A caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian drink that combines local flavors of lime and cachaca. Caipirinhas have long been a drink of choice in Latin America, but have gained popularity from Miami to Los Angeles for their amazing taste and potency. The mixture of lime and sugar completely masks the taste of the alcohol. Beware the deceptive taste: This delicious drink is very strong and may have you and your guests dancing the samba. Caipirinhas call for cachaca, which is a Brazilian sugar cane liquor. If you don’t have any cachaca on hand, you can create a close approximation by mixing equal parts silver tequila (like Sauza) and light rum (such as Bacardi). If you have no rum or tequila, you need to restock your bar. But in the meantime, you can substitute vodka for the cachaca, using a good vodka like Absolut or Skyy. Popov will not do the job. If you are having a party, make a pitcher of caipirinhas by simply multiplying the recipe by the number of people.

Ingredients:

1 lime (or a tangerine for a sweeter twist)

2 shots cachaca (or equal parts silver tequila and light rum)

2 teaspoons sugar (you can add more or less to taste)

Ice

Directions:

1. Roll lime on cutting board to loosen the juices.

2. Cut lime into wedges and place into glass, pulp side up.

3. Sprinkle the sugar on top.

4. Using a fork or any other crushing device, crush the pieces to release the juice.

5. Add the cachaca and stir.

6. Fill the glass with ice and enjoy.