Passion Fruit Caipirinha: A Twist on the Classic Brazilian Cocktail

For those who want a twist on the delicious Brazilian classic cocktail, passion fruit may just be the answer. Also known as a caipicuja, the passion fruit caipirinha (kye-pea-ree-nya) retains the simplicity of the caipirinha, while adding great flavor. It’s the perfect upgrade for entertaining (or just to solve cocktail blahs).

What you need:

Cachaça (ka-shaw-suh)

If you haven’t already tried it, cachaça is Brazil’s most popular distilled spirit and one of the most popular in the world. It’s taste is somewhere between rum and vodka, although it’s often classified as aguardiente. Nowadays, you can find it in most liquor stores.

Passion fruit

Depending on your location, passion fruit could be extremely easy or impossible to find. If you don’t have access to the actual fruit, you can substitute passion fruit juice.

Limes

I’m a purist. Don’t use lemons.

Sugar

Refined white sugar is the traditional choice, but I’ve used brown sugar in my example. Choose whichever one you like best.

Ice and a lowball glass

For ice, it's better if the pieces are smaller. And if you are unfamiliar with lowball glasses, the picture to the right is an example.

Directions (for 1 serving)

1. Scrape the seeds and juice from 1/2 to 1 passion fruit into a cup (see above photo).

2. Cut two limes width-wise. Squeeze the juice into the same cup as the passion fruit. While not necessary, a lime squeezer like the one pictured is a huge help.

3. Add sugar to taste. I used 2 heaping tablespoons of brown sugar, and I recommend anywhere from 1 to 3 tbsp per serving. Stir to help the sugar dissolve.

4. Pour mixture into the lowball glass. Add ice to rim. Fill the remainder of the glass with cachaça (it should be between 1 and 2 shots). Add an extra lime wedge as a garnish.

5. Enjoy your creation!

If you have any suggestions or comments, leave them below. There are millions of more twists and innovations that are worth sharing!