Caipiroska
A vodka riff on the Caipirinha with muddled lime and sugar.
The Caipiroska adapts the Brazilian Caipirinha template by swapping grassy cachaça for neutral vodka. This modification places the emphasis entirely on the oils released from muddling fresh lime wedges with sugar. It gained immense popularity in South America and Europe as a cleaner, more accessible alternative to the rustic original. The drink is built directly in the glass, retaining the muddled fruit for visual appeal and aroma.
Ingredients
- • 2 oz vodka
- • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- • 2 tsp superfine sugar
Did you know?
“While the Caipirinha is protected by Brazilian law as a cachaça drink, the vodka-based Caipiroska became a global phenomenon in the 2000s, often outselling the original in Europe.”
Bartender's Note
Muddle the limes skin-side down to release oils, but do not pulverize the pith to avoid bitterness.
How to make the Caipiroska
- 1Place lime wedges and sugar in a rocks glass
- 2Muddle firmly to release juice and oils
- 3Fill the glass with crushed ice
- 4Add vodka and stir well to dissolve sugar and chill
- 5Top with more ice if needed
