Sip into summer with this straightforward Caipirinha recipe! Made with Cachaça, fresh lime, and sugar, this Brazilian cocktail is a refreshment perfect for any hot day.
Prep time:
1 minute minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
218
Ingredients
- 2 oz Cachaça
- 5 lime wedges - to extract lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Lime wedge - to garnish
Equipment
- Muddler
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Place 5 lime wedges in the Old Fashioned glass.
- Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to the mix.
- Muddle: Use a muddler to crush the lime and sugar together. You're doing this to release the lime juice, but you don't want to pulverize it into a pulp. Aim to press the limes to release the juice, but don't smash it into pieces. The sugar will help extract the juice from the lime.
- Add Cachaça: Pour 2 oz Cachaça into the glass over the lime and sugar mixture.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Stir: Use a spoon to stir the ingredients together well. You want to blend the sugar into the Cachaça and mix the lime evenly.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with crushed ice one more time.
- Garnish: garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Cachaça: If you can't find Cachaça, white rum makes a decent substitute. It's not the same, but it works. I've also used vodka, but keep in mind that it will lack the unique sugarcane flavor of Cachaça.
- Sugar: You can use granulated sugar if you're out of simple syrup. I usually go for 2 bar spoons of sugar. It dissolves easily and does the trick.
- Lime: Lemon can replace lime if you're in a pinch. It changes the flavor profile but still tastes great.
Making a Pitcher of Caipirinha:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, you'll need 8 limes, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 16 oz of Cachaça.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, muddle the limes and simple syrup first. Then add the Cachaça and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Cachaça Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic white grape juice or apple juice as a substitute for Cachaça. Add a splash of lime juice to mimic the complexity of the alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a refreshing, alcohol-free Caipirinha.
Making it Vegan:
The original recipe is already vegan, so no modifications are necessary. Ensure that the sugar you're using is vegan, as some sugar brands use bone char in the refining process.What is a Caipirinha?
A Caipirinha is a cocktail with Cachaça, lime, and sugar. Many consider it Brazil’s national drink, and it’s a go-to for those looking for something refreshing and straightforward. The name Caipirinha is derived from the Portuguese word “caipira,” which refers to someone from the countryside, highlighting its rustic origins. You don’t need to be a bartender to appreciate a Caipirinha. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) lists the Caipirinha as a “Contemporary Classic” to show its wide popularity and current appeal.
What is a Caipirinha made of – The ingredients
This is what you need to make a Caipirinha:
- Cachaça: The backbone of the cocktail, providing the alcoholic kick and distinct sugarcane flavor.
- Lime: Adds tartness and citrus notes, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
- Sugar: Sweetens the drink and helps to muddle the lime, extracting its juice.
- Ice cubes: Chill the cocktail, making it refreshing and enjoyable.