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Home » Authentic Brazilian Recipes (Gluten-Free)

How to Make Brazilian Caipirinha Recipe (Lime Cocktail)

Updated: Feb 21, 2025 | Published: May 17, 2024 | by Patricia Granek | 3 Comments

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Want to make an authentic Caipirinha Recipe just like we do in Brazil? This simple Caipirinha de Limão brings together tart muddled limes, coarse sugar, and bold cachaça for a cocktail that’s citrusy, smooth, and packed with pure Brazilian flavor. It’s the ultimate sip of summer—whether you’re on the beach or in your backyard!

Two glasses of Caipirinha de Limão, each with lime slices and ice, surrounded by fresh limes and a muddling glass, illustrating the vibrant and refreshing nature of this drink.

The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. For more details, please refer to our disclaimer page.

🔄 Updated for 2025: I’ve added my family’s top tips, helpful substitutions, and make-ahead advice to help you make the perfect caipirinha recipe every time.

Jump to:
  • 🥳Why You'll Love This Brazilain Cocktail
  • 🌴What Is a Caipirinha?
  • 🍋‍🟩Ingredient Notes
  • 👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
  • 💡Tips for Sucess: How To Muddle
  • 🔁Recipe Variations
  • 🥡Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
  • ❔Recipe FAQ
  • 🥣Recipes to Pair
  • 🥥More Brazilian Tropical Cocktail
  • 📖 Recipe

✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

Let’s talk about Brazil’s most refreshing cocktail—the caipirinha. If you’ve ever been to Brazil, you know this drink is everywhere. Family barbecues, beach days, celebrations… it’s the go-to. And for good reason. With just three simple ingredients—muddled lime, sugar, and cachaça—it’s the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and smooth.

For us Brazilians, a caipirinha isn’t just a drink. It’s about slowing down and enjoying the moment. My dad taught me how to make it (when I was old enough, of course!), and we'd sip ours right on the beach with some yuca fries. He learned from my grandmother, the queen of classic Brazilian cooking (and the inspiration behind this site). I love this drink so much that we even had a caipirinha bar at our wedding!

But don’t let the simplicity fool you—a great caipirinha is all about technique. I’ll show you how to make it the traditional way, just like we do in Brazil. No shortcuts, no fuss, just pure Brazilian flavor.

Love tropical drinks? Try our Brazilian Batida de Coco next! Need a mocktail version? Try our coconut water mocktail!

🥳Why You'll Love This Brazilain Cocktail

  • 100% Authentic: This isn’t just any recipe—it’s the real deal from a Brazilian kitchen. I’ll guide you through the same steps we use back home to create our Caipirinha de Limão-the perfect cocktail.
  • Perfectly Balanced: Bright citrus flavor, just the right sweetness, and smooth cachaça make every sip of Brazil’s most famous cocktail refreshing and bold.
  • Fast & Easy: Just 5 minutes and 3 ingredients—ideal for barbecues, beach days, or a quick happy hour.
  • Tastes Like Brazil: Every sip brings you the sun, energy, and laid-back vibes of Brazil’s beaches and street bars.
close-up of a Caipirinha de Limão with lime slices and ice, highlighting the zesty and aromatic flavors of this traditional Brazilian cocktail.

🌴What Is a Caipirinha?

The Caipirinha (kai-pee-REEN-yah) is Brazil’s national cocktail, and it’s all about kicking back, slowing down, and savoring life with friends.

At the heart of every Caipirinha recipe is cachaça (ka-SHAH-sah), Brazil’s famous sugarcane liquor. Unlike rum (made from molasses), cachaça is distilled from fresh sugarcane juice, giving it a bold, slightly grassy, and subtly sweet flavor.

The Caipirinha de Limão has been around since the early 19th century, originally from São Paulo’s countryside. Some say it began as a home remedy for the Spanish flu, made with lime, honey, and garlic. Thankfully, sugar and cachaça took over—and the classic caipirinha was born. The name itself comes from "caipira," meaning people from rural Brazil.

Fast forward to today, and the Caipirinha is everywhere—from beach stands and backyard barbecues to upscale bars and massive celebrations like Carnaval. But no matter where you drink it, one thing never changes: ➡️ It’s about simple ingredients, good company, and that unmistakable Brazilian spirit.

