Today class, we'll be discussing the Caipirinha. Now, this innocent looking traditional Brazilian drink needs to be approached with care. Consider her a fancy little Trixie who will make you all excited and then steal your wallet.
Oh yes, the Caipirinha is not something to play around with. The pretty green lemons and big chunks of ice make you feel it's not all that manly of a drink. But like so many of the "women" hanging by the streets in Gloria at night, this lady drink is packing some heat.
Yes, there is lemon juice in it. About 2 tablespoons. There's also ice. The rest baby, is run of the mill Cachaça and sugar. That sugar, oh that sugar is the trick. You think you are drinking a pixie stick with a little flavor.
But let me be your example, it's not just pixie in that drink! Oh no. And when you've had 2 and you're thinking that you are a bad ass that can take Brazil on, you are wrong Sir! Brazil is funny that way. Just when you think you've gotten the hang of it, it'll sneak right up behind you and get you where it's good.
So class, drink your Caipirinha with care. Like so many things Brazilian, it can be your friend or your enemy. It's all about how you approach it.
I hate all sugary things. My husband too - he only started enjoying caipirinhas after I told the waiter to reduce the sugar before he started preparing it. The last years hubby and his father became masters in it, they will prepare just the perfect one with less sugar cane.
ReplyDeleteyeah i usually make my own caipirinhas too...the average price at a bar here now is R$9-15!! so i make mine by myself. Less sugar, more limes, better cachaça. When i'm at a bar (if it's a free-flowing happy hour) i can usually do 5 or 6 without problem (i don't know what's wrong with me) but when i make them myself im good with two :) but caipirinhas on the beach i heard are dangerous-- i always see the family drunk here with bad lemon+sun burns on his skin...
ReplyDeleteReminds me of an acquaintance of mine, his name is Jose Cuervo. He would visit regularly in my younger days, bringing his bag of lemons and salt. The last time his visit left blank spots in time, and the remnants of several activities that upon further review, have left us scratching our heads. To this day, when Jose Cuervo comes calling, I choose to ignore the ring of the bell.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of sweet drinks - caipirinhas included. However, I do like sipping Ypioca Ouro on the rocks. It will do until my next shipment of Glenfiddich and Laphroaig arrives this June.
ReplyDeleteMe and Jose go way back. I replaced him with Caipirinha but honestly, I can't handle either of them these days. I think I need to run back to the arms of my friend beer
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ReplyDeleteThe last time I drank Caipirinha, I ended up in a hotel bed for over 30 hours. How??? Maracuja!!! We were with friends drinking on the beach all passing around caipirinhas and beer. When I was bubbly, I ordered a caipirinha maracuja. Went swimming, had a bbq and following the bbq(and more beer) got the spins. The worst spins ever and laid in bed for 30 with them, in a semi coma.
ReplyDeleteI am in a vodka tonic phase, but its ready to phase out. Im getting bored with that drink. But I really like Caipirinha with sake!!!!! I dont go into comas with sake.
Mmmmm, must try with Sake!
ReplyDeleteCaipirinha (although I normally prefer Caipivodka) with Sake is good! A nice try with the current weather :))
ReplyDeleteI want one now. Must make Hubman take me to a Brazilian restaurant.
ReplyDeleteAfter drinking one Caipirinha I was buzzed! Those are potent!
ReplyDeleteWell call me a wuss or insane...either would honestly fit perfectly depending on which day of the month it is....especially the insane one..LOL
ReplyDeleteBut I tried this famous drink at a samba club in Lapa one night. I was so excited to try this famous vixen of a drink even though I really don't even like the taste of alcohol. Make it taste like kool-aid and I'm all yours. But my tastebuds were not given the gift of beer enjoyment or liquor for that matter.
I'm a wimp and usually settle for Smirnoff ice...flavored kool aid just my style. :)
Now I've been told that I could have drank one that was way too strong, or just poorly made. I don't know. All I know is I took one drink and my entire body shivered in disgust and I gave it to a friend who was happy to receive it.
When I don't like something, I just say....
"IIIIII don't like it." lol
Love the dangerous little Caipirinha! So good but it sure does sneak up you. Hello I'm drunk.
ReplyDeleteI got drunk just writing the post!
ReplyDeleteThis is how we lure people to our parties- my husband makes amazing Caipirinhas, and our guests enthusiastically agree! Cachaca is really expensive here, though, so we bring back about 10 bottles every time we come back from Brazil.
ReplyDeleteThe mention of green lemons had me laughing- my husband is still really confused about lemons vs. limes since the color is opposite in Brazil!