Cocktail
Caipirinha
Caipirinha original recipe from Brazil - the cachaca cocktail with lime and cane sugar. How to muddle the limes properly for the perfect drink.
5 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
TumblerGlass
1Serving(s)
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail - strong, lime-forward and, with just four ingredients, wonderfully simple. The secret lies in the muddling: lime and cane sugar are worked directly in the glass so that juice, oils and sugar combine into an aromatic base.
Instructions
- Wash the lime, cut off the ends and cut into eight pieces.
- Add the lime pieces and cane sugar to a sturdy tumbler.
- Muddle firmly with the muddler until juice and sugar combine.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Pour the cachaca over the top, stir well and serve.
Garnish: Lime wedge on the glass rim
Pro tip: Roll the lime well before cutting and remove the white pith - it is bitter. Then muddle just firmly enough for the juice to come out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Caipirinha and a Mojito?
The Caipirinha is made with cachaca (sugarcane spirit), the Mojito with rum. The Caipirinha also contains no mint and no soda - it is stronger and more lime-forward.
What can I replace cachaca with?
If you have no cachaca, you can use white rum - then the drink is strictly speaking a Caipirissima. With vodka it becomes a Caipiroska.
Which sugar belongs in a Caipirinha?
Classically brown cane sugar. It fits the cachaca in flavour and dissolves well with the lime juice while muddling.
Ingredients
- Cachaca5 cl
- Lime (in pieces)1
- Brown cane sugar2 tsp
- Crushed ice
