If you’re looking for a Caipirinha recipe, this version is fresh, punchy and easy to make at home. A classic Caipirinha combines cachaça, lime and sugar for a bold refreshing cocktail with a bright citrus finish. If you enjoy fresh lime-led serves, you might also like Boozy Dragonfruit Mojito.
Quick answer
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Rocks glass
Garnish: Lime wedge
What is in a Caipirinha?
A Caipirinha is made with cachaça, fresh lime and sugar. The lime is muddled with sugar, then mixed with cachaça and served over crushed or cubed ice.
Ingredients
- 50ml cachaça
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tsp caster sugar
- Ice
How to make a Caipirinha
- Add the lime wedges and sugar to a rocks glass.
- Gently muddle to release the lime juice.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the cachaça.
- Stir well.
- Serve immediately.
Why it tastes so different
Cachaça has a slightly grassy, more characterful flavour than many other clear spirits, which gives the Caipirinha its distinctive edge. It is a simple recipe, but the flavour is very memorable.
Tips for the best Caipirinha
- Do not over-muddle the lime pith or it can turn bitter.
- Use fresh juicy limes.
- Adjust the sugar depending on how sharp you like it.
- Serve it cold and drink it fresh.
Caipirinha FAQs
What alcohol is in a Caipirinha?
A Caipirinha is traditionally made with cachaça.
Can you use rum instead of cachaça?
You can, but it will no longer be a classic Caipirinha.
Is a Caipirinha sweet?
It should be balanced, with sugar softening the lime rather than overpowering it.
You might also like
- Margarita – for another sharp citrus-led classic.
Final pour
The Caipirinha is simple, bold and brilliantly refreshing, with lime and cachaça doing almost all the work. It is one of the best no-fuss classics to make at home.
