What is your favorite drink?
Caipirinha is the Brazilian national drink, and deservedly so. More specifically, it originated in the state of São Paulo, where I came from. Unsurprisingly, it’s my favorite cocktail. The word caipirinha is the diminutive of the word caipira, which in Brazilian Portuguese refers to someone from the countryside.
The basic recipe asks for fresh limes cut in small wedges crushed with sugar. This will release the oils from the rind and give its distinct citrusy flavor. The sweetness of the sugar will also keep in check the acidity of the limes. After that, add crushed ice and finally a generous dose of cachaça (sugarcane hard liquor). It’s so refreshing and delicious!
Choose your fruit
There are many variations. You can choose any from the vast array of available fruits to you. It tastes great with tropical fruits. My favorites are passion fruit, Persian lime, pineapple, kiwifruit, cashew fruit (not the nut), and tangerine. It works great with strawberries, blackberries or raspberries too. The one with watermelon is delicious! Some people call it caipifruta, meaning caipirinha made of fruit.
Pick your booze
Although caipirinha is traditionally made with cachaça, oftentimes it is not readily available outside of Brazil. Don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered! Even in Brazil variations made with different distilled spirits are also popular. The first is caipiroska, made with vodka. Next, you have saquerinha, where sake is employed, I love this version! Some people enjoy it with rum, in which case you call it caipiríssima. I have never tried it with wine, but if you do, then you are having caipivinho.
Vary your sweetener
Again, traditional caipirinha is normally made with white cane sugar, or granulated sugar. People who want to lower the calories of this drink often ask for it to be done with artificial sweeteners. Those who can’t drink regular sugar also prefer this choice. It has been done also with demerara sugar or dark sugar. Of course it is a matter of personal preference.
I can say I have tried any imaginable combination and was pleasantly surprised by each one of them. This is part of the Brazilian way of life, which also includes other delights like snacks, desserts, and candies. I hope you can enjoy a Brazilian caipirinha when you are at a party and having a good time!
Ah, last but not least, drink responsibly!
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