The Caipirinha

CAIPIRINHA

        Known best as the national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha name comes from the word Caipira, which in Portuguese means someone from the countryside, or the equal to the US word hillbilly. Typically in this cocktail Cachaca liquor instead of rum.  Even though both  spirits are made from sugarcane products, Cachaca is made out of fermented fresh sugarcane and then distilled while, rum is most likely made out of refinery products such as molasses.    

     Now that you know a little history on the Caipirinha, now I will explain how to make the most refreshing cocktail that you and all of your friends will be enjoying on any Spring day through even the hottest Summer days.  First, you will need to have a Cachaca liquor to craft this amazing drink (personally I enjoy Leblon Cachaca because of its balance of sweetness to liquor taste).  Once you have your Cachaca you need FRESH lime juice (don't think cheating and buying that fake bar lime juice will cut your time and give you the same flavor... IT WON'T, trust me).  Some people say the traditional way to properly make this cocktail is using key limes. If you have the time and patience to cut and muddle a few dozen for your friends, perfect, but if you are like the average person you don't have time for all that.  So I use a half of a lime per cocktail (to get the most juice out of the lime roll it on the counter in the palm of your hand before cutting to help bring out the juices).  Finally you need sugar, pure sugarcane will work just fine. (If you have access to sugar packets even better because it makes you very consistent on every cocktail you make).

    Now its time to share the recipe for this cocktail:

• 2 oz. of your favorite Cachaca 

• 1/2 a lime cut in quarters

• 3 packets of pure sugarcane (3 teaspoons)

• Splash of soda water

    In an old fashioned glass put the quartered lime, sugar, and a dash of water (just enough water to help disolve the sugar).  Muddle the lime and sugar between 5-7 times to help bring out the lime juice.  Add the Cachaca liquor and ice.  Pour the whole cocktail into a shaker and slowly pour a little liquid back into the glass, swirl, and pour back into shaker (this is done to help get any sugar still in the old fashioned glass).  Now cover shaker and give it a good hard shake 5 times to help mix all ingredients.  Pour entire cocktail and add ice to fill glass, top with soda water and enjoy.