Mix the ultimate Caipirinha cocktail, Brazil’s national drink, with this authentic recipe using cachaça, fresh lime, and sugar. It’s citrusy, strong, and endlessly refreshing — perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or tropical escapes.
Place lime wedges in a rocks glass (cut-side up).
Add sugar directly on top.
Muddle firmly to extract juice and oils from the lime.
Don’t pulverize the peel — just enough pressure to release flavor and mix with the sugar.
Fill the glass with crushed ice or cracked cubes.
Pour in the cachaça over the ice.
Stir well from the bottom up to mix the sugar, lime, and spirit.
Garnish with a lime wheel or nothing at all — this drink is rustic and proud of it.
Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew)
Grilled meats or churrasco
Spicy seafood dishes like moqueca
Fried cassava or plantain chips
Tropical fruit skewers with lime zest
The bold citrus and sugarcane notes pair beautifully with rich, salty, or spicy dishes.
Use good quality cachaça — it’s the heart of the cocktail. Look for artisanal or aged versions for depth.
Don’t substitute rum — cachaça has its own earthy, grassy profile that defines the Caipirinha.
Prefer a lighter version? Use less cachaça and add a splash of soda water (though that’s not traditional).
Want a fruity twist? Try muddling in berries, pineapple, or passion fruit for variations.
Granulated sugar gives the best grit — it slowly dissolves and adds texture.
The Caipirinha is deeply woven into Brazilian culture, especially in beach towns, backyard barbecues, and Carnival celebrations. It originated in the early 20th century, possibly as a medicinal drink with lime, garlic, and honey — thankfully, only the lime survived!
1 servings