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Caipirinha on a bar with a Cachaça in the background at EOW Magazine

Caipirinha Recipe

This Caipirinha recipe shows how to make Brazil’s classic cocktail using cachaça, fresh lime and cane sugar. A simple drink with bright citrus flavour and a refreshing balance.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Build time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Cocktail
  • 6 cl Cachaça
  • 4-6 Lime cubes or 3 cl lime juice
  • 2.5 tsp Sugarcane
  • Crushed ice
Garnish
  • 1 Lime wedge
  • 2 Straws

Equipment

  • 1 Rock/Tumbler/Lowball Glass
  • 1 Bar Spoon
  • 1 Muddler
  • 1 Jigger
  • 1 Kitchen Knife

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the ends off the lime and slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the white core from the center and cut each half into small lime cubes.
  2. Prepare the garnish by cutting a lime wedge.
Instructions
  1. Add lime cubes and sugarcane to a lowball.
    2. Place the lime cubes with the peel facing down so they are easier to muddle.
  2. Gently muddle the lime wedges with the sugar until the juice is released.
  3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  4. Pour the cachaça over the ice.
  5. Stir the drink so the lime, sugar and cachaça combine.
    6. Stir upwards from the bottom of the glass to mix the sugar and lime properly with the ice.
  6. Add a little more crushed ice so it forms a small peak above the rim of the glass.
  7. Add two straws and garnish with a lime wedge.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes when making a Caipirinha is crushing the lime too aggressively. Press the lime cubes firmly to release the juice, but avoid grinding the peel. If the peel is broken down too much it can release bitterness and make the drink taste harsh.
Another common mistake is serving the drink with too little ice. A Caipirinha should be served with plenty of crushed ice. Too little ice makes the drink feel overly strong and prevents the ingredients from mixing properly. Filling the glass well also gives the cocktail its refreshing texture.