Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic27.9% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatemuddled drink
Why: 3 ingredients, muddled drink, requires muddler
Best for: BBQ, Latin American Cuisine, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetener
- 2 tspSugarSweetener
- 1LimeCitrus
- 2 1/2 ozCachacaBase
Tools:muddler
How to Make It
- Place lime and sugar into old fashioned glass and muddle (mash the two ingredients together using a muddler or a wooden spoon).MuddleMuddling releases oils, juice or aroma without needing a blender.
- Fill the glass with ice and add the Cachaça.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Caipirinha?
- The Caipirinha is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 27.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 211 calories.
- What does a Caipirinha taste like?
- Caipirinha has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Sweet, Lime, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Caipirinha?
- Caipirinha pairs well with BBQ, Latin American Cuisine, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Caipirinha?
- The Caipirinha has an ABV of approximately 27.9%. That's approximately 1.79 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 211 calories, 8.9g sugar, 11.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Caipirinha typically served?
- Caipirinha is a popular choice for Summer, Taco Night. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Caipirinha?
- If you enjoy Caipirinha, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Caipirinha at home?
- Yes. The Caipirinha uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Caipirinha with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.