The Strawberry Caipirinha is a fun twist on Brazil’s classic cocktail. It mixes fresh strawberries, lime, and a little simple syrup with cachaça, a bold sugarcane spirit. The strawberries add a fruity kick, while the lime keeps it sharp. Served over ice with strawberry and lime, it’s simple, bright, and great for warm days.
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Tasting Notes
This Strawberry Caipirinha is fruity take on Brazil’s national cocktail brings together the tartness of lime, the natural sweetness of strawberries, and the rustic edge of cachaça. The strawberries mellow out the sharp citrus, giving the drink a smoother, slightly jammy finish. Each sip offers a well-balanced mix of earthy spirit and bright fruit, with a refreshing tang and a lightly sweet undercurrent. The cocktail’s texture is slightly pulpy from the muddled fruit, adding depth and character. It’s crisp and invigorating, making it a great choice for fans of fruit-forward drinks that still maintain a solid kick from the base spirit.
Equipment and Glassware
To make a Strawberry Caipirinha, you’ll need a sturdy muddler to crush the strawberries effectively and extract their juices. A jigger ensures accurate measurement, while a bar spoon helps mix the ingredients thoroughly. Use a shaker if you prefer a smoother texture, though it’s optional. A rocks glass or old-fashioned glass is ideal, as it provides the right volume and showcases the drink’s layered colors. Crushed or cubed ice works well here. A paring knife is handy for preparing the garnish, and a cocktail pick can help present it cleanly. No fancy gear required, just basic bar tools and a good muddle.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- ¼ cup strawberries
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz cachaça
- Garnish: lime wedge, strawberry
Instructions
- Add chopped strawberries and lime juice to a shaker or mixing glass.
- Muddle thoroughly to release the fruit’s juices.
- Add simple syrup and cachaça.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake briefly to mix and chill.
- Pour everything including the muddled fruit into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a strawberry.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the fullest flavor.
- Don’t over-muddle; gently press to avoid bitterness from the lime skin.
- Adjust simple syrup depending on the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer.
- If you prefer a smoother drink, strain before serving.
- Crushed ice gives better dilution and texture.
- Try adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar for a twist.
- Use a high-proof cachaça if you want a stronger finish.
When to Serve
The Strawberry Caipirinha is ideal for warm-weather occasions like summer barbecues, picnics, or poolside lounging. It’s also great as a welcome drink for brunch or a relaxed evening get-together. Its refreshing character and approachable flavor make it a hit at garden parties or casual celebrations. Because of its fruity and easygoing nature, it fits well into menus that include grilled meats, seafood, or Latin-inspired dishes. Serve it when strawberries are at their peak, typically late spring through summer. This drink also makes a good happy hour choice when you want something light but still spirit-forward.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Leblon – A smooth, lightly floral cachaça ideal for beginners.
- Novo Fogo – Offers an organic, sustainable cachaça with clean flavor.
- Yaguara – A blend of aged and unaged cachaças with more body.
- Avuá Prata – Bright and grassy, great for fresh, fruit-forward cocktails.
- Cachaça 51 – Affordable and widely available, good for casual batches.
Similar Cocktails
- Cantaloupe-Mint Caipirinha
- Strawberry Mezcal Margarita
- Kiwi Caipirinha
- Honeydew Mint Vodka Splash
- Whiskey Crème Brûlée
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- ¼ cup strawberries
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz cachaça
- Garnish: lime wedge strawberry
Instructions
- Add chopped strawberries and lime juice to a shaker or mixing glass.
- Muddle thoroughly to release the fruit’s juices.
- Add simple syrup and cachaça.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake briefly to mix and chill.
- Pour everything including the muddled fruit into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a strawberry.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for the fullest flavor.
- No shaker? Muddle and stir directly in the serving glass.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup to taste.