Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail
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!
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!
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
The name, caipirinha, actually translates to “little countryside drink.
You May Also Like
- Lillet Aperitif
- St Germain Gin and Tonic
- Kir Royale
- Beer Margaritas
- Hawaiian Sunset Cocktail
- More Cocktail Recipes
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- 2 ounces rum (Cachaça)
- Half a lime, cut in quarters
- 2 teaspoons raw sugar or ½ ounce simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Place lime pieces in the bottom of a high ball glass.
- Muddle the limes by pressing and twisting with a muddler.
- Add Cachaça, simple syrup or sugar, and crushed ice and stir.
- Garnish with a lime slice if desired.
Caipirinha Cocktail
A Brazilian rum and lime cocktail
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 glassAmount Per Serving: Calories: 192Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g
62 Comments on “Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail”
There’s no way I can wait until next summer to try this. I think I’d enjoy it no matter what the season!
You drink at your book club?! I think I better move your direction! What great discussions you must have. I’ve always loved this little drink and usually have it with lots of fresh mint. My bottle is empty!
This sounds so refreshing — perfect for a late summer party. And I am intrigued by Cachaça. I don’t think I have ever had it but now I’d like to. Yum!
I am planning on spending a lot of time in the pool this weekend with THIS drink in my hand! It sounds amazing.
I just love a Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail! I may have enjoyed one too many in one evening a couple of times lol.
My husband absolutely fell in love with these when he had to travel to Brazil on business. When he got home, he recreated it at home and then I fell in love with them, too! Looks great! I think we need to make this again this weekend!
Cachaça is such good stuff! And it’s fantastic in this drink. Your version looks perfect — thanks.
Yes, caipirinha…although I was young and could not drink…now every time at Brazilian restaurant ordering a caipirinha is a must…great recipe Liz.
Have a great week!
That looks really refreshing! Thanks so much for all of the information about the special rum! Now I’m on a quest.
I absolutely want my resident mixologist to make these for me. These could be a weekly thing over here!
This cocktail looks seriously refreshing, Liz! Love all of your great tips as always!
I love rum drinks! I’ve never heard of this one, and would love to try it!!
I have always wanted to try one of these cocktails. Thanks for all the tips on how to make it!!
I haven’t had a caipirinha since 2006 when our Brazilian exchange student’s family sent 3 bottles of cachaca from his grandfather’s farm! Great memories and a beautiful cocktail! I’m looking forward to making them soon.
What a lovely refreshing cocktail. I could just do with one right now as we’re having a heatwave here in the UK.
I was looking for a new cocktail recipe and this one was perfect. Everyone loved it!
My parents brought me a bottle of cachaça and it has sat in my cupboard as I didn’t know what to do with it. Then I found this recipe. These were just delicious!!! Thank you
My girls and I are getting ready to go out dancing, thinking we will whip up a few of these to get us in the mood. Lovely and refreshing. 🙂
This is a very potent cocktail. You can add a SPLASH of sprite to make it a milder drink without changing the overall taste too much.
Great idea! I found it was much more palatable once the ice started melting 🙂
I saw this drink being made on TV a few years ago and have wondering about it ever since. I sense it’s the kind of thing that will quickly leave me on my butt and don’t get me started wondering about your “book group.” Hahahahaha
I just love your book club-so much fun! And you know I’m not much of a real drink drinker-but this is one of my favorites…especially when it’s made right. Looks fantastic, Lizzy! xx
your book club sounds a lot like mine! this looks like the perfect summer cocktail! I’ll close my eyes and imagine my feet in the sand! cheers!
I want to join your book club! Citrus/rum drinks are my summer time favorites. Usually, I make mojitos, just because I knew how. Now I can add caiprinhas! Thanks!
I love how your book club rolls… you’re a wild one Lizzy! This cocktail looks yummy. 🙂
I would like to join your book club. I love this drink, too! And I am so happy you drink and bake. Or is it bake and drink? Have fun on the 4th!
Interesting post! You can even make something like that look good in photos. You’re good, Lizzy!
Anything with lime in refreshing drink is my favorite,great coctail recipe for the party 🙂
This is a perfect summer garden party cocktail!
