When I was in seventh grade my dad went on a business trip to Brazil and brought me back a t-shirt that said, “BRASIL.” Kids at school pointed to it and said, “Your shirt is spelled wrong. You’re supposed to spell it with a z, not an s.” Oh, the worldly intelligence of Midwestern preteens.
Anyhow, it’s happy hour! Leblon Cachaca is a delicious liquor that will help you forget all of your disturbing junior high memories. Cachaca (pronounced ca-SHA-sa) is a spirit distilled from sugar cane juice, made in Brasil as it’s spelled on its beautiful glass bottle. It is the third most consumed spirit in the world behind only vodka and soju/shochu.
Where has it been all my life? (…And what is soju/shochu…?)
Here’s a recipe for a delicious, classic caipirinha. (Step-by-step photo instructions here.)
The Leblon Caipirinha
- 2 oz Leblon Cachaca
- 1/2 Lime
- 2 tsp Superfine sugar or 1 oz Simple Syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
- Glass-Rocks
Cut the lime into four wedges. Muddle the lime and sugar in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and add Leblon Cachaça. Shake vigorously. Serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.
The Leblon website has dozens of other recipes (mixed drinks, party drinks, frozen drinks) and some cool videos, too. Thanks to Matthew and Miranda for the sample and viva Brasil!
