Photo by adrivdm
Once a boozy secret for South American travelers, Brazil’s potent cocktail has become “the new mojito”. Here’s how to make one in the privacy of your own home.
There are multiple variations on the Caipirinha but we’re going straight down the middle for the classic recipe. The most important thing to remember in Caipirinhaland is to search for the best ingredients – there are only three, so don’t panic.
Make sure to use fresh limes. Stay away from ones that are wrinkled and overly mushy. Also be sure to use superfine sugar because it muddles better.
Photo: harryharris
The most important ingredient is the Cachaça, a potent alcohol made from sugarcane (whereas rum is usually made from molasses). Anyone who’s had a few of these drinks will tell you the same thing – beware of overindulging, as Cachaça ranges from 75 proof and up.
To make one drink, cut the limes into 8 wedges and muddle them in a mixing glass. If you don’t have muddling tools, one end of a rolling pin will do in a pinch. Add two teaspoons of superfine sugar and pummel the whole thing some more, until the fruit is broken and the sugar has seeped into the juice.
Add ice, preferably smaller cubes, then add two ounces of Cachaça into the glass and give it a strong shake. Pour the whole thing into an old-fashioned glass.
Garnishing tip: Take one more piece of lime, give it a slice down the middle and coat it with a little bit of sugar, then chuck it on the side of the glass.
Yum Yum
Matador has much more food and drink if you’re hankering for a hunger. Cocktail lovers should also check out our recent alternative martini recipes.
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8 Comments... join the discussion!
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Damn– too bad it’s only 1 PM here. Too early for happy hour. :0
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Such a simple drink, but so, so easy to fuck up. I’ve never made a decent one, but when mixed by a pro – holy crap. Delicious.
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Technically, muddled drinks aren’t supposed to be garnished.
Just being snarky. Coming from a restaurant that features 30 brands of cachaca, I can vouch for the correctness of these instructions. Unrefined sugar works best.
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mmmm limey…!
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My FAVORITE drink. First one I ever had was in Bremen, Germany in ‘02. That nice Brazilian-German exchange.
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If I may suggest some variations for those ready to expand:
Try other fruits. The more acidic, the better. It balances it out the sugar and tames the bite of the alcohol. I suggest:
- pinapple
- kiwis
- red berries
- passion fruit
- persian limesSome bars in São Paulo get really creative. I’ve had an incredible starfruit and basil capirinha.
Tchim!
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You are supposed to use big fat rocky sugar! Not that fine shit…
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