I like Caipirinhas. (kai-pee-reen-ya)

I don’t drink them all of the time but on occasion when John and I frolic to The Boathouse, I’ll treat myself to one because I enjoy their cocktails. A caipirinha reminds me of warm weather and beach lounging. There’s just something about the citrusy and sweet flavor combination of this drink that make me dream of summer. I’ve never taken it upon myself to make my own caipirinha and I’m not too sure why – they’re actually not difficult to make at all.

A while ago, I found a jalapeno caipirinha recipe on Mint Love Social blog and I was intrigued. I haven’t always enjoyed spicy cocktails but over time, my taste buds are slowly warming up to the idea. I don’t like them too spicy where I can’t enjoy it but just a little heat makes for an interesting cocktail experience. Caipirinhas are typically made with Cachaca which is a liquor made from sugarcane; it’s also a super popular liquor on Brazil. I went the less traditional route with my caipirinha and used rum instead of cachaca and that’s ok. It’s not totally authentic but it was definitely tasty. I’ve made this a couple of times so that I could adjust the heat – I think I found a good balance the second time around.

What you’ll need:
2 oz of rum or Cachaca
1/2 of a lime, quartered
2 teaspoons of sugar (brown sugar is fine)
jalapeno slice (or two if you’re feeling feisty)

In a cocktail shaker, muddle: limes, sugar and jalapeno

Add rum and ice.

Shake like crazy.

Pour all of the contents of the shaker into a glass.

Happy Friday!