Description
I think there are three secrets to a perfect caipirinia:
- Cut the lime properly
- Use lots of crushed ice
- Use a cocktail shaker
Number (3) might not be in keeping with the most authentic caipirinia making methods but I find I have trouble getting the sugar to fully dissolve and the drink to mix properly without this step.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon turbinado or white sugar
- 2 oz cachaca
- crushed ice
- juice of 1/2 lime and splash of soda water (optional)
Instructions
Traditional Caipirinha
- Take your lime and slice of each end. Cut in half lengthwise. Core the lime havles to remove the center pith. Cut each cored half into quarters. Then cut each quarter in half. You should end up with 8 small lime wedges per half (16 wedges per lime).
- Add the lime wedges to a rocks glass. Add sugar and muddle until juice is released and sugar dissolves in lime juice.
- Fill glass with crushed ice. Add the cachaca.
- Transfer contents of glass to shaker and shake vigoursly for 15-20 seconds.
- Pour shaker contents back into glass.
- Cut remaining lime in half. Squeeze the juice of one half into drink and stir.
Notes
If you use white sugar the drink will be clear. Turbinado sugar gives it a golden appearance.