Caipirinha

By Adam Rains

Brazilians drink about two billion liters of Cachaca a year, that would make this cocktail the national drink. Cachaca is a roughly distilled cane spirit in the similar category as rums, bars that specialize in Caipirinha are called Cachacerias in Brazil. When the cocktail came to the modern bars, it was nearly impossible to get Cachaca, it was substituted for vodka and the Caipiroska was born. Now Cachaca is widely available and the Caipirinha is making its own splash on the modern day bar scene.

Ingredients:

2 oz. cachaça

1 tsp sugar

1 lime (cut into chunks)

Ice cubes

Garnish: Lime wedge or wheel (optional)

Preparation:

Muddle lime with sugar in a rocks glass. Fill the glass with ice. Pour cachaça and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge. Be careful not to over muddle the limes, the rind tends to impart bitter tastes when over muddled. This is a simple, refreshing South American staple that can be made at home or

enjoyed in the local cocktail hot spot.