Time for a Brazilian Cocktail..or three

Ah, the Caipirinha. That zingy, punchy concoction that people always struggle with pronouncing. This Brazilian Cocktail earned a place on our UK cocktail menus due to its easy-drinking charm and winning combination of lime, sugar and delicious cachaça.

The beginning of the World Cup means that all eyes are turning to Brazil, and so what better time to raise a Brazilian Cocktail (or three –these things are ridiculously drinkable) and celebrate their national spirit?

Cachaça is made from fermented sugarcane syrup, and is synonymous with Brazil as football, Sugarloaf Mountain, and samba. It first originated amongst the plantation slaves in the mid-1500s, when the leftover cane juice was boiled to create a rather more potent substance. So, along with wine and gin, the birth of Cachaça was far from trendy, well-regarded libation it is now – in fact, it was a definite `poor man`s drink`.

It was only with the birth of the Caipirinha, marketed as an exotic and intense Brazilian cocktail, that the popularity of Cachaça soared. Now it seems to embody the hopes that Brazilians have for their culture – a tropical, popular drink that is enjoyed throughout the year, especially during the party season of Carnaval.

Did you know:

In 2003, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva signed a decree establishing Cachaça as the exclusive name for cane alcohol in Brazil.

Germany is the largest consumer of Cachaça outside of Latin America, and it is only outsold by beer.

And it’s not just the standard Caipirinha leading the way for Brazilian Cocktails.

The following cocktails all resonate from the carnival country:

Batida

This Brazilian cocktail combines fruit with Cachaça  and deserves to be as popular as the Caipirinha.

Brazilian Sangria

A very ambitious punch drink which is bursting with delicious fruit flavours paired with the anise of the absinthe.

Passion Fruit Caipirinha

The passion fruit flavour is quite delicate and makes for a tropical, refreshing spin on the classic Caipirinha, with a big kick from the chilli.

Leite de Onca

This is a cold Brazilian cocktail made with Cachaca, cocoa liqueur and milk,  whose literal translation is “Jaguar Milk”.

Quentão

Quentao is a hot Brazilian drink made of Cachaca and is often served during Festa Junina.

 

Drinking them out and about

Five bars that specialise in this short but incredibly potent cocktail

1.Guanabara

This Brazilian restaurant is transformed into a pumping club in the evening, and is the place to go for that Carnaval vibe. As well as the lively atmosphere, they serve authentic cocktail, all using Brazilian ingredients. Along with several variations on the Caipirinha, you can try a Papaya Margarita and a Brazilian Cowboy.

 

2.Bodega Bar and Cantina

This bar in Birmingham mixes the cool contemporary with more eccentric South American flavours. Upstairs has a more industrial feel – exposed brick walls, hanging lamps, steel furniture – while their ‘Sugarloaf’ bar beneath brings a bit more fun with hanging chillies and cactus prints. They take their drinks very seriously, dedicating whole sections to Pisco, Tequila, and of course, Cachaca. ‘Angelica’s Caipirinha‘, using Koko Kanu, Creme de Banane and pineapple, is a sweet and tasty treat.

3.Fazenda

Fazenda is primarily a restaurant, serving traditional gaucho style skewered meats to waiting diners. But somewhere that takes their cuisine so seriously also makes a mean Brazilian cocktail, and their caipirinhas are among some of the most authentic you’ll find. Sit at the bar, sip one of their fresh concoctions, and pretend you’re at a rodizio bar in Rio.

 

4.Barrio Central

Tucked away in Soho, Barrio Central is a riot of colour and kitsch. From the flamingos hanging from the ceiling, to the vibrant wrestling-masks that line the walls, the whole place is a celebration of South American culture. Their Brazilian Lady incorporates Cachaça , passion fruit and egg white to fabulous effect.

5.Boteco Do Brasil

This Brazilian bar, with locations in Edinburgh and Glasgow, keeps it simple with a good selection of tapas and some finely mixed caipirinhas. Perfect for a relaxing meal and an ideal setting to soak up some South American flavours surrounded by a welcoming and jolly bunch.

 

Rebecca Milford

@Rebecca_anne_m