Caipirinha is an iconic Brazilian drink that has captured the taste buds of people worldwide. Made from cachaça, a sugarcane-based spirit similar to rum, this beverage is crafted with fresh lime, sugar, and crushed ice. Caipirinha is refreshing and perfect for enjoying on hot days. Here are some caipirinha recipes that you can easily prepare at home to surprise your friends with an authentic Brazilian flavor.
It’s said that caipirinha is a typical São Paulo aperitif. Some even prepare caipirinha with great care, using a mortar and pestle exclusively for crushing the lime. Of course, it’s essential to note that this mortar and pestle should not be the same ones used for garlic, for obvious reasons!
4 CAIPIRINHA RECIPES
1) Classic Caipirinha
INGREDIENTS
- 1 slice of lime, with peel
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (lightly packed)
- 1/2 glass (of the kind used for mixing or cocktails)
- Good-quality cachaça
- 2 tablespoons of cold water (water is crucial, as connoisseurs say)
- Crushed ice to taste
PREPARATION
- Thoroughly muddle the lime with the sugar, using a muddler or the back of a knife.
- Add the cachaça and mix well.
- Then, add the cold water and ice, and serve immediately.
2) Gim Caipirinha
Make it like the classic caipirinha, but using 2 parts gin and 1 part cachaça.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 slice of lime, with peel
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (full)
- 1/2 cup (size suitable for serving a shake or cocktail)
- 2 parts gin
- 1 part good-quality cachaça
- 2 tablespoons of cold water (water is crucial, as connoisseurs say)
- Crushed ice to taste
PREPARATION
- Thoroughly muddle the lime with the sugar, using a muddler and a mortar or the back of a knife.
- Then, add the cachaça and gin, mix well, add cold water, and ice.
- Prepare it just like the classic caipirinha, but use 2 parts of gin and 1 part of cachaça.
- Serve immediately.
3) Rum Caipirinha
Follow exactly the same recipe as above, replacing the cachaça with rum, light or dark, to taste. This variation results in a more sophisticated drink, but true caipirinha lovers prefer authentic brandy.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 slice of lime, with peel
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 cup (size suitable for serving a shake or cocktail)
- 1 part rum, light or dark, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cold water (water is crucial, as connoisseurs say)
- Crushed ice to taste
PREPARATION
- Thoroughly muddle the lime with the sugar, using a muddler and a mortar or the back of a knife.
- Then, add the rum, mix well, add cold water, ice, and serve immediately.
- Proceed exactly as in the classic caipirinha recipe, replacing the cachaça with rum, whether light or dark, to your taste.
It’s a more sophisticated drink, but true caipirinha connoisseurs prefer it with authentic cachaça.
4) Caipirovska – Vodka Caipirinha Recipes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 slice of lime, with peel
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (full)
- 1/2 cup (size suitable for serving a shake or cocktail)
- 1 part vodka
- 2 tablespoons of cold water (water is crucial, as connoisseurs say)
- Crushed ice to taste
PREPARATION
- Prepare it as explained in the gim caipirinha recipe, using 2 parts of vodka and 1 part of cachaça. This version is called “caipirovska.”
Find more drink recipes in our dedicated chapter on BRAZILIAN BEVERAGES. Enjoy!
COCTELERÍA
COCINA BRASILEÑA
CURSO DIPLOMADO DE GASTRONOMÍA INTERNACIONAL
