Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe

Caipirinha Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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.

August 9, 2023

History

The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the state of São Paulo. The drink was initially consumed by farmers and workers as a way to ward off colds and flu, but it quickly gained popularity and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

  • The name 'Caipirinha' is derived from the Portuguese word 'caipira', which means 'country bumpkin' or 'hillbilly'.
  • The cocktail is traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass, but it can also be served in a rocks glass or a tumbler.

How Caipirinha Tastes?

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.

Interesting facts about Caipirinha

  • The Caipirinha is often considered Brazil's national cocktail, and it is made with cachaça, a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane juice.
  • The International Bartenders Association (IBA) recognizes the Caipirinha as an official cocktail in its 'New Era Drinks' category.
  • In Brazil, the Caipirinha is often enjoyed during the country's famous Carnival celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Cachaça: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Lime: 1
  • Sugar: 2tsp
  • Crushed ice: 1cup

Recipe. How to make Caipirinha Drink

  1. Cut the lime into wedges and remove the white pith.
  2. In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the lime wedges and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved and the lime juice is released.
  3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  4. Pour the cachaça over the ice and stir well to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime for the best flavor. The freshness of the lime will make a significant difference in the taste of your Caipirinha.
  • Muddle gently. You want to extract the juice from the lime, not the bitterness from the peel.
  • Use superfine sugar. It dissolves more easily than regular sugar.

🍹 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 Caipirinha

  • Cachaça: If you can't find cachaça, you can substitute it with white rum or vodka. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the cocktail.
  • Lime: You can use lemon instead of lime, but the taste will be slightly different.
  • Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Find 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 Caipirinha

What is the best time to drink a Caipirinha?

Caipirinha is a versatile drink and can be enjoyed at any time. But it is often served as a refreshing beverage on hot afternoons or as an aperitif before dinner.

Can I use brown sugar for Caipirinha instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white. It will add a slightly deeper flavor to the cocktail due to the molasses content in the brown sugar.

What food pairings work well with a Caipirinha?

Brazilian-style grilled meats, ceviche, spicy foods, and tropical fruit desserts pair very well with Caipirinha due to its tangy and refreshing taste.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of a Caipirinha?

Yes, a 'virgin' Caipirinha or Caipirinha 'mocktail' can be made by replacing the cachaça with sparkling water or a citrus-flavored soda.

Why is cachaça important to a Caipirinha?

Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane juice. The unique taste gives Caipirinha its distinct flavor and authenticity.

More similar recipes to Caipirinha!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Extra information to help you make Caipirinha

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 stir

The 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 muddle

Garnishing 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 garnishing

Please rate this recipe