Cachaça, the spirit of Brazil!
Do you know what cachaça is?
Cachaça (pronounced Ka-shah-sah) is a distilled spirit made
from fermented sugarcane juice. Also known as pinga, caninha, and other
names, it is the most popular spirit among distilled alcoholic beverages
in Brazil.
Those trying cachaça for the very first time will no doubt find it
familiar: a cane-sugar-based spirit, cachaça is actually very closely
related to white rum. The key difference between the two spirits lies in
the way the base ingredient is handled: while rum is traditionally made
from processed cane (molasses), cachaça is made from fresh-pressed,
unprocessed cane juice.
By law, cachaça must be produced in Brazil and contain alcohol of 38 to
48 percent by volume. Made from fresh sugarcane juice which is fermented
and distilled, cachaça may be stored in stainless steel containers or
wood barrels. White (branca) cachaça is the product of stainless steel
or woods that do not impart any color. A variety of Brazilian woods can
be used for storing cachaça, leading to yellow (amarela) cachaça,
enhanced aromas, and softer flavors. For example, amburana reduces
acidity and imparts suggestions of cinnamon and vanilla. The spirit may
also be aged for at least one year (premium) or at least three years
(extra premium).
Cachaça can be drunk on its own, on the rocks or as a rum substitute in
many cocktails – but it is best known because of its presence in the
Caipirinha cocktail.
Here is a Caipirinha recipe for you to try:
- 40ml cachaça
- 3/4 of a fresh lime cut into wedges
- 20ml sugar syrup (2:1 sugar:water ratio)
- Muddle the lime with the sugar in an old-fashioned glass.
- Add ice and cachaça and stir well.
You can learn more about cachaça history on Wikipedia