Cachaça cocktails are easy to make and fun to try. They give you the cool vibes of Brazil in every sip. There are some of the best Cachaça mixes waiting for you to discover!
Picture this: the lively streets of Brazil, music in the air, and one of the best drinks in hand that tells centuries-old stories. Welcome to the world of Cachaça cocktails! Cachaça is Brazil’s star sugarcane spirit and isn’t just any classic drink. Did you know it dates back to the 1500s, making it one of the oldest liquors in the Americas? And here’s a fun fact: Brazilians have a saying that there’s a Cachaça for every day of the year, with over 365 different brands to choose from! Ready to try these easy-to-make drinks and dance to the Brazilian rhythm?
15 Best Cachaça drinks and Recipes
Caipirinha
This is Brazil’s national drink known for its refreshing, tangy, and sweet flavors. Originating from the early 20th century, it was once believed to help combat the Spanish flu with its mix of lime and strong spirit.
Ingredients: Cachaça, lime, sugar
Batida
The Batida is a creamy and fruity beverage popular in Brazil, especially during festive seasons. The word “Batida” means “shaken” or “milkshake” in Portuguese, reflecting its smooth texture.
Ingredients: Cachaça, fruit juice (commonly coconut, passion fruit, or guava), sweetened condensed milk
Rabo de Galo
Translating to “Rooster’s Tail” in English, this cocktail is a simple mix but packs a punch. It’s a traditional drink often enjoyed in local bars.
Ingredients: Cachaça, red vermouth
Brazilian Mojito
A twist on the classic Mojito, this version incorporates flavors that are beloved in Brazil. The mint leaves give it a refreshing kick, making it a favorite on hot days.
Ingredients: Cachaça, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, soda water
Passion Fruit Caipirinha
This drink takes the classic recipe and adds a tropical twist with passion fruit. Its vibrant color and unique taste make it a standout choice for those trying something different.
Ingredients: Cachaça, passion fruit, sugar
Cachaça Sour
This is reminiscent of the classic Whiskey Sour but with a Brazilian flair. The egg white gives it a smooth texture and a foamy top.
Ingredients: Cachaça, lime juice, sugar, egg white
Bitter in Brazil
This cocktail is a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet for those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile. It’s a modern concoction that showcases the versatility of its main spirit.
Ingredients: Cachaça, bitter liqueur, lime juice, sugar
Brazil 66
Named after the famous band “Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ’66”, this caipirinha variation is a popular blend of tangy and sweet. The addition of orange flavors adds another dimension to the original cocktail.
Ingredients: Cachaça, lime juice, simple syrup, orange juice, orange liqueur
Brazilian Buck
A spicy and zesty concoction, the Brazilian Buck is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule. The ginger beer provides a fiery kick, while the lime juice balances it with its tanginess. It’s a refreshing drink perfect for those who like a bit of spice in their life.
Ingredients: Cachaça, ginger beer, lime juice, sugar
Brazilian Coffee
Combining Brazil’s love for coffee and spirits, this cocktail is a rich and creamy delight. It’s like having your morning coffee with a Brazilian twist. The whipped cream on top adds a touch of indulgence, making it a perfect after-dinner treat.
Ingredients: Cachaça, brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, whipped cream
Brazilian Sunrise
This cocktail is a beautiful blend of citrusy and sweet flavors. The grenadine gives it a stunning sunrise effect, making it delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients: Cachaça, orange juice, grenadine, lime juice
Caipirinha Coffee
A unique fusion of Brazil’s national drink and its beloved coffee. This drink is both energizing and refreshing, making it a great choice for those looking for a pick-me-up with a twist.
Ingredients: Cachaça, brewed coffee, sugar, whipped cream
Cachaça Old Fashioned
This drink infuses a Brazilian twist into the classic Old Fashioned. By swapping out whiskey for Cachaça, this drink offers a unique blend of sweetness, bitterness, and the distinct flavor of sugarcane.
Ingredients: Cachaça, sugar cube, Angostura bitters, orange twist
Brazilian Mule
This is a tropical take on the traditional Moscow Mule and combines ginger beer’s spiciness with its main spirit’s unique flavor. It’s a fizzy drink that’s perfect for warm days.
Ingredients: Cachaça, ginger beer, lime juice
Strawberry Caipirinha
Adding a fruity twist to the classic recipe, the Strawberry Caipirinha is a sweet and tangy delight. The strawberries give it a vibrant red hue and a burst of flavor, making it a favorite during summer gatherings.
Ingredients: Cachaça, strawberries, lime, sugar
Top 6 Cachaça Brands to Use in Cocktails
Our DrinksWorld specialists and cachaça-loving bartenders selected their favorite brands. Here’s what they recommend:
1. Leblon
Leblon stands out as a premium brand in the world of cachaça. This brand is produced in the Minas Gerais region and offers a smooth and refined taste. Its distillation in copper stills and aging in vintage XO Cognac casks give it a unique flavor. Many bartenders prefer Leblon for crafting high-end cocktails.
