Caipirinha, anyone?

Brazil's "national drink" is an international favorite!

Brazilians have long enjoyed a cooling, refreshing summer drink made with tropical limes, sugar and the sugar cane brandy known as cachaça. pronounced ka-sha-sa. They call this traditional drink Caipirinha, pronounced ky-pee-reen-ya.

At one time, you had to travel to Brazil to sample it. It was tough work, lying on a beach under a sun umbrella, sipping a drink named little peasant girl, but someone had to do it.

Now, of course, you can order a caiprinha just about anywhere in the world. They are tremendously popular in Europe. Just for fun, I've included a sampling of recipes from various countries:

France

Germany

Italy

Netherlands

Sweden

UK (made with Ginger wine)

USA

There is a huge following in Europe, where this site allows readers to rate the drink.

If you can't find cachaça in your area, you could try the following sources:

Pitú

Internet Wines & Spirits

Caipirinha de Tangerina Or you could substitute white rum for a Caipiruma, white wine, or vodka for a Caipirosca.

And if you need the right accessories, you'll find them at these sample sources:

Caipirinha Glasses (and pestle)

Caipirinha-Express.de Saúde!