A Sip of Brazil: The History of the Caipirinha

a person holding a caipirinha on the beach

This article is part of a series developed in partnership with Project Pulso.

Ah, the Caipirinha: Brazil's most famous cocktail that has evolved from humble medicinal beginnings to stealing the global limelight at upscale bars.


Where did the Caipirinha come from, and how did it become Brazil's liquid ambassador to the world?

The Caipirinha’s origin story, though still debated, seems to take us back to early 20th century Brazil, in the sugarcane fields of São Paulo. While it's celebrated now as a party drink, its inception was far more medicinal. It’s believed sugarcane farmers would mix lime, garlic, and honey with cachaça—a Brazilian distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice—to ward off the Spanish flu. Over time, the garlic and honey exited stage left, making way for sugar to enter the scene, and the modern Caipirinha was born.

photo of a sugarcane plant

https://commons.wikimedia.org/

The word “Caipirinha” is derived from the Portuguese term "caipira," which refers to someone from the countryside. In a playful twist, “-inha” is a diminutive suffix, adding a touch of affection or endearment. So, in essence, Caipirinha might translate as "little countryside drink."

No history of the Caipirinha would be complete without a nod to cachaça. Initially seen as a "poor man's drink," cachaça has ancient roots in Brazil, dating back to the 1500s. Over the centuries, its production methods refined and evolved, transitioning from a rough spirit to the smooth, flavorful backbone of the Caipirinha we know and love.

During the 20th century, Brazil started making a mark on the global stage with its rich culture. From the rhythmic samba to its unparalleled soccer skills, Brazil was in the limelight. Alongside these, the Caipirinha began its global journey. Tourists who tasted this delightful concoction in Brazil's sunny beaches returned home with tales of a refreshing cocktail that epitomized the spirit of Brazil.

So, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Caipirinha became a staple in bars and restaurants worldwide. With the increasing popularity of Latin American cuisine and culture, the Caipirinha found its place among the pantheon of classic cocktails like the Mojito and Margarita.

Intrigued? Here’s how to make the classic Caipirinha, courtesy of Project Pulso:

@pulsoeats

Excited to kick off this cocktail series with @thelucasassis 🍹 Let us know if you try this one! #LatinoRecipe #DrinkRecipe #DrinkTok #DrinkHistory #FoodHistory #Brazil #cocktail #cocktails #cocktailrecipes

Protestors at women's march stand behing a banner that reads "we are still the resistance"
Photo Courtesy of the Women's March

On January 18, 2025, Washington, D.C., will once again become a hub of public dissent with The People’s March, hosted by Women’s March. This demonstration comes at a historic moment, just days before Donald Trump begins his second term as president. Framed as a collective stand against policies that organizers see as harmful to equality and justice, the march aims to unite voices from across the nation in an act of resistance and hope.

Keep ReadingShow less
image of devastating fires in Los Angeles area

Last updated: January 13, 1:20 p.m. PT.

Multiple wildfires are currently tearing through Los Angeles County, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. The fires have now claimed 10 lives. While the Palisades fire captured widespread media attention due to its location in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, at the time of this reporting, the Eaton Fire quickly grew to the same devastating size as the Palisades and took entire neighborhoods with it. The Eaton fire is still currently impacting areas with a significant Latino population, such as Altadena, where 27.2% of the population is Latino according to the latest census.

Keep ReadingShow less
golden globes 2025 nominees
Created by Luz Media

This year’s Golden Globe Awards had one of the highest number of Latino nominees in its history. While that’s a milestone worth celebrating, the actual outcome of the ceremony is a reminder of how far Hollywood still has to go. Out of all the groundbreaking nominees, including 8 Latine actors and at least 9 projects with significant Latino involvement behind the scenes (including 4 Latine directors), only 2 Latina actresses, Dominican-Puerto Rican Zoe Saldaña and Brazilian Fernanda Torres, walked away with trophies. Their wins are historic and well-deserved, but they don’t hide the fact that Latino talent continues to be largely overlooked in an industry that thrives on Latine contributions both on and off the screen.

Keep ReadingShow less