CAIPIROSKA
The Caipiroska: A Vodka Take on Brazil's National Drink
The Caipiroska emerged as a vodka variation of the Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail traditionally made with cachaça.
While the exact creator and date remain unclear, the drink likely developed in the 1980s or 1990s as vodka's global popularity led bartenders to substitute it into regional cocktails, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail follows the same preparation as the Caipirinha: fresh lime wedges muddled with sugar, then mixed with vodka and ice. This formula creates a tart, refreshing drink where lime's brightness dominates while sugar balances the acidity, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The name "Caipiroska" combines "Caipirinha" with "vodka," clearly indicating its heritage. The drink became popular internationally as an accessible alternative for those who couldn't find cachaça or preferred vodka's cleaner profile to cachaça's grassy, funky character.
RECIPE:
2 oz vodka
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
2 teaspoons sugar (or 1/2 oz simple syrup)
Method:
Add lime wedges and sugar to a rocks glass.
Muddle thoroughly to extract lime juice and dissolve sugar.
Fill glass with crushed ice.
Add vodka and stir vigorously.
Serve with a straw.