Caipirinha Recipe

Caipirinha recipe — Brazil's laid-back beach spirit in a glass — zero pretension, maximum chill. Made with cachaça. Originally from Brazil.

I'm that friend who shows up to every party with flip-flops and somehow makes everyone else overdressed. Born on Brazilian beaches, I keep things simple but never boring. While other cocktails are fussing with fancy ingredients, I'm just here with my lime, sugar, and cachaça having the time of my life.

In 2003, Brazil officially declared the Caipirinha as the country's national cocktail by federal decree. The government was so serious about protecting its recipe that they legally defined what can and cannot be called a Caipirinha.

Started as a folk remedy in 19th century Brazil, mixing cachaça with lime, garlic, and honey to fight the Spanish flu. Thankfully, someone smart dropped the garlic and kept the party going. It evolved from medicine to the ultimate beach drink that captures Brazil's relaxed soul.

Ingredients

• 1 whole lime (cut into 8 wedges)
• 2 tsp white sugar (or simple syrup)
• 2 oz cachaça (Brazilian rum)
• 1 cup crushed ice

Instructions

1. Add lime wedges and sugar to rocks glass and muddle gently to release oils.
2. Add cachaça and stir to dissolve sugar.
3. Fill with crushed ice and stir briefly to chill.

Category: cocktail | Difficulty: easy | Base spirit: cachaça | ABV: 18.0-22.0%

Origin: Brazil