - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Squeeze the juice from two of the lime wedges into the glass and drop them in as well.
- Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour in the cachaça and stir again to combine all ingredients evenly together.
- Garnish with remaining two lime wedges on top or on side of glass (optional).
Glassware
The typical glassware used for a Caipirinha is either a rocks or old-fashioned glass. A rocks glass can be used to serve the cocktail neat, while an old-fashioned glass works best when serving it over ice. Generally speaking, the larger the ice cube, the better as this will help keep your drink cold and dilute less quickly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use unique glasses such as copper cups or mason jars!Flavors
The Caipirinha is a classic Brazilian cocktail that is gaining popularity in the US. It consists of cachaça, lime and sugar, making it an easy yet flavorful drink to make. The cachaça acts as the base spirit which adds a unique flavor profile; it has notes of sweet tropical fruits and hints of vanilla and cinnamon.
The lime juice brings out the sweetness from the cachaça, creating a balance between tartness and sweetness. When combined with sugar, this creates an enjoyable sour-sweet taste that many find irresistible. Additionally, there are various other combinations you can experiment with such as adding mint or different fruit juices for added complexity. All in all, this contemporary cocktail is perfect for any occasion!
3 tips for Making Your Caipirinha
- Choose high quality cachaça with a smooth flavor profile – it will make all the difference in your drin.