Authentic Rio Carnival Caipirinha
"Capture the pulsating energy of the Sambadrome with this masterfully balanced, hand-muddled celebration of Brazil’s national spirit."
Instructions
Prepare the limes: Slice off the ends of each lime, cut them in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the white central pith (this is the secret to avoiding bitterness). Cut each half into four small wedges.
Divide and Conquer: Place the lime wedges from one lime into each of four sturdy rocks glasses, skin side down and pulp side up.
Sweeten: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar over the limes in each glass.
Muddle with Precision: Using a wooden muddler, press down on the limes with a firm twisting motion. The goal is to extract the juice and the aromatic oils from the rind without pulverizing the skin into a mush.
Chill: Fill each glass to the brim with cracked ice. The increased surface area of cracked ice provides an immediate, sharp chill essential for the Carnival heat.
The Spirit: Pour 2 oz (60ml) of premium Cachaça over the ice in each glass.
The Lift: Use a long bar spoon to stir the drink from the bottom up, lifting the sugar and lime juice to integrate perfectly with the cachaça.
Presentation: Garnish each glass with a fresh lime wheel and serve immediately while the drink is bracingly cold.