Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is a very strong cachaça sour, tart and fruity on the palate. Built and served in a rocks glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official contemporary classics cocktails.
- 2 min
- Rocks glass
- Built
Flavor profile
- Tart
- 59 out of 100
- Sweet
- 35 out of 100
- Fruity
- 56 out of 100
- Herbal
- 47 out of 100
- Boozy
- 84 out of 100
How to make a Caipirinha
To make a Caipirinha, build over ice in a rocks glass: ½ oz simple syrup, ⅔ oz lime and 2½ oz cachaca.
You'll need
- Simple syrupor 2 tsp sugar + a splash of water½ oz
- Lime⅔ oz
- Cachaca2½ oz
Pairs well with: Simple syrup · All syrups
Instructions
- 1
Add lime, cut into wedges and simple syrup to a rocks glass and press gently with a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to release the juice.
- 2
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- 3
Pour in cachaca.
- 4
Stir briefly to mix.
Why build it in the glass? Simple syrup, lime juice and cachaca only need a gentle stir, so there's no shaker to wash.
No simple syrup? Muddle 2 tsp sugar in with the lime, cut into wedges instead.
Caipirinha questions
What does a Caipirinha taste like?
Mostly tart and fruity, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 25% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a Caipirinha?
About 25% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a Caipirinha and a Dark Caipirinha?
Both use lime and cachaca. The Caipirinha adds simple syrup, while the Dark Caipirinha uses demerara sugar. Both are built in the glass, but the Caipirinha goes in a rocks glass and the Dark Caipirinha in a highball glass.
Can I make Caipirinhas in a batch?
Yes. For 6 drinks, mix 3 oz simple syrup, 4¼ oz lime and 15 oz cachaca in a jug and chill it. Pour over fresh ice to serve.
What glass do you serve a Caipirinha in?
A rocks glass.