Caipirosa
The Caipirosa is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail, offering a popular twist on Brazil's national drink, the Caipirinha. By simply swapping traditional cachaça for vodka, the Caipirosa delivers a cleaner, crisper flavour profile while retaining the zesty lime and balanced sweetness that makes its sibling so beloved. Perfect for warm weather, parties, or any occasion calling for a straightforward yet satisfying drink, this cocktail is incredibly easy to make directly in the glass. Discover the simple steps to muddle fresh lime and sugar, add quality vodka and crushed ice, and stir up this delightful vodka-based classic.
Ingredients
- 6 cl vodka
- 1 piece lime
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- crushed ice
- 1 wedge lime
Accessories
- 1 muddler
- 1 lowball glass
Instructions
Cut the lime into wedges (about 6-8 wedges per lime) and place them in a sturdy lowball glass.
Add the sugar to the glass.
Using a muddler, gently press and twist the lime wedges and sugar together. Focus on releasing the juice and oils from the lime pulp, avoiding over-muddling the white pith which can add bitterness.
Fill the glass almost to the brim with crushed ice.
Pour the vodka over the ice and lime mixture.
Stir the cocktail thoroughly from the bottom up to combine the ingredients and chill the drink properly.
Garnish with an extra lime wedge, if desired.
Trivia
- What is a Caipirosa cocktail?
A Caipirosa is a popular Brazilian-inspired cocktail, essentially a variation of the classic Caipirinha where vodka is used instead of the traditional cachaça. It's known for its refreshing blend of lime, sugar, and vodka served over crushed ice, offering a crisp and clean taste.
- What's the difference between a Caipirosa and a Caipirinha?
The primary difference lies in the base spirit. A Caipirinha is made with cachaça (a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane juice), while a Caipirosa uses vodka. This substitution gives the Caipirosa a cleaner, more neutral, and less 'funky' flavour profile compared to the distinct grassy notes of cachaça in a Caipirinha.
- What type of vodka is best for a Caipirosa?
A good quality, clean-tasting vodka is recommended for a Caipirosa. Since the cocktail has simple ingredients, the quality of the vodka significantly impacts the final taste. Avoid heavily flavoured vodkas unless intentionally creating a variation. A mid-range, neutral grain vodka works perfectly well.
- How do you properly muddle lime for a Caipirosa?
Cut the lime into wedges. Place them in the serving glass along with the sugar. Use a muddler to gently press down and twist. The goal is to extract the juice from the lime pulp and release some oils from the peel, without aggressively pulverizing the white pith, as this can make the drink unpleasantly bitter.
- Can I use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar in a Caipirosa?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute simple syrup (typically a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water) for granulated sugar. Use approximately 1.5 to 2 cl (or about 0.5 to 0.75 oz) of simple syrup, adjusting to your preferred sweetness level. This ensures the sweetener is already dissolved and integrates easily into the cold drink.
- What does a Caipirosa taste like?
A Caipirosa offers a bright, crisp, and highly refreshing taste. It's dominated by the tartness of fresh lime, balanced by the sweetness of sugar, all carried by the clean, smooth character of vodka. Served over crushed ice, it's an invigorating and easy-drinking cocktail, perfect for warm weather.