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Our Caipirinha is light, refreshing, and only requires 3 ingredients. This drink isn't overly sweet and tastes like a boozy limeade.

a Caipirinha cocktail garnished with lime slices and mint.

I love serving easy classic cocktails at dinner parties like my Amaretto Sour, Mai Tai, and White Russians. Another drink everyone can agree on is this Caipirinha (you pronounce it like Kai-pee-rin-yah. It is lime forward, bubbly, and easy to make too.

Why Our Recipe Is the Best: A Sprinkle of Cocktail Science

Muddling Releases Lime's Flavorful Oils: You're not just getting the juice you're also getting those flavorful oils from the peel.
It Uses Lime Slices Not Wedges: This removes most of the pith so the drink is sweet and tangy not overly bitter.
It Uses Simple Syrup Not Sugar: Sugar doesn't dissolved well in cold liquid which can make the drink gritty. We opted to use simple syrup instead.

Ingredient Notes & Shopping Tips

ingredients including lime slices, Leblon Cachaca, and simple syrup.

Cachaca: Pronounced Ka-Shah-Suh, this spirit is made from fermented sugarcane. . For the classic drink use an unaged variety. I like the brands Leblon or Avua. An aged variety can also be used for more of a punch. You could substitute this with any white rum or even vodka.
Limes: Choose Persian not key limes. Look for limes that feel heavy for their size and that are bright green. Avoid ones that are yellow.
Simple Syrup: Homemade or store bought both work great.
Club Soda: We love adding some bubbly to this traditional drink. You could even use a flavored seltzer. Avoid tonic water which is too bitter.

Krystle's Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets

Be Gentle: Excessive grinding of the peel can make the drink bitter.
Remove the Pith: This is very bitter. Take the time to slice them off when cutting up your lime.