🍋‍🟩Ingredient Notes

We’re making my family's traditional Brazilian caipirinha de limão, so it’s all about simple, fresh ingredients that deliver bold, authentic flavors. Here’s what you need:

Key ingredients for Caipirinha de Limão displayed on a table, including fresh limes, coarse cane sugar in a bowl, and a bottle of cachaça, the essential Brazilian sugarcane liquor.
  • Fresh Limes: You can not make Brazil’s national drink without fresh limes! Limes (not lemons) are traditionally used for their vibrant, tart flavor, which perfectly balances the sugar and cachaça. I recommend slicing them into thin rounds instead of wedges—it’s easier to muddle them just right, releasing all the juice and the essential oils from the peel for maximum flavor.
  • Raw Sugar: Use coarse cane sugar (like granulated raw sugar or white sugar) for the best caipirinha recipe. It’s not just for sweetness—the coarse texture helps break down the limes as you muddle, pulling out all those bright, citrusy notes. Superfine sugar or powdered sugar dissolves too quickly, so it won’t give you the same flavor and balance.
  • Cachaça liquor: Cachaça is a Brazilian liquor made from sugarcane. It's also known as Brazilian rum, which is similar to white rum but with a distinct grassy flavor and aroma. This is what makes this a traditional caipirinha recipe. You can find it at most liquor stores, but white rum is the best substitute if you can't find cachaça.
  • Ice Cubes: Brazilians use plenty of ice to keep the caipirinha cold and refreshing. I like using a mix of regular ice cubes and crushed ice for the perfect chill and texture.

Full quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Slice and Juice Limes

Cut the top of the lime and discard. Then slice two of your limes into slices (this is my family's trick to get the best flavor and texture). Then, juice the remaining limes until you get about 2 ounces of lime juice.

Close-up of slicing fresh limes on a wooden cutting board, preparing ingredients for a traditional Caipirinha de Limão cocktail.

Step 2: Muddle Lime and Sugar

Combine the lime wedges and sugar in a sturdy glass or mason jar. Muddle them together using a muddler or the back of a spoon until the sugar is dissolved into the lime juice and the limes release their oils and juices. Think of it as massaging the lime slices—you want all the fresh juice, lime pieces, and aromatic oils without turning the limes to mush.

How to Muddle Limes:

  1. Use Sturdy Glass: A solid, heavy-bottomed glass works best to handle the pressure without cracking.
  2. Add the Sugar First: Sprinkle the coarse sugar over the lime slices. The sugar helps break down the lime and pulls out its bright citrus flavor.
  3. Press and Twist Gently: Use a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon) to press down firmly but gently. Rotate slightly as you go to release the juices and oils.
  4. Avoid Over-Muddling: Don’t crush the rind too much—this releases bitterness that can overpower the drink.
Overhead view of lime slices placed in a glass, ready to be muddled with coarse cane sugar for making a Caipirinha de Limão.
Pouring coarse cane sugar over lime slices in a glass, a crucial step in preparing an authentic Brazilian Caipirinha de Limão.
Muddling lime slices and coarse cane sugar in a glass using a muddler, releasing the vibrant citrus flavors for a Caipirinha de Limão.

Step 3: Add Cachaça

Pour the cachaça and lime juice into the muddler. Stir well to mix the lime, sugar, and cachaça. Alternatively, you can pour the cachaça and lime juice into each glass if you prefer. This blend gives Caipirinha de Limão its unique and refreshing taste.

Pouring cachaça into a glass with ice cubes and muddled lime mixture, the final step in making a refreshing Caipirinha de Limão.

Step 4: Add Ice and Serve

Fill the glass with ice cubes, then divide the Caipirinha mixture between the glasses. Traditionally, the muddled lime slices are also added to the glass.

Serve your Brazilian cocktail garnished with a lime wheel or lime peel. Top your Caipirinha de Limão with some crushed ice for an extra refreshing twist.

Pouring the mixed Caipirinha de Limão into a serving glass filled with lime slices, ready to be enjoyed.
A refreshing Caipirinha de Limão garnished with a lime wheel and topped with crushed ice, capturing the essence of this traditional Brazilian cocktail.
A refreshing Caipirinha de Limão garnished with a lime wheel and topped with crushed ice, capturing the essence of this traditional Brazilian cocktail.