Oh my…I’m getting thirsty just by looking at your cocktail! I haven’t try a Caipirinha yet but from your description and ingredient list, I know I’ll love it. 🙂
WOW! This sounds like something I would love!
I’m so ignorant when it comes to cocktails…wouldn’t know one from another. Sounds like a very nice and refreshing cocktail for the summer. Cheers! xoxo
Well, it looks like I chose the perfect time to drop by for a visit. I sure could use that drink right about now. Is Okay if I don’t wait for the 4th? It has been steaming in my neck of the woods and a cool refreshing drink with a bit of newness would sure hit the spot! Now, the question remains, what’s for dessert???
Thank you so much for sharing, Liz…I’ve been meaning to get here for days. So glad I picked tonight!
Such a great drink! This has become one of my summer favorites – so refreshing in hot weather. It’ll be great for your July 4th blowout!
Now this is one cocktail that I am definitely going to have to indulge in . . . and quite soon, I might add! Cheers and salute’, Liz!
xo
Roz
Now there’s a word I can’t spell. I love your lime muddling gadget – another item for my wish list. This cocktail looks like the perfect way to cool down after a hot day xx
My kids would love this! Thanks Lizzy, love your presentation too, those colors are my favorite!
This is my husband’s favorite drink. We had them nonstop during our honeymoon in Costa Rica.
This looks so refreshing!!! A glass of this is what I need right now. I love any cocktail with lime in it. Great post Liz!
I´m posting a cherry version (with vodka) this sunday for SS. Who knew you were a caipirinha kind of person! I adore it, and we all do in this city. The small green limes are called caipirinha limes, so you get the idea. About the ice, depends on your drinking speed: use crushed if you down it quickly and cubes if you´re the kind who can wait and sip it slowly. You need to water it down before you drink it, otherwise it´s pure cachaça!
This is right on time Liz thank you. The kids are coming home in a couple of weeks and this will be a hit for sure. Your dessert menu will be a piece of cake!!!
I love the colour and the flavour of this cocktail 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This looks refreshingly delicious! Last year we received a bottle of Cachaça from a Brazilian friend and it is still unopened, but thank to you not for long 🙂
Cheers,
Judit
Yum and looks so refreshing too. Must get me some rum…
Brazilian tip: you can try this out with any fruit you like, and you can change the liquor for vodka or saque. My favorite version is vodka with strawberries! 😉
Oh, that sounds incredible! I will try a strawberry version next! Thank you, Bel!
This sounds like such a refreshing and brilliant drink to cool down with! Will definitely be a winner at any gathering or party 🙂
I am a big fan of this cocktail, it has been too long since I had one. I’ll have one of your glasses for sure 🙂
I know a lot of people that love this drink, but have yet to enjoy a glass myself. Might have to change that now that I know exactly what’s in it!
Caipirinha was in fashion here in Greece in the 80’s and 90’s! I consumed quite a few of these babies during my college years haha! You reminded me of my youth my friend! Delicious cocktail!
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?!
Liz, I am so ignorant about cocktails. I didn’t even know this mix existed which made me come here out of curiosity. Besides, I always visit you, to check up on your posts. 🙂 Love the color captured in these photos.
Love caiprinha… Its almost like a mojito but a different rum… Great drink!
That refreshingly delicious boozy drink will surely makes me happy !
This drink is one of my favorites-especially good when the temperature rises! Nice photos;-). I’m sure the desserts at your 4th of July party will be over the top amazingly good 😉
Ooooo, does this sound refreshing and wonderful for a hot summer day!
A very refreshing and delicious summer drink. Thanks for introducing it 🙂
Oh, this drink makes me happy. It reminds me of a mojito, but without the mint. I think I want to come to your 4th gathering.
Here in Portugal we have a big brazilian comunity, so caipirinhas are one of our most popular drinks! In fact, there are a lot of wonderful variations: caipiroska (with black vodka), caipirão (with a wonderful national drink called Licor Beirão) and caipirinha with red fruits… They are delicious 🙂
Have a nice day 🙂
Well I’m glad you got the most important thing figured out first:@) Sounds like a great drink for a hot day!
Lime tartness swirled with heady rum has got to be a celebration. My brother lives in Brazil so now I can impress him with my knowledge about the countryside caipirinha drink =)
What a refreshing summer cocktail, love the lime!