Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Brazilian Cocktail Recipe
Jump to Recipe ⬇️
Brazilian Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Brazilian cocktail, also known as Caipirinha, is Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was first created in the state of São Paulo. The drink was initially consumed as a remedy for the Spanish flu, but it quickly gained popularity as a refreshing and tasty beverage. Today, it is enjoyed by people all over the world and is a staple at Brazilian celebrations and events.
How Brazilian Tastes?
The Caipirinha has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The cachaça provides a robust and earthy base, while the lime adds a tangy and refreshing sourness. The sugar helps to mellow out the strong flavors and adds a touch of sweetness to the drink.
Interesting facts about Brazilian
- The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail and is made with cachaça, a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane juice.
- The name 'Caipirinha' is derived from the Portuguese word 'caipira', which means 'country person' or 'hillbilly'.
- The International Bartenders Association (IBA) recognizes the Caipirinha as an official classic cocktail.
Ingredients
- Cachaça: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime: 1
- Sugar: 2 tsp
- Crushed ice: 1 cup
Cachaça
Cachaça is the soul of this drink; its robust, slightly sweet sugarcane essence forms the backbone of the cocktail. Use 2 oz for a balanced kick, not enough and you lose the spirit, too much and your cocktail might become a booze cannonball.
Alex Green
Lime
Lime adds zest and tang; it's all about that acidic punch that marries perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and cachaça. One lime is the citrus quota here, any less and you might miss the zing, any more and your face could pucker into a permanent expression of surprise.
Mary Mitkina
Sugar
Sugar is the peacemaker in this zesty affair, softening the sour blow of lime and rounding off cachaça's fire. 2 tsp might seem sweet, but balance is key. Skimp on the sugar and the drink could turn into a sourpuss, overdo it and you're in candyland.
Emma Rose
Crushed Ice
Crushed ice isn't just to chill; it's a dilution dynamo, helping to mellow the drink as it melts. About 1 cup ensures the drink doesn't become a quick gulp but rather an experience to savor. No ice would mean a warm and potent swig, which in cocktail land is often a no-no.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Brazilian Drink
- Cut the lime into wedges and remove the seeds.
- In a rocks glass, muddle the lime wedges with the sugar to release the lime juice and dissolve the sugar.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Pour the cachaça over the ice and stir well to mix the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime for the best flavor.
- Muddle the lime and sugar well to release the lime juice and dissolve the sugar.
- Stir well after adding the cachaça to ensure all the ingredients are mixed together.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Empanadas: The buttery flaky crust and savory filling of empanadas make a great contrast to the tart and sweet notes of the cocktail.
- Fried Calamari: Its light, crispy texture and sea-salted taste pair nicely with the acidity of the lime in the cocktail.
Main Courses
- Grilled Meats: The bold flavors of grilled meats, especially barbecue, harmonize with the strong character of cachaça.
- Seafood: Particularly grilled shrimp or fish, which complement the cocktail's citrus notes.
Desserts
- Tropical Fruits: A fruit salad containing mango, papaya, and pineapple can accentuate the fresh lime in the drink.
- Coconut-based desserts: They add a creamy balance to the lively nature of the cocktail.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Brazilian
- Cachaça: Can be replaced with white rum or vodka, but it will change the flavor.
- Sugar: Can be replaced with simple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Lime: Can be replaced with lemon, but it will give a different citrus flavor.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Berry-Lime Caipirinha
Add a handful of muddled berries to the lime and sugar mixture. Not only does it add a seasonal twist, but it infuses a berry explosion into every sip. Plus, it turns your cocktail into a color show.
Coconut Bliss Caipirinha
Swap out the sugar for coconut syrup and add a splash of coconut milk. This tropical twist adds a creamy dimension that makes the cocktail feel like a mini vacation in a glass.
Spicy Ginger Caipirinha
Incorporate a few slices of muddled ginger along with the lime and sugar, and top the cocktail off with a splash of ginger beer. This fiery twist adds a spicy kick that will dance with the cachaça in a flavor tango.
In case you forgot basics how to make Brazilian
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Brazilian
What are some variations of the Brazilian cocktail?
There are many variations of the Brazilian cocktail, or Caipirinha. Some of these include the Caipiroska, which uses vodka instead of cachaça, the Caipifruta, which contains fresh fruit in addition to the standard ingredients, and the Caipiríssima, which uses rum.
What is the best way to serve a Brazilian cocktail?
The Brazilian cocktail is best served chilled, and often straight from the shaker into a rocks glass. While it is traditionally served without a straw, some people prefer to drink it with one to avoid the crushed ice.
What food pairs well with a Brazilian cocktail?
Due to its rich and robust flavors, the Brazilian cocktail pairs well with spicy foods, such as Mexican or Indian cuisine. It also compliments grilled meats, making it a great choice for summer barbecues.
What are some other popular cocktails in Brazil?
In addition to the Caipirinha, other popular cocktails in Brazil include the Batida (made with cachaça, fruit juice, and condensed milk), the Rabo de Galo (cachaça and red vermouth), and the Leite de Onça (cachaça, milk, and cinnamon).
What is the best type of cachaça to use in a Brazilian cocktail?
While any variety of cachaça can be used to make a Brazilian cocktail, artisanal cachaças, also known as cachaças de alambique, tend to have a more pronounced flavor and are often preferred by cocktail enthusiasts.
More similar recipes to Brazilian!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
classicPin It
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Paloma
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Brazilian Mule
The Brazilian Mule offers a spicy ginger kick balanced with the smooth, slightly sweet and grassy notes of cachaça. The lime juice adds a necessary tang, making it a refreshing, zesty, and invigorating drink.