💡Tips for Sucess: How To Muddle

These tips come straight from my Brazilian family’s kitchen to help you make the best Caipirinha recipe every time:

  • Use Lime Slices, Not Wedges: Slices release more juice & essential oils without making the drink bitter.
  • Coarse Sugar is Key: Use coarse cane sugar—it muddles perfectly and dissolves slowly balancing out the tartness.
  • Master the Muddle: This is where you make or break this drink! Add the sugar first, then press and twist gently. Rotate slightly as you go to release the juices and oils. Don’t crush the rind too much—this releases bitterness that can overpower your caipirinha recipe.
  • Mix Your Ice: My family’s secret? A mix of crushed ice and regular ice cubes. The cubes chill the drink without watering it down, while the crushed ice adds a refreshing slushy texture.

🔁Recipe Variations

Traditional Brazilian Caipirinha is made with just three main ingredients, which means we have limited substitution options, but here are a few recipe variations that we love:

  • Sugar Alternatives: Coarse cane sugar is a MUST and traditional. Using coarse sugar will properly muddle the limes and help balance the tart juice. If you’re out of raw sugar, any coarse-grain sugar will work. Avoid honey, simple syrup, or maple syrup—they dissolve too quickly and can change the flavor of this Brazilian cocktail.
  • Cachaça Alternative: White rum is the closest alternative if you can’t find cachaça at your local store. It won’t have the same slightly grassy flavor, but it still makes a delicious and refreshing caipirinha recipe.
  • Lime Alternative: While lime is the traditional way to enjoy caipirinha, you can experiment with other fruits (like lemon, oranges, or passion fruit) to give this Brazilian cocktail a refreshing twist.
  • Alcohol-Free Mocktail Version: For a non-alcoholic caipirinha recipe, skip the cachaça and follow my Virgin Caipirinha recipe. It’s just as refreshing and sticks to the traditional lime flavor!
A glass of Caipirinha de Limão with lime slices, crushed ice, and a wooden stir stick, highlighting the vibrant and refreshing qualities of this classic Brazilian drink.

🥡Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Caipirinhas are best enjoyed fresh, and you likely won't have leftovers 😉But if you need to prepare ahead of time, here are a few tips:

  • Muddle in Advance: Mix the lime and sugar ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the cachaça and ice just before serving to keep the flavors crisp and fresh.
  • Ice Last: Always add ice at the very end to avoid watering down the drink. If you need to chill it quickly, shake the mixture with ice in a cocktail shaker, then pour it over fresh ice.
  • Store Fresh Ingredients: Keep prepped limes or muddled mixtures in airtight containers to lock in their flavor and prevent them from drying out.
Image of a family of 5 (mom, dad and 3 boys) standing outside by a swing.

As a mom of three, born and raised in Brazil, I grew up learning recipes like this one from my grandmother’s kitchen. With years of experience perfecting classic Brazilian dishes, I’m excited to share our family’s authentic Caipirinha de Limão—simple, refreshing, and made the traditional way.

A Caipirinha de Limão served in a glass with lime slices and crushed ice, with a bottle of cachaça in the background, showcasing the key ingredients.

❔Recipe FAQ

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes for Caipirinha de Limão?

Fresh lime juice is essential for the authentic taste of this national cocktail of Brazil. Bottled lime juice often contains preservatives and lacks the fresh, vibrant flavor of freshly squeezed limes.

What’s the difference between cachaça and rum?

Cachaça is a Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice, while rum is typically made from molasses. Cachaça has a distinct, grassy flavor that sets Brazil’s national cocktail apart from other tropical cocktails.

Can I make a caipirinha without a muddler?

Yes, you can muddle the limes and sugar with the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a spoon. Just be sure to use a sturdy glass (double rocks glass) or container to avoid breakage.

🌟 Loved this Brazilian caipirinha recipe? Let’s connect! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a star rating, share this recipe, or comment below. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram! Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites.

🥣Recipes to Pair

Enjoy this Brazilian cocktail with our Brazilian-style rice and beans for the best pairing!

  • Close up image of crisy air fried yuca fries sprinkled with salt and cilantro with fresh limes and sipping sauces around the fries.
    Brazilian Air Fryer Yuca Fries (Mandioca Frita Na Airfryer)
  • A bird's eye view of a beautifully presented Brazilian rice and beans dish, featuring a side of fluffy white rice, a hearty portion of pinto beans, garnished with fresh cilantro and vibrant orange slices atop a rustic wooden table.
    Brazilian Rice and Beans (Instant pot & Stovetop)
  • Overhead bowl of fresh Brazilian style yuca chips showcasing their golden brown color, cripsy texture and lime zest seasoning.
    Brazilian Style Yuca Chips (Cassava Chips)
  • Stacked pieces of Pé de Moleque, highlighting the shiny caramel coating and crunchy peanuts embedded in the candy.
    Pé De Moleque (Brazilian Peanut Candy)-No Corn Syrup

👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite of our caipirinha recipe, and don’t forget that life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!

