Bring the Southern Hemisphere into your life with this exotic Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail! Lime, raw sugar, and Brazilian rum marry in this tropical cocktail!

This popular Brazilian cocktail is ideal for summer sipping on a hot evening. If you enjoy lime cocktails, this cachaça based drink is destined to become a new favorite!

Caipirinha Cocktail in a highball glass with a lime garnish.

Why You Must Make

  • It’s Brazil’s most popular cocktail!!
  • Lime and rum make it perfect for summer entertaining!
  • It’s been called Brazil’s version of the mojito.

Brazil’s most popular cocktail is quickly becoming one of mine, too. My first Caipirinha Cocktail (pronounced kai-pee-reen-ya) was at a book club meeting. Don’t I have fun friends? With our book selection, State of Wonder, set in Brazil, it seemed a natural addition to the menu.

How to Make

Making a caipirinha cocktail is quite simple. There are only 3 ingredients to put on your shopping list.

  • First, procure some Cachaça, which is a Brazilian rum made from fermented sugar cane. See more details below.
  • For the sweetener, raw sugar or a sugar syrup is traditional for this tropical cocktail.
  • Fresh limes are a must as they’re pulverized to release both the juices and the oils.
  • Use a cocktail muddler to crush your lime wedges.
  • Whether to use crushed ice or cubes is up to you. I prefer the crushed as it helps dilute this potent cocktail.
  • Limes are muddled with the raw sugar before the Cachaça and crushed ice are mixed in. The results are a cool, refreshing, yet strong beverage!
Two Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail in highball glasses.

Recipe Tips

  • These Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktails are strong and can really pack a punch. Make certain they are well stirred, so each cocktail has enough sugar. And as the crushed ice melts, the sips become sweeter and smoother.
  • Make sure to use fresh lime juice. If you try to make these Brazilian cocktails with bottled juice, the quality will suffer.
  • You can use sugar syrup or raw sugar for muddling the limes, and there is a debate as to whether to serve with crushed ice or ice cubes. The flavors are quite similar to a Daiquiri, but with a rustic appearance due to the pulverized lime pieces in the bottom of the glass.
  • I am certain these Caipirinha cocktails will be a hit with any Latin American fare. This August, our “little countryside” will be our backyard where the grill will be smoking, mosquitoes will be buzzing and fireflies glowing. Lots of laughter and maybe even a few fireworks. A tropical cocktail is apropos for any summer gathering!
Caipirinha Cocktail with a bottle of Cachaça.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cachaça?

Cachaça (ka-shah-suh) is made from the fermented juice of sugar cane vs. the molasses of ordinary rum. It’s also known as aguardente, pinga, and caninha.

What Do You Use to Muddle the Limes?

Muddling is when you crush or mash ingredients to help flavor a mixed drink. There is a special tool for muddling, that looks like a rod with a flat end, but you can also use a spoon.

What Does Caipirinha Mean?

The name, caipirinha, actually translates to “little countryside drink.

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    Caipirinha Cocktail in a highball glass with a lime garnish

    Caipirinha Cocktail

    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Yield 1 cocktail

    A Brazilian rum and lime cocktail

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces rum (Cachaça)
    • Half a lime, cut in quarters
    • 2 teaspoons raw sugar or ½ ounce simple syrup
    • Crushed ice

    Instructions

    1. Place lime pieces in the bottom of a high ball glass.
    2. Muddle the limes by pressing and twisting with a muddler.
    3. Add Cachaça, simple syrup or sugar, and crushed ice and stir.
    4. Garnish with a lime slice if desired.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    1

    Serving Size:

    1 glass

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 192Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g

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