Locals drink Cachaca neat in small shot glasses. Others prefer a mix of Cachaca with lemon, passion fruit, tamarind, sugar and ice in a drink called a batida. But most visitors to Brazil become familiar with Cachaca as the essential ingredient in a Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil (recipe below).

You may want to treat yourself and your guests to a taste of Rio, a taste of Cachaca!

Caipirinha 1 lime in 4 pieces 2 1/2 ounces Cachaca 1 to 2 Tbs. fine cane sugar Crushed Ice Crush the pieces of lime with the sugar thoroughly in a tumbler, add the ice, Cachaca, and stir or shake well. The lime pieces should remain in the glass.