Kiwi Caipirinha

The Kiwi Caipirinha puts a fresh spin on Brazil’s national cocktail by swapping the usual sugar for agave nectar and adding ripe kiwi for a tangy twist. It’s smooth, slightly tart, and has just enough sweetness to keep it balanced. The muddled fruit gives the drink a bright green color and pulpy texture that makes it feel fresh and unfiltered. It’s a simple cocktail with a lot of flavor, great for summer afternoons or whenever you want something light and fruit-forward.

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Tasting Notes

This Kiwi Caipirinha is bright, smooth, and just a little tart. The kiwi adds a fresh, slightly tangy fruit flavor that pairs well with the natural earthiness of cachaça. Lime keeps it sharp, while agave nectar adds a soft layer of sweetness to round it out. The drink is muddled, not shaken or stirred, so the texture has tiny bits of fruit throughout. Served cold, it’s crisp and refreshing without being too sweet or too strong. Every sip brings a mix of kiwi, lime, and light sugarcane flavor with a soft punch of citrus on the finish.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need anything fancy to make a Kiwi Caipirinha. A muddler is key, since you’ll be pressing fruit to release juice and oils. A basic cocktail shaker isn’t necessary unless you want to double-strain it, but a jigger helps measure out your liquids. Use a sturdy rocks glass to hold the drink and leave room for ice. If you want to get the garnish right, a sharp paring knife helps with clean kiwi slices. Simple tools, a short glass, and a little pressure are all you really need to get this drink from fruit to finish.

Ingredients

• 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
• ½ lime, quartered
• 2 oz cachaça
• ½ oz agave nectar
• ¼ oz lime juice
• Kiwi slice, for garnish

Instructions

• Add the chopped kiwi and lime wedges to a shaker or mixing glass.
• Muddle well to release the juices.
• Pour in the cachaça, agave nectar, and lime juice.
• Fill with ice and shake until chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
• Garnish with a kiwi slice.

Pro Tips

• Use a ripe kiwi with a bit of firmness for better flavor and easier muddling
• Don’t skip muddling it’s how the fruit and lime release their juice and oils
• Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink cooler longer
• Crushed ice gives the drink a slightly slushier, more refreshing texture
• Double strain if you prefer a smoother texture without pulp or seeds
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less agave to suit your taste
• Swap agave for simple syrup if that’s what you have
• Avoid over-muddling the lime rind it can make the drink bitter
• Stir instead of shaking to keep it more true to the original style
• Garnish with a kiwi wheel or lime wedge for a clean look

When to Serve

The Kiwi Caipirinha is a laid-back, anytime drink that’s perfect for warm weather, casual hangouts, or relaxed happy hours. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require a shaker, and feels fresh enough for daytime sipping. Try it at a summer barbecue, a beach picnic, or a patio gathering with friends. It also works well as a before-dinner drink when you want something simple but not boring. Because it’s light on mixers and full of fresh fruit, it won’t weigh you down. It’s great for low-effort weekends or weeknight wind-downs when you just want something easy and chilled.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Cachaça:

• Novo Fogo Silver (smooth and clean)
• Ypióca Prata (classic and budget-friendly)
• Avuá Prata (light and grassy)
• Leblon (widely available, balanced)
• Cachaça 51 (easy to find, solid base option)

Similar Cocktails

• Raspberry Caipirinha
• Pineapple Kiwi Mojito
• Kiwi Cucumber Margarita
• Pineapple Kiwi Cooler
• Kiwi Jalapeño Margarita