Caipirinha

Ingredients

• 1lime — wedged
• 2 tspsugar
• 60 mlcachaça
• ice — crushed

Method

1. Begin by selecting a fresh, juicy lime. Roll the lime on your countertop with gentle pressure to release the juices inside. Cut the lime into quarters, and then cut each quarter in half, creating smaller wedges. This ensures maximum juice extraction and the essential oils from the peel are released.
2. Place the lime wedges into a sturdy glass, ideally a short, wide glass like an old-fashioned glass. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar directly over the lime wedges. The sugar will help to macerate the lime, drawing out its juices and balancing the acidity.
3. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press down on the lime wedges and sugar. Twist and press to release the lime juice and mix it with the sugar. Aim for a coarse mixture where the sugar has started to dissolve, and the lime wedges are slightly crushed but not pulverized.
4. Measure 60 ml of cachaça using a jigger or a measuring cup. Pour the cachaça over the muddled lime and sugar mixture. Stir gently with a spoon to combine the ingredients, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved and the lime oils are well integrated into the drink.
5. Fill the glass with ice cubes, preferably large ones to slow down the dilution. Stir the mixture again gently to chill the drink and ensure the flavors meld together. The ice should begin to frost the outside of the glass, indicating the drink is properly chilled.
6. Serve the Caipirinha immediately in the same glass. The drink should have a vibrant, slightly cloudy appearance from the lime juice and sugar. Enjoy it with a straw or sip directly from the glass to experience the full aroma and flavor of this classic Brazilian cocktail.