2. Novo Fogo
Novo Fogo is an organic brand known for its sustainability. The brand emphasizes environmental responsibility, using zero-waste methods. Its clean and bright taste makes it a favorite for many classic cocktails.
3. Ypióca
Ypióca has been around since 1846 and is one of the oldest brands. It’s Produced in Ceará and aged in barrels made from the local freijó wood. This aging process imparts a distinct flavor to the spirit. Its rich history and unique taste make it a staple in many bars.
4. Avuá
Avuá is a brand that celebrates the diverse flavors of Brazil. Each bottle showcases the unique terroir of the region where the sugarcane grows. They offer a range of aged cachaças, each with its own character.
5. Pitu
Pitu is a popular brand in Brazil and abroad and is recognizable by its bright red shrimp logo. It has a light and crisp taste, making it versatile for various cocktails. Whether you’re making a simple Caipirinha or a more complex concoction, Pitu is a reliable choice.
6. Velho Barreiro
Velho Barreiro is known for its traditional production methods. It has a slightly sweet profile with a hint of warmth, making it great for sipping or mixing. Its golden hue and smooth finish are famous.
Types of Cachaça
Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made by distilling fermented sugarcane juice. There are various types, each with its distinct flavors and production methods.
- Traditional is the most common type, made from fresh sugarcane juice. It’s typically aged in wooden barrels, which impart unique flavors to the spirit.
- White, also known as “silver” or “classic,” is usually not aged. It’s clear and has a sharp, robust sugarcane flavor. It’s often used in cocktails like the Caipirinha.
- Aged is stored in wooden barrels for extended periods. The type of wood used for aging can vary, with some popular choices being oak, amburana, and jequitibá. This aging process gives a golden hue and a more complex flavor profile.
- Gold is aged for shorter periods, usually less than a year. It has a light golden color and a milder flavor than those aged longer.
More Brazilian drinks:
Besides the famous Cachaça cocktails, Brazil has many other cocktails and mixed drinks worth trying.
- Caipiroska: A variant of the famous Caipirinha, it uses vodka instead of Cachaça, mixed with lime, sugar, and crushed ice.
- Batida de Coco: This is a creamy cocktail made with coconut cream, condensed milk, and typically vodka.
- Maracujá Mule (Passion Fruit Mule): A Brazilian twist on the Moscow Mule, it combines vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and passion fruit.
FAQs
- How is Cachaça different from rum? While both are made from sugarcane, Cachaça is made from fresh sugarcane juice, whereas rum is often made from molasses.
- What mixers go well with Cachaça? Lime, sugar, tropical fruits, and soda are common mixers used with Cachaça.
- What glassware is best for Cachaça cocktails? A short glass or tumbler is typically used, but it depends on the cocktail.
Cachaça Cocktails: Rabo de Galo Recipe (and 14 More Drinks!)
Try this simple Rabo de Galo recipe from Brazil! Made with Cachaça and red vermouth, it’s a cool choice for a drink.
Ingredients
- 1⅔ oz Cachaça
- ¾ oz red Vermouth - sweet Vermouth
- ⅓ oz Cynar
- Ice cubes
- Lime or orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirring Glass
- Cocktail Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Cynar: Pour ⅓ oz Cynar into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and add ¾ oz red Vermouth.
- Add Cachaça: Finally, add 1⅔ oz Cachaça to the mix.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take the Old Fashioned glass and use the cocktail strainer to remove any excess water inside. Add more ice if necessary and strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime or orange twist (express the lime zest on top of the drink and then place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside) and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Cachaça: If you don't have cachaça, you can use white agricole rum as a substitute. It won't have the same unique flavor profile as cachaça, but it will still make a tasty cocktail.
- Red Vermouth: Any kind of sweet or red vermouth can be used to make this cocktail. Feel free to experiment with different vermouths of your liking!
- Cynar: You can try using another amaro (bitter liqueur) as a replacement for the Cynar. Our suggestions would be to try first with Punt e Mes, Averna or Fernet Branca.
Making a Pitcher of Rabo de Galo:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 13 oz of cachaça, 6 oz of red vermouth and 2½ oz of Cynar.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the cachaça, red vermouth and Cynar. Add ice and stir well. Give it a taste and stir again if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses and garnish with a lime or orange twist. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container as vermouth is prone to oxidation when kept at room temperature.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Cachaça Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic cachaça or white rum substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic rum's flavor.
- Red Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic red vermouth substitute; these are usually widely available in liquor stores.
- Cynar Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif, or simply omit the Cynar and substitute it with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters; the final drink will indeed chemically contain a drop of alcohol, but won’t make you intoxicated at all. Depending on your reason for not drinking alcohol and your degree of tolerance on the topic, this can also be a suitable option.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
