Ingredients
2 oz cachaça (Brazilian rum)
1/2 lime, cut into small wedges
2 tsp granulated sugar
Ice cubes
Lime wheel for garnish
Preparation
Start by cutting a lime into small wedges and place them in a rocks glass.
Add 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar to the glass and muddle the lime and sugar together until the sugar has dissolved and the lime juice has been released.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour 2 ounces of cachaça over the ice cubes.
Use a bar spoon or a cocktail stirrer to mix everything together well.
Garnish the cocktail with a lime wheel.
Serve and enjoy your delicious Caipirinha!
Note: Some variations of the Caipirinha recipe use other fruits instead of lime, such as strawberry, passion fruit, or kiwi.
Story
The story of the Caipirinha begins in Brazil, where it is considered the national cocktail. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when cachaça, a type of Brazilian rum made from sugarcane juice, became increasingly popular in the country.
Legend has it that the Caipirinha was invented as a cure for the common cold. The cocktail was made by mixing cachaça, lime, and honey, and was said to be a potent remedy for coughs and colds. Over time, the recipe was refined and simplified, and the honey was replaced with sugar, giving rise to the classic Caipirinha that we know and love today.
The Caipirinha gained popularity in Brazil in the 1950s and 1960s, and by the 1970s, it had become a staple of Brazilian culture. It was commonly consumed at parties, festivals, and other social gatherings, and was often served with barbecued meat or other traditional Brazilian dishes.
In the 1990s, the Caipirinha began to gain international recognition, as Brazilian restaurants and bars started to open up in cities around the world. Today, the Caipirinha can be found on cocktail menus in bars and restaurants all over the world, and is enjoyed by millions of people as a refreshing and delicious summer cocktail.
Whether you prefer the classic lime version or one of the many variations that have been created over the years, there's no denying that the Caipirinha is a beloved and iconic cocktail with a rich and storied history.