🥥More Brazilian Tropical Cocktail

  • Virgin Caipirinha: Check out our coconut water mocktail for a non-alcoholic Brazilian cocktail! We use traditional flavors (no ginger beer) to give you a refreshing cocktail without the alcohol.
  • Batida de Coco: If you love cachaça, try another famous Brazilian cocktail, the Batida de Coco! It's made with coconut cream and uses Brazilian liquor.
  • Coconut Kiss Cocktail (Mocktail Version): A creamy, coconut-forward mocktail that’s smooth, sweet, and great for tropical drink lovers.
  • Tropical Pineapple Slushie Recipe: Another great Brazilian drink. This icy pineapple slushie is a fun, vibrant drink that’s perfect for hot days and beach vibes.

👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite of our brazilian cocktail recipe and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!

📖 Recipe

A refreshing glass of Caipirinha de Limão with lime slices and ice, served with a wooden stir stick, surrounded by fresh limes and a muddling glass, highlighting the vibrant and zesty nature of this traditional Brazilian cocktail.

How to Make Brazilian Caipirinha Recipe

Patricia Granek
This is the real deal—a traditional Caipirinha recipe straight from my Brazilian family’s kitchen! Learn our tips for muddling lime slices, balancing sweetness, and using the perfect mix of ice for a refreshing, classic Brazilian cocktail.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 162 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 5-6 limes sliced
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 oz cachaça
  • ice cubes
Step-By-Step ImagesScroll back for process images and recipe tips!

Instructions
 

  • Slice and Juice Your Limes: Slice two of your limes into wedges or slices. Juice the remaining limes until you get about 2 ounces of lime juice.
  • Muddle the Lime and Sugar: In a sturdy glass or muddler container, combine the lime wedges and sugar. Muddle them together until the sugar is dissolved into the lime juice and the limes release their oils and juices.
  • Add Cachaça and Lime Juice: Pour the cachaça and lime juice into the muddler. Stir well to mix the lime, sugar, and cachaça together.
  • Fill with Ice and Serve: Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour the Caipirinha mixture into each glass, dividing it between two servings. Traditionally, it's also customary to add the muddled lime slices into the glass.
  • Serve Immediately: Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy your refreshing cocktail.

Notes

Key Tip:
  • Use Lime Slices, Not Wedges: Lime slices release the juice and oils evenly without crushing the bitter rind.
  • Choose Coarse Sugar: Coarse cane sugar dissolves slowly, creating a perfectly balanced drink.
  • Muddle Gently: If you’re new to muddling, press firmly but gently, rotating the lime pieces to extract maximum juice without pulverizing the rind. Use coarse cane sugar for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.
Substitutions: If you can’t find cachaça, white rum works as a substitute, but you’ll miss out on its signature grassy flavor.
No Muddler? No Problem: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or the back of a spoon to muddle the limes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 5gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1mgZinc: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments !

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Comments

    5 from 2 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Josue says

    February 20, 2025 at 10:56 am

    5 stars
    So good, thanks for the recipe, I first tried this drink in Brazil and it tastes like I’m on the beach! So refreshing. Any suggestions on where to get the best cachaca for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Patricia Granek says

      February 20, 2025 at 12:31 pm

      Hey Josue, this drin kis definelty like no other out there! If youa re in Canada check online to see if your local LCBO has any in stock! Any cachaca will work, if you can find pinga (51 brand) then defiently use that one!

      Reply
  2. Arlete Ferreira says

    May 22, 2024 at 6:05 pm

    5 stars
    Love it

    Reply
Photo of Patricia Granek smiling with hair down

Oi, Hi, I'm Patricia!

I'm a Brazilian-born mom of 3 living in Toronto, with a Ph.D. in Health Science. I've been gluten-free for over 10 years, and after years navigating my family's mixed dietary needs, I created AtMyTable—quick, reliable, allergy-friendly recipes inspired by my Brazilian roots, where every meal is delicious enough to bring everyone together at one table.

More about me →

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A close-up of a Lime Caipirinha with ice and lime slices, capturing the refreshing and aromatic essence of the drink.
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