Caipirinha
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Caipirinha
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.49 / 5
Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar and lime. Many variations exist, but the classic is widely mixed, drank and enjoyed!
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

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IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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(1918)
Base ingredient
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Cachaça
Calories
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224 calories
Alcohol content
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29.63% | 2.4 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

Tags

Cachaça ingredient icon
Cachaça cocktails
Cachaça ingredient icon
Top ten Cachaça cocktails

Lowball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lime cocktail ingredient icon for the Caipirinha cocktail
Lime
Sugar cocktail ingredient icon for the Caipirinha cocktail
Sugar
Cachaça cocktail ingredient icon for the Caipirinha cocktail
Cachaça
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Caipirinha is a delightful Brazilian classic that combines the zesty freshness of lime with the subtle sweetness of sugar, perfectly balanced by the bold kick of cachaça. This cocktail is a refreshing treat that's both tart and spirited, making it a lively choice for any occasion.

Method
How to make a Caipirinha

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
First cut up the lime wedges into small segments that will be easy to muddle and release the flavours from
Next, in a lowball glass muddle the sugar and lime wedges
Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour over the cachaça
Give it a quick stir and serve

Power tips
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Opt for younger, less aged cachaca for a brighter and more authentic taste in your Caipirinha.
Ensure the limes are fresh and juicy by rolling them under your palm before cutting to release more juice.
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Caipirinha masterclass

Master the craft of the Caipirinha cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Caipirinha

Made with cachaça—the sweeter, more refined cousin of dark rum—the Caipirinha (Kai-Pur-reen-Ya) has...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Muddle  ·  Stir  · 

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FAQ's

Faq icon

What is Cachaça and how does it differ from rum?

Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made from fresh sugarcane juice, while rum is typically made from molasses, a by-product of sugar production. Cachaça has a fresher, more vegetal flavor profile compared to the sweeter taste of most rums. It's the key ingredient in a Caipirinha, giving the cocktail its distinctive taste.

Faq icon

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a Caipirinha?

Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar to make a Caipirinha. Brown sugar will give the cocktail a deeper, slightly molasses-like flavor, which some may find to be an interesting variation. However, traditional Caipirinhas are made with white sugar, which dissolves easily and offers a clean, sweet taste.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Caipirinha?

Yes, there is a non-alcoholic version of the Caipirinha known as 'Caipirinha Sem Álcool' or Virgin Caipirinha. It follows the same recipe but substitutes the cachaça with a non-alcoholic ingredient like ginger ale, sparkling water, or a combination of lime and sugar syrup. This variation maintains the refreshing characteristics of the original cocktail.

Serving suggestions icon

How should I serve Caipirinha to bring out its best taste?

Caipirinha is best served in a lowball glass, over crushed or cubed ice. Make sure to muddle the lime and sugar together thoroughly before adding the cachaça, to ensure the sugar dissolves and releases the essential oils from the lime. Stir well before serving to integrate all the flavors. A garnish of lime wedge can add an extra touch.

Faq icon

What dishes pair well with a Caipirinha?

Caipirinha pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, especially spicy, fried, or salty foods. Its refreshing taste complements Brazilian cuisine like feijoada, barbecue, or seafood. Light salads, grilled chicken, or pork dishes also balance nicely with the cocktail's crisp and aromatic profile.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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