Vodka and limes make good comrades in this crisp and bright version of the Caipirinha.
What do you think of whenever you hear the phrase “when worlds collide”? A culture clash? Maybe two or more things coming together to make something… different? Like mixing chocolate and mustard? Or is it something more positive, like when vodka, which is traditionally associated with Poland or Russia, is used as the base spirit in the Brazilian cocktail the Caipirinha?
The phrase actually comes from the title of a 1950s sci-fi disaster movie “When Worlds Collide”. In the film, a star is discovered to be on a collision course with earth. While the film is entertaining and full of wonderful B-movie cheese, the circumstances in the story aren’t exactly happy. But if the idea of “worlds colliding” comes to mind regarding the drink we’re making today, then the Caipiroska is of the delicious kind. No planets will explode when you drink it, thankfully, but flavors definitely will.
A simple concoction, the Caipiroska replaces the traditional cachaça found in the Caipirinha. Muddled limes, simple syrup and vodka as the base are shaken together, or collide if you will, into a refreshing and bright cocktail that might quickly become a summer favorite.
Sometimes called the Caipivodka, and even often referred to as a Caipirodka, this tipple proves that cocktail worlds colliding is often a good, and delicious, thing.
What is a Caipirinha?
The traditional drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha is a simple, strong and refreshing cocktail made with the spirit cachaça. Cachaça is distilled from fermented sugar cane juice, and brings a fair amount of sweetness to the Caipirinha, which is balanced out by the tartness of the limes. Sometimes referred to as Brazilian Rum, it definitely has a different flavor profile from the vodka used in the Caipiroska. Whenever you get a chance, make yourself the original version of the drink to compare it to this one.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Caipiroska?
I have a preference for grain or wheat distilled vodkas. Creamy, citrusy and with notes of pepper, I enjoy how that style of spirit melds with other ingredients in any number of cocktails in a wonderfully balanced way. A corn distilled vodka, which is a little sweeter, also mixes well with the limes used in the Caipiroska.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce simple syrup or 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
- 1 lime cut into quarters
- 2 ounces vodka
- Garnish: lime quarters
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with cracked ice to get it nice and cold while you prepare the drink.
- In a shaker, add the simple syrup or sugar along with the lime quarters.Press down on the limes with a muddler.
- Take the ice from your now chilled glass and add it to the shaker, followed by the vodka. shake well.
- Strain into the rocks glass and garnish with additional lime quarters.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Pour your “collision cocktail” into an ice filled rocks glass and garnish with some juicy lime wedges for an extra explosion of citrus.
Storing drinks with muddled ingredients can often make the flavor too overpowering as it sits over any number of days. It might offset the balance of the cocktail. I wouldn’t recommend storing this one.
It might look crisp and lean, but the Caipiroska has a pretty fair amount of calories, weighing in at around 228.
The back of a spoon works pretty good if a muddler isn’t handy. If you don’t make these types of cocktails that often, the spoon is a fine substitute, but muddlers themselves aren’t expensive and will make the process easier.
Mojitos are traditionally made with rum as the base spirit and includes mint and club soda. While muddled limes feature in both, they are not really alike.
Similar Cocktails to the Caipiroska
If tart limes and sweet sugar make your tastebuds sing, then Twist & Toast has some of the most delicious cocktail recipes you can make at home to get your fill. Check out some of them below and give your evening a little extra flavor:
- Caipirinha – Try the original cocktail at your next summer party for a sweet, heat beating treat.
- Passion Fruit Caipirinha – I discover the joys of cachaça with this tart, fruit-infused concoction.
- Watermelon Mojito – A bright red and refreshing take on the traditional Mojito, this tipple will cool you down as it relaxes your senses.
- Coconut Mojito – Bring some chill and sunny island vibes to your home with this sweet and minty cocktail.
Leave a Comment