Got biceps?
Good, because Brazil’s national cocktail requires strength (to mash up the limes).
The caipirinha [pron: kie-purr-REEN-yah] is made with fresh limes, simple syrup, crushed ice and cachaça — a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice.
“It’s very refreshing … since it’s a typical drink from Brazil. It’s a mix of lemonade and a mojito … but uniquely Brazilian,” said Rafael Thome, bartender at Minas Brazilian Steakhouse in Calgary.
Although you can make different variations with kiwi, watermelon, or strawberry — the authentic version features fresh limes.
Brazil’s national cocktail is made with fresh limes, sugar, crushed ice and cachaça, a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice. (Atiba Nelson/CBC)
What you’ll need
- Two limes
- Lime juice
- Cachaça
- Crushed ice
- Simple syrup (mix two parts water, one part sugar)
And the winner in the summer drink category is the national cocktail of Brazil — the caipirinha. (Atiba Nelson/CBC)
On your mark, get set — mash!
Cut one lime into wedges and place the wedges into a glass. Mash the limes to release the juice and sour pulp into the glass.
In a separate glass, prepare the simple syrup mixture by stirring together two parts water, one part sugar. Now add it to your glass of mushy limes.
Pour one ounce of cachaça and half an ounce of lime juice into the glass and top with crushed ice. Stir or vigorously shake the glass.
You’re done! Saúde!