We were recently treated to an authentic Brazilian cocktail. The Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil. It is made with an alcohol called Cachaca, which is made with fermented sugar cane.

(Near as I could gather that is pronounced Ka sha sah) We were served the drink in specially purchased glasses (as opposed to red solo cups) and they were made by a new friend who has lived in Brazil. He brought back special muddlers from a recent trip and we each got one! We also had matching bird stir sticks!

The official recipe:

Caipirinha

• 1 lime (organic is better, as the lime peel and all is going into the drink)
• 1 1/2 fl oz Cachaca
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup ice, crushed

Directions
Cut up the lime in 3/4″ cubes.
Muddle cubed lime with sugar.

(We did this step in each glass individually. This would not be possible if you were having a larger party. For that, I would just multiply the recipe and do all the muddling in a bigger bowl.)
Pour the (Cachaca) in the muddling container, swish it and pour into the shaker.
Add ice and water.
Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
Pour and serve.