Caipirinha

A Quick Overview Of Caipirinha

A Caipirinha is a cocktail which was invented in Brazil, and remains closely associated with Rio de Janeiro. It's very simple to make: you muddle a lime with some sugar (you roughly chop the lime, and then squash it around with a spoonful or so of sugar), then add a shot of cachaça (plus a little more 'for the saints', virtuous glance heavenwards optional), follow with a good mix, and a couple of ice-cubes and you are done.

Prepare to levitate. The first time I tried a caipirinha was when I was about 18, and watching the glorious purple and orange sunset at the Rio Palace - after a couple of sips, my Grandmother declared she felt herself 'rising from her body'. A good description, I would say, of the effects of the drink. Strong stuff ;-)

See my entry on cachaça for pronunciation and more info.