Caipirinha

Refreshing, cool, sweet and festive, caipirinha is Brazil. And if caipirinha is Brazil, then cachaça is our national shrine. Caipirinha is a simple cocktail based on a mixture of mashed lime with sugar, ice and cachaça. There are a few variables, however, that make all the difference. The lime should be cut into medium chunks, then mashed with sugar by a wooden muddler until the lime releases its oil. Transfer to a shaker, add some ice and cachaça, shake and pour. Some recipes advise against mashing the lime too hard, as the oil can taste bitter. That's a very legitimate argument, but the sugar protects it and the more you release those oils, the better. Remember that caipirinha calls for lime and not lemon. Lemon skin is much thicker and carries a heavier white layer, giving a stronger, bitter taste. I like my caipirinha on the lighter side, although it's very common to use a stronger dose than suggested here. Caipirinha is not the type of drink to serve out of a pitcher or prepare in advance. Each must be prepared individually, shaken individually and immediately poured into a wide, sturdy glass.