The Caipirinha: Brazil’s National Cocktail

Composed of cachaça, limes and sugar, the Caipirinha (pronounced kie-purr-REEN-yah) is Brazil’s national cocktail.  Cachaça is the most commonly distilled alcohol in Brazil, and is often referred to as “Brazilian rum.”  But unlike rum, which is distilled from the sugar byproduct, molasses, cachaça is distilled from fermented sugar cane juice.

Not too long ago, the Caipirinha was a drink only enjoyed in Brazil, in large part because cachaça, especially good cachaça, wasn’t readily available outside of Brazil.  But in recent years the drink has begun to experience a revival and is popping up on cocktail menus across the world.  Hell, even TGI Friday’s offers a version of the Caipirinha, though it’s usually flavored and overly sweet.

Ingredients:

2 ounces cachaça
1 medium lime, cut into wedges
2 teaspoons fine sugar

Add lime and sugar to an old fashioned glass and muddle.  Add crushed ice, then cachaça, and stir.

Cachaça isn’t always easy to find, but many liquor stores will carry at least one brand.  Some available cachaças include Cabana, Leblon and Heaven Hill’s Agua Luca.