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!
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.
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!
- 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.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and add the cachaça over it.
- 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…
More Cocktail Recipes
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
Print Recipe:
The Best Caipirinha Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces 1 standard shot of Cachaça
- 1/2 lime – unpeeled cut into quarts
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons of refined sugar or 1 shot of Skinny Simple Syrup depending how sweet you like it
- Lots of crushed ice
Instructions
- 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.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice
- Add the Cachaca and stir well until all the sugar has dissolved
- Enjoy!
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Nutrition
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Love it!!! taste delicious and refreshing, my favorite drink now 🙂
So refreshing! It’s worth all that sugar lol