Finding the national drink of Brazil was not difficult. Walking around the bars of Rio this drink can been seen on almost every table.
The name, pronounced “Kai-Pee-Reen-Ya”, can affectionately be said to mean “little countryside drink” or less affectionately as “a drink for the hillbillies”. Some say the drink originally included garlic and was a remedy for a cold or flu.
The cocktail is made with Cachaca (Brazilian sugar cane rum), lime and sugar. To prepare the drink the limes are sliced in to quarters and then placed in a sturdy glass before being bashed with a wooden utensil to realise the juices and oils. Ice is added to the glass along with generous quantities of Cachaca and sugar.
And that’s it! It’s a simple and refreshing cocktail that is guaranteed to have you shaking your hips after a few glasses.
