Oi!
Just because it has been snowing and blowing and freezing for the past 2 weeks, I have decided to talk about fun, refreshing, summery drinks! It's the only thing that will keep me from going absolutely crazy right now, dreaming of patios, green grass and the hot sun...If any of you know me, you know I hate winter, yes hate is a strong word and I know I should be used to it by now living in Canada all of my life, however I will say it again: I HATE WINTER!
This is where I am, in my mind, right now...Cabo Frio, Brazil
Okay, now onto chatting about a wonderful drink that can be consumed throughout winter and summer. Turn up the heat, put on the bikini and close your eyes...enjoy!
Cachaca is THE cane spirit of Brazil, like other Caribbean and tropical countries, Brazil adopted the idea of using sugar cane to make the local "hooch." Often made in very primitive conditions and considered the drink of the slaves and the very poor, Cachaca was never a drink of choice to Non-Brazilians.
However, Cachaca is becoming the new Tequila in North America. Like Tequila, Cachaca was never the high end spirit that was ordered in trendy lounges and bars. However, it is now rising to the table with wonderful and expensive concoctions much like tequila has over the past couple of years. The wild herbal and smoky flavours that come from Cachaca give Caipirinha, the National Drink of Brazil, the smooth and refreshing flavours that we have come to know. Caipirinha is popping up on drink menus throughout North America now, the citrus squeeze of lime, the sweetness of sugar and the wild edge of the Cachaca, make this the new "Cosmo."
So now that you know a little more about the Brazilian Cane Spirit, try this recipe below and instead of reaching for the Rum and Egg Nog this Christmas, try a Caipirinha and be whisked away to warmer locals.
Caipirinha
- One lime (For 2 drinks)
- 2 ounces (or more if you like it strong) of Cachaca or Vodka (hopefully you can find a wonderful Cachaca at one of your finer liquor stores, but if you can't vodka works well too)
- 2 or so tablespoons of sugar
- Lots of ice
-Cut limes into 8th's and cut off the whites on the inside of the lime (takes away the bitterness, I learned this from my wonderful Brazilian Father, thanks Armando!)
-Put limes and sugar into container or glass and use pestle to 'mash' limes and sugar together to make a sugary liquid
-Add Cachaca to mixture and stir
-Add lots of ice and stir
-Spoon limes, ice and liquid into glasses
-Add a mini umbrella and enjoy
Warning it's nice and strong!!
Tchau,
Tricia
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