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Caipirinha cocktail in a rocks glass
CACHAÇA · ROCKS GLASS · BUILD

Caipirinha

★ 4.2 · 86 ratings in Cocktail Art

The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, known for its rustic, refreshing character. It balances the grassy, robust notes of cachaça with the sharp acidity of fresh lime and the sweetness of muddled sugar. Typically enjoyed on warm afternoons or at lively gatherings, this sour drink is incredibly simple to build directly in the glass.

  • IBA official
  • Sour
  • Refreshing
  • Classic
  • GlassRocks glass
  • MethodBuild
  • Time3 min
  • Strength≈ 36% ABV
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How to make a Caipirinha

Build it in a rocks glass with crushed ice. About 3 minutes.

  1. Cut the lime into small wedges and place them with one sugar cube into a rocks glass.
  2. Muddle the lime and sugar gently to release the juice and dissolve the sugar.
  3. Fill the rocks glass with crushed ice.
  4. Pour in 60 ml of cachaça and stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  5. Garnish with a half lime slice and a mint leaf.

Bartender’s tips

  • Cut the lime into small pieces and remove the white pith from the center to prevent bitterness when muddling.
  • If you do not have white sugar cubes, you can substitute a brown sugar cube for a deeper, slightly caramel-like flavor.
  • Use crushed or cracked ice rather than large cubes to help dilute the strong cachaça and keep the drink ice-cold.

You may also like

If you enjoy the refreshing, lime-forward character of the Caipirinha, you might also like these classic cocktails: Mojito, Bacardi, Daiquiri, and Cuba Libre.

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Caipirinha questions

What kind of alcohol is in a Caipirinha?

A Caipirinha is made with cachaça, a Brazilian sugarcane spirit that gives the cocktail its distinct grassy and robust flavor.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute a brown sugar cube, which adds a richer molasses note to the drink.

How strong is a Caipirinha?

This cocktail has an alcohol by volume of about 36 percent before dilution, making it a relatively strong drink that softens as the crushed ice melts.