This classic Caipirinha recipe is the only one you need. Just 3 simple ingredients and you’ll have a crisp and refreshing cocktail that rivals any restaurant!

Fresh summer caipirinha cocktail on blue background with green fruit lime on table

This cocktail is made with cachaça, a sugarcane-based spirit, muddled limes, and sugar, creating a deliciously tangy and sweet combination. It’s amazing how only 3 simple ingredients make such a wonderful cocktail.

Seems that every year Paul and I pick a new “favorite” drink and this year’s happens to be Caipirinhas. Well, this ~~obsession~~ love started a few years ago when we went to eat at Fogo de Chão (a Brazilian restaurant) and the love affair is still going strong! And we want to share this recipe with you.

I have to give my hubby lots of credit since he helped me find the perfect combination between sugar & lime.

My version was kind of blah since I wasn’t putting enough sugar (afraid of the calories of course) and then he took over and kept adding sugar until it reached the perfect taste. After I tried his version I said screw the calories and just enjoyed it 🙂

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Ingredients

To make a classic Caipirinha, you will need the following ingredients. We’re using real sugar instead of simple syrup as crushing the lime with the sugar is crucial for this recipe. (see below for the skinny version that will still work for this recipe)

Cachaça: the brazilian spirit found at your favorite liquor store.
Fresh limes with peel on cut into quarts.
Refined sugar.
And lots of crushed ice.

Fresh limes with sugar in a cocktail glass.

Make it “skinny”

In order to enjoy my Caipirinhas year round, I smartened up and made a skinny simple syrup . I used Truvia as I feel it’s the non-calorie sweetener with the least “aftertaste”. But you’re more than welcome to use your preferred non-calorie sweetener.

If you would like to shave off some calories try substituting real sugar with my skinny simple syrup . You can make this ahead of time and have it ready to enjoy cocktails at any time.

How to make Caipirinhas

Making Caipirinhas at home is actually easier than making Margaritas! Since there is no lime juice to squeeze, the process of making this brazilian drink is easy peasy!

Crushing cut fresh limes with the sugar in a cocktail glass.

Add the lime and the sugar in a cocktail glass

Using a pestle (from a mortar) or the back of a spoon, muddle the sugar and lime until all the juice from is squeezed out.

Adding Cachaca cocktail into a glass in ice.

Fill the glass with crushed ice and add the cachaça over it.

A cocktail glass with ice and a cocktail mixing spoon.

Stir well and garnish with a lime wheel.

Variations of Caipirinha

While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are some popular variations:

Passion Fruit: Add passion fruit pulp to the classic recipe for a sweet and tangy twist.
Pineapple Caipirinha: Use pineapple instead of lime for a tropical and refreshing flavor.
Strawberry: Muddle strawberries with the lime and sugar for a fruity and delicious drink.

Tips for Making the Perfect Caipirinha

Use fresh limes: The freshness of the lime is crucial for a good Caipirinha. Avoid using bottled lime juice.
Adjust the sweetness: The amount of sugar needed may vary depending on the sweetness of the limes.
Choose the right cachaça: Use a good quality cachaça for the best taste. Look for brands that are aged and have a smooth flavor.

Enjoy…

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I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

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