Caipituba Recipe

Muddle

Cut the fresh lime into 8 wedges (halve the lime lengthwise then cut each half into 4). Place the lime wedges in a sturdy Old-Fashioned glass or small mixing glass. Add the granulated sugar on top of the limes.

Extract juices

Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), press and twist firmly to bruise the lime and release both juice and essential oils from the peel. Muddle 8–10 times until the sugar has dissolved somewhat and the lime flesh is broken up, but avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.

Add cachaça and ice

Pour 2 oz cachaça over the muddled lime and sugar. Add crushed ice to fill the glass about three-quarters full (approximately 1 cup). Use a long spoon to stir vigorously for 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink so flavors marry.

Top with Guaraná

Slowly pour 3 oz chilled Guaraná soda over the back of a bar spoon (or gently down the side of the glass) so it layers and keeps some effervescence. Give one gentle stir (2–3 rotations) to integrate without flattening the soda.

Garnish and present

Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim and an optional mint sprig. Serve immediately with a short straw or stirring spoon so the guest can re-mix as desired.