Cachaça is a Brazilian distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It is the main ingredient in the popular Brazilian cocktail, Caipirinha.
Caipirinha
2 oz cachaça
1 lime
1 tbsp sugar
Ice
Cut the lime into quarters and place them in a glass with the sugar. Muddle the lime and sugar together to release the juices. Fill the glass with ice, add the cachaça, and stir.
Batida de Coco
2 oz cachaça
1 oz coconut milk
1 oz condensed milk
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Rabo-de-Galo
2 oz cachaça
1 oz sweet vermouth
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice and stir well.
Caipirinha de Uva (Grape Caipirinha)
2 oz cachaça
1 cup grapes
1 tbsp sugar
Ice
Muddle the grapes and sugar in a glass to release their juices. Fill the glass with ice, add the cachaça, and stir.
Cachaça Tonic
2 oz cachaça
4 oz tonic water
1 lime wedge
Ice
Fill a glass with ice, add the cachaça and tonic water, and stir. Squeeze the lime wedge over the top and drop it into the glass.
Leblonade
Leblonade is a refreshing cocktail made with cachaça, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
2 oz cachaça
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz honey syrup
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker, then shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Bonus: Caipirissima
Caipirissima is a Cuban variation of the Caipirinha, made with rum instead of cachaça.
2 oz white rum
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 tbsp sugar
Ice
Muddle the lime wedges and sugar in a glass. Add rum and ice, then stir.
Enjoy your cachaça cocktails!
What Can Cachaça be Mixed With?
Cachaça, a Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice, can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some popular mixers that go well with cachaça:
Lime: The most popular mixer for cachaça is lime. The classic Caipirinha cocktail is made with lime wedges muddled with sugar and cachaça.
Fruit juices: Cachaça goes well with a variety of fruit juices, including passionfruit, pineapple, mango, and guava. A batida cocktail combines cachaça with fruit juice and sweetened condensed milk.
Soda water: Cachaça can be mixed with soda water or tonic water to make a refreshing drink. Add a splash of lime juice or other fruit juice for extra flavor.
Vermouth: Cachaça can be combined with sweet vermouth to make a Rabo-de-Galo cocktail.
Honey syrup: Cachaça can be mixed with honey syrup and lemon juice to make a Leblonade cocktail.
Coconut milk: Cachaça can be combined with coconut milk and other ingredients to make a Batida de Coco cocktail.
These are just a few ideas for mixing cachaça. Experiment with different ingredients to find your own favorite cachaça cocktails.
Fast Facts About Cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It is produced exclusively in Brazil and is considered the national spirit of the country. Cachaça is similar to rum, but while rum can be made from molasses, cachaça is made directly from sugarcane juice.
The proof of cachaça can vary, but it typically ranges from 38 to 48 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), or 76 to 96 proof.
There are two main types of cachaça: industrial and artisanal. Industrial cachaça is mass-produced and typically lower quality, while artisanal cachaça is made in small batches using traditional methods and is considered higher quality. Within these categories, cachaça can also be classified based on how long it is aged. There are three types of cachaça based on aging: unaged (branca), aged up to 3 years (amarela or ouro), and aged over 3 years (extra-aged or premium).
The main difference between cachaça and other types of distilled spirits is the raw material used in its production. Cachaça is made from sugarcane juice, while other spirits such as vodka, gin, and whiskey are made from grains or potatoes. Cachaça also has a unique flavor profile, with a grassy, earthy taste that sets it apart from other spirits.
There are many great brands of cachaça, and the best one for you will depend on your personal taste and the style of cachaça you prefer. Some popular brands of cachaça include Leblon, Avuá, Yaguara, and Novo Fogo. It’s worth trying a few different brands and styles to find the one you like best.