Sete de Setembro, Brazilian Independence Day, is celebrated all over the world on September 7. One can be sure it is done with, a caipirinha, the official cocktail of Brazil.
Brazilians did not have to create an armed revolt for independence. On September 7, 1822 Prince Pedro received a note from his devoted wife, Princess Leopoldina of Habsburg, warning him of Portugal’s intent to usurp his diminishing power. The Prince himself declared "Independence or Death!" He unsheathed his sword affirming that "By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free" and that moment ended 322 years of Portugal’s colonial dominance over Brazil.
The term “caipirinha” (pronounced - kai-pee-reen-yah - with the r slightly trilled) can be translated as little hick, little hayseed, little country bumpkin, little rube, etc. Some older Brazilians claim that the caipirinha was originally a folk remedy used to help alleviate the symptoms of colds and the flu and to soothe sore throats. The ingredients are: lime, sugar and Cachaça.
Cachaça is Brazil’s most popular alcohalic beverage. It is distilled from frmented sugarcane juice. The name cachaça may have been derived from the word cachaço, which, in earlier times, was used to preserve pork. In Brazil it is sometimes referred to as pinga.
The Classic Caipirinha recipe
In an old fashioned glass
Muddle
2 tsp superfine sugar (or 1 ounce simple syrup)
1 lime cut into 8 wedges (or 2 key limes)
Add 2 ounces of Cachaça
Stir well
Add cracked ice stir again
Variations include: caipiroska using vodka, sakerinha using sake, grapirinha made with Italian grappa and caipifruta which uses other muddled fresh fruits. I make a jalapirinha using a half of a seeded jalapena pepper along with the lime and sugar.
Places in Miami where you are sure to find a caipirinha and a celebration come September 7th are: Brazaviva, SW 40th St.; Grimpa, in Brickell; Botequim Carioca, Biscayne Blvd. DWN TWN; Boteco NE 79th St. Miami; Texas De Brazil Dolphin Mall Miami & Alton St. Miami Beach; also on Miami Beach Fogo de Chao 1st St.
Comments