Caipirinha – celebrating the World Cup with Brazil’s national drink

We are now into Week Two of this year’s World Cup, hosted by Brazil. Maybe, like most Americans, you just aren’t into it. Personally, I’m excited by the non-stop world-class soccer that is being played over the next few weeks. All that national pride! All that amazing play! All those hot players! And USA winning their first game!!! I think the best way to celebrate this year’s World Cup in Brazil is to sip the official cocktail of Brazil – the Caipirinha.

Cachaça – the most popular spirit of Brazil

Similar to the mojito or the margarita, the caipirinha reigns supreme in Brazil. Like the margarita, the caipirinha is a lime sour – mixing spirits with sugar and lime juice. What sets it apart is the main ingredient – cachaça – a distilled spirit that is similar to rum. Unlike rum, which is distilled from cane sugar molasses, cachaça is distilled from fermented cane sugar syrup. Made almost exclusively in Brazil, it is now readily available in the U.S. I always use the light cachaça, even though it does come in a dark, aged version as well.

Caipirinha recipe

1 1/2 ounces Cachaça (Brazilian rum)
2 tsp. simple syrup (or 2 teaspoons of brown sugar)
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
Club Soda

Drop the lime wedges into the bottom of a tall cocktail glass. Crush the limes against the bottom of the glass with a muddler or a sturdy wooden spoon to release all of their juices and the oil from the lime peels. Add the simple syrup (or brown sugar) and cachaça. Muddle again to mix with the lime. Add ice and stir to mix. It’s ready to serve! 

I actually like to top mine off with sparkling water or Club Soda, to give it more fizz. That’s not really “official” but I do think that it makes it more refreshing.

If you’re not sure how to SAY Caipirinha (it IS a Portuguese word), just click on this helpful YouTube video.

How to Pronounce Caipirinha

Saúde (or Cheers)!!