What is Cachaca?:
Cachaça (pronounced kah-SHAH-sah) is a distilled spirit from Brazil that is in a class of it's own but it is often associated with rum. The difference is that cachaça is made from sugar cane juice where rum uses molasses.
Cachaça is made exclusively in Brazil and is very popular in that country where it is commonly referred to as "pinga" and was often thought a poor man's drink. Over recent years it has gained recognition internationally and the Caipirinha is the most popular drink made with this spirit and is Brazil's national drink.
National Cachaça Day is September 13th. June 12th has been designated as International Cachaça Day, and May 21 is another celebration that is more regional, within the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
Check out Patricia Ribeiro's article Cachaça Tourism in Brazil on Brazil Travel, About.com.
Cachaca Cocktails:
- Aman Snow Leopard
- Bahama Breeze Caipirinha
- Brazilian Rose
- Brazilian Sangria
- Café Brasileiro
- Caipirinha
- Caipirini
- Chi-Town Consolation Caipirinha
- Far East Caipirinha
- Ginger Mary
- Homecoming Caipirinha
- King Carlos Caipirinha
- Kumquat-Ginger Caipirinha
- Lemon, Lime and Blue Caipirinha
- Maça Martini
- Melancia Sour
- Paulista
- Raspberry Beillini
- Raspberry Caipirinha
- Rhyme & Reason
- Spiced Pear Caipirini
- Tymello Caipirinha
I also like to use cachaça in place of rum in many of the popular rum cocktails.
Brands of Cachaca:
There are many brands of cachaça produced, however the majority are not available in the international market. This list is just a few that are available, but if you travel to Brazil you will want to check out the selection there and stop by a cachaçaria or two to sample the variety of cachaças.
- Agua Luca
- Aroma Brasil
- Boca Loca (on their website you will find a fantastic and detailed history of cachaca - DrinkBocaLoca.com)
- Cabana Cachaca
- Leblon
- Pirapora
- Pirassunga 1921
- Rio-D
- Sagatiba Pura
- Ypioca
