A caipiroska is an alcoholic cocktail with vodka as the base ingredient.
Say it with me: CAPE-ear-OSS-car.
Caipiroskas originated in Brazil as a sister drink to the caipirinha, a cool, refreshing summer drink with an alcoholic undertone. The traditional white rum of a caipirinha is replaced with vodka in a caipiroska.
Simple caipiroskas are a shaken cocktail made with lime juice and sugar syrup. The drink may be served in a highball glass with ice and slices of muddled lime, or strained into a shot glass to be consumed as a shooter.
The trick's in the variation. Passionfruit, strawberry or watermelon are popular flavours, accented with chunks of fruit and a few sprigs of mint. White peach and vanilla creates a smooth taste, while strawberry, cocoa bean and vanilla is a more contempory flavour. The mixtures can be quite exotic: honeynut and raspberry caipiroskas are made with honeycomb-infused vodka, raspberries and freshly-roasted hazelnuts.
Simple Lime Caipiroska
Ingredients
- 1 large lime
- 1 teaspoon caster sugar
- 1½ tablespoons sugar syrup
- Ice
- 2 nips (60ml) vodka
Method
- Slice the lime lengthwise into several pieces. Crush the lime and the sugar in a highball glass with a small wooden pestle or spoon until some of the juice is released.
- Add the sugar syrup to the glass, then fill it to the brim with ice. Pour the vodka over the ice, tip the lot into a cocktail shaker and shake enthusiastically. Serve the lot in a clean glass (ice, lime and all) or strain into a shot glass.
Variations
Any nut flavours or fruits can be added to the simple standard: remove the lime from the recipie, add a new fruit and get to work. Remember that the vodka and ice will provide a cool, calm and collected kick. Aim for a light, fresh flavour to complement the sharpness of the alcohol. Since the vodka and ice provide a clear backdrop, think about the mixture of colours in your ingredients.
Visit the Everything Bartender for a list of delicious cocktails.