Caipirissima recipe
A refreshing tropical variation on the classic Caipirinha substituting light rum for cachaça.
Method: Muddle and build with crushed ice ·
Glass: Old-fashioned glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Daiquiri Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Light rum (White Cuban or Puerto Rican style)
- 1/2 Lime (Cut into small wedges)
- 2 tsp Superfine sugar (Adjust to taste)
How to make a Caipirissima
- Place the lime wedges and superfine sugar into the bottom of an old-fashioned glass.
- Muddle firmly to release the citrus juice and extract essential oils from the lime peel.
- Fill the glass generously with crushed ice.
- Pour in the light rum.
- Stir briskly to chill, dilute, and integrate the ingredients, then serve.
Garnish
Garnish with a lime wheel and a straw.
Pro tip
Use superfine sugar rather than coarse granulated sugar so it dissolves completely during muddling and stirring. Pack the glass tightly with crushed ice to ensure proper dilution and a frosty exterior.
History of the Caipirissima
The Caipirissima emerged as an international variation of Brazil's national cocktail, the Caipirinha, by swapping traditional cachaça for light rum. While exact origins remain undocumented in classic cocktail canons, the drink gained popularity in global cocktail bars as bartenders experimented with rum-based muddled citrus templates. This substitution bridges the grassy funk of sugarcane spirit with the clean, neutral profile of column-still rum, creating a refreshing drink closely related to both the Daiquiri and the traditional Caipirinha.
Flavour profile
Citrusy, Sweet, Crisp, Refreshing
Variations
- Caipirissima de Frutas — Muddle fresh seasonal fruits such as passion fruit, mango, or strawberries alongside the lime and sugar.
- Spiced Caipirissima — Substitute aged or spiced rum for light rum and add a dash of aromatic bitters for a deeper, warmer flavor profile.
Practise making the Caipirissima in the free Virtual Bar game.