Brazilian Classic Caipirinha

Caipirinha

Ingredients (1 cocktail):

• 2 oz cachaça

• 1 lime, quartered

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• Ice (crushed or cubed)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the lime & sugar
   In a sturdy rocks glass, add lime wedges (cut into 8 chunks) and sugar. Muddle firmly to extract juice and oils from the peel. Don’t pulverize the peel — just crush enough to release flavor.

2. Add cachaça
   Pour in 2 oz of cachaça.

3. Add ice
   Fill the glass with crushed ice (or regular cubes if that’s what you have). Stir well to mix everything.

4. Garnish (optional)
   Add a thin lime wheel or wedge for decoration.

🥃 Notes:

• Cachaça is not rum — it’s made from fresh sugarcane juice, not molasses. Popular brands: Leblon, Ypióca, Novo Fogo.

• No shaker needed — it’s built right in the glass.

• The sugar granules are traditional (vs. syrup) and add texture.

Variations:

• Caipiroska: Use vodka instead of cachaça.

• Caipirissima: Use white rum.

• Fruit caipirinhas: Add muddled berries, passion fruit, mango, or pineapple for a tropical twist.