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    Home » Caipirinha

    March 4, 2020 Cocktails

    Caipirinha

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    Summer will be here before we know it - so I'm preparing you with one of my favorite hot-weather cocktails, Brazil's National Drink: the Caipirinha.  

    Jump to Recipe
    caipiriha cocktail

    How to pronounce Caipirinha?

    Confession: I avoided ordering them for years because I had no clue how to pronounce this classic Brazilian drink. So let me help you:

    kai-peh-REEN-yah

    Caipirinha Ingredients

    Make sure to scroll down for the proportions and Caipirinha recipe, but these are what you'll need to make a Caipirinha:

    • Cachaça
    • Limes
    • Sugar
    caipiriha ingredients

    What kind of liquor is Cachaça?

    Contrary to popular belief, it is not rum. Cachaça is it's own thing entirely -- a Brazilian liquor made from distilled sugarcane juice. It must be made in Brazil, and it must bet between 38 and 40% alcohol by volume.

    What is the best cachaça?

    I find best to be extremely subjective. The only cachaça I can find locally is Leblon, so that's what I buy at home.

    However, out at restaurants, like Fogo to Chao and others, I've had several different types - including cachaça aged in wood! I have yet to find one I didn't enjoy, so leave the "best" up to your desired price point and palate. Keeping in mind that the wood aged version will have a more robust flavor ( and color ) from the wood, while the other versions may be a little lighter in flavor.

    best cachaca for caipirinhas

    What can I substitute for Cachaça?

    If you MUST substitute, start with Rum and call it a Caipiríssima. Realize that the flavor of cachaça is quite unique though and it will not be a perfect substitution.

    There are several other variations on a caipirinha that can be made with substitutions:

    • Vodka ( Caipiroska ) 
    • Tequila
    • Sake ( Sakerinha )
    • Add fruit in addition to the lime ( Caiprifruta )
    muddling limes

    What does a caipirinha taste like?

    Don't let all those limes fool you! This Brazilian cocktail packs a punch! It's bright and clean tasting, with the cachaca and lime juice, and the sugar adds just enough sweetness to pull it all together into a refreshing, boozy, drink.

    caipirinha cocktail recipe

    What is the difference between a mojito and caipirinha?

    While a caipirinha is made with cachaça, limes, and sugar, a mojito is made with rum, mint, and sugar. They are both clear, a little sweet, and muddled, but the drinks taste wildly different.

    Personally, I love caipirinhas and cannot stand mojitos! The only drink I enjoy mint in is a Mint Julep.

    caipiriha cocktail

    Caipirinha

    The classic Brazilian cocktail with limes, sugar, cachaca, and ice.
    4.25 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Servings: 1 cocktail

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces cachaca
    • 1 teaspoon sugar super fine if you can find it, otherwise a few pulses in a food processor can break it down for you
    • ½ lime cut into 4 wedges, white center pith removed

    Instructions

    • In a cocktail / rocks glass, muddle the lime wedges with the sugar. Fill the class with ice cubes, and top with cachaca.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @basilandbubbly or tag #basilandbubbly!
    caipirinha
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    Heyyyyyyy!

    My name is Marianne, and I'm two parts food, one part booze, and a dash of snark. I live in Atlanta, GA with my two cats. My personal motto: Champagne and stretchy pants. Sign up for my mailing list to keep up with the new and seasonal recipes!

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