Houstonist Bartender: Caipirinha

Dude, it's like 4/20. Know what that means? Yep, tomorrow is Tiradentes Day, a Brazilian national holiday commemorating the execution of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a tiradentes (tooth puller) and revolutionary against the Portugese. What better way to celebrate than to pour some out get drunk in remembrance of Xavier? What better cocktail than the Brazilian staple - caipirinha?

The caipirinha is similiar to a mojito in that they are both concocted using limes and sugar but that's where it ends. Instead of rum, which is made from molasses, the booze powering a caipirinha is cachaça, which is made from sugar cane juice. And, while mojitos jumped the shark after being featured in Die Another Day, caipirinhas are relatively unknown but enjoy a heightened cool factor among those in the know.

As usual, many variations on the drink exist. Here's the recipe we like the bestest.

Caipirinha

+ 3 oz. cachaça
+ 3 Tbsp. sugar
+ 2 or 3 key limes, seeded & sliced thin

Drop the limes (peel on) into the bottom of large whiskey glass or a highball glass. Spoon in the sugar. Muddle the sugar and limes together. Add the booze and stir until the sugar dissolved. Now add a few ice cubes and garnish with a lime slice.

Still not sold that this drink is for you? Don’t worry, you can mix it in a bucket. You can always head to (Under the) Volcano if you don't have a bucket or you don't like to muddle.

Here's to our brethren down at Sampaist. Good luck seeing straight on Sunday.

Have a recipe we should spread to the masses? Send it along [jason at houstonist dot com], and we just may post it after some extensive testing.

Don't be a dumbass. Drink responsibly or take a cab.

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Photo: flickr user redlabel.