Caipirinha

Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, and lime

A refreshing caipirinha cocktail served in Highgate.

The caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail that is known for its refreshing taste and simple ingredients. It is made with cachaça, a distilled spirit derived from sugarcane juice, along with sugar and lime. The caipirinha is considered the national cocktail of Brazil and is enjoyed both domestically and internationally.

Ingredients and Preparation

The classic caipirinha is made using the following ingredients:

• 50 ml of cachaça
• 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons of sugar

To prepare a caipirinha, the lime is cut into wedges and muddled with sugar in a glass to release the lime juice and essential oils from the peel. Cachaça is then added, and the mixture is stirred with ice. The cocktail is typically served in a short glass, often garnished with a lime wedge.

Variations

While the traditional caipirinha uses lime, there are several popular variations that incorporate different fruits and flavors. Some of these include:

• Caipifruta: A variation that includes additional fruits such as strawberries, passion fruit, or kiwi.
• Caipiroska: A version that substitutes vodka for cachaça.
• Caipirissima: A variation that uses rum instead of cachaça.

Cultural Significance

The caipirinha is more than just a cocktail; it is a symbol of Brazilian culture and hospitality. It is commonly served at social gatherings, celebrations, and festivals throughout Brazil. The drink's popularity has spread globally, and it is often featured on cocktail menus in bars and restaurants around the world.

Caipirinha with lime.

History

The origins of the caipirinha are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the state of São Paulo. The name "caipirinha" is derived from the word "caipira," which is a term used to describe someone from the countryside in Brazil. The drink was initially consumed as a remedy for the Spanish flu, with garlic and honey added to the mix.

Related pages

• Cachaça
• Cocktail
• Brazilian cuisine