Beat the heat with this quick Aguardiente Caipirinha recipe! Blend Aguardiente, lime, and cane sugar syrup to make a perfect summer cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
169
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aguardiente - preferably anise-flavored
- ¾ oz cane sugar syrup
- ½ lime - cut into wedges
- Crushed ice
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Muddler
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Straw
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Place the lime wedges into your Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Sugar and Muddle: Pour ¾ oz cane sugar syrup. Using a muddler, crush the lime in order to release as much juice as possible.
- Add Aguardiente: Add 2 oz Aguardiente into the glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, churn well to combine the ingredients.
- Add Ice: Add a straw and top up with more crushed ice, creating a mounded top.
- Serve: Enjoy as is, or garnish with an additional lime wedge if desired.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Aguardiente: Aguardiente being a vast category of spirits, you can use any kind of aguardiente you like to prepare this cocktail: whether it is grain, sugar cane or fruit-based aguardiente, feel free to experiment with different kinds and bottles when preparing this cocktail. If you don't have Aguardiente at all, you can use white rum as a substitute (to make a classic Mojito). As one of the most famous kinds of Aguardiente is anise-flavored Aguardiente, you can replicate this flavor by using light rum as a base for your cocktail and adding just a bar spoon of white absinthe of Pastis. You can also use light rum and substitute the cane sugar syrup with anise-flavored syrup if you’re looking for a way to recreate the subtle anise flavor or Aguardiente.
- Lime: In a pinch, lemon can replace lime. It changes the taste a bit but still provides that citrusy kick.
- Cane Sugar Syrup: You can make your own sugar at home by dissolving 1 part cane sugar into 1 part water over low heat. If you prefer a less sweet drink or are watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup. For a different texture, you can also use granulated cane sugar instead of syrup: add one teaspoon of sugar (you can add more later if necessary) the glass right after the lime wedges and muddle these two together in order to start dissolving the sugar in the lime juice.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Aguardiente Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic light rum substitute and replace the cane sugar syrup with anise-flavored syrup to recreate the signature anise flavor of Aguardiente.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using the non-alcoholic substitute instead of Aguardiente.
Making it Vegan:
The Aguardiente Caipirinha is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including aguardiente, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan. The same goes for the sugar & sugar syrup, as some sugars are processed using bone char; to avoid this problem, stick to organic brown sugar when making your cane sugar syrup.What is an Aguardiente Caipirinha?
An Aguardiente Caipirinha is a cocktail made of Aguardiente, lime, and cane sugar syrup. This drink offers a unique and easy twist on traditional caipirinhas by using Aguardiente instead of cachaça, giving it a distinct flavor profile that’s both zesty and sweet.
What is an Aguardiente Caipirinha made of – The ingredients
Start with these ingredients to make an Aguardiente Caipirinha:
- Aguardiente: Provides the base spirit with a unique, slightly sweet, and anise-flavored profile.
- Lime: Adds a fresh, citrusy tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the drink’s zesty flavor.
- Cane Sugar Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail and helps to mellow out the strong flavors of Aguardiente.
- Crushed Ice: Chills the drink and dilutes the intense flavors slightly as it melts.
