Cachaca: Brazil's Sugarcane Spirit

     Cachaca is one of the sugarcane spirits that is rarely talked about, yet very widely consumed by tourist to Brazil and Locals as well.   Found throughout Brazil and many American bars, this very basic spirit is beginning to take hold and has gained recognition as an ingredient in several very popular Brazilian cocktails.

     “It is produced in over 20 of the 27 states in Brazil. You have different types of sugar cane used. There are then the different types of wood used in the ageing process and on top of that, you have blends of cachaça that were aged in different woods. The world of cachaça is as rich and as varied as Brazil itself.”


     The major difference between Cachaca and Rum is that rum is usually made from molasses, a by-product from refineries that boil the cane juice to extract as much sugar crystal as possible, while cachaça is made from fresh sugarcane juice that is fermented and distilled.    As some rums are also made by this process, cachaça is also known as Brazilian rum.     However, the United States recognized Cachaça as a distinctive Brazilian product by signing an agreement with Brazil in which Ron Kirk and Brazil's Fernando Pimetel were involved, hopefully this is likely to drop the usage of the expression "Brazilian Rum".
    The history of Brazil's National Spirit is interesting see it really did not start in Brazil.  “Sugar production was mostly switched from Madeira Island to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 16th century. In Madeira Aguardente de cana is made by distilling sugar cane. The pot stills that make Aguardente de cana in Madeira were brought to Brazil to make what today is also called Cachaça. “

     The distillation process dates back to 1532, when one of the Portuguese colonizers brought the first cuttings of sugar cane over to Brazil from Madeira.    Cachaça is mostly produced in Brazil, where, according to 2007 figures, 1.5 billion liters (390 million gallons) are consumed annually, compared with 15 million liters (4.0 million gallons) outside the country.   It is typically between 38% and 48% abv.    When it is homemade it can be as strong as the distiller wants.  I find it interesting that up to six grams per litre of sugar may be added for flavor."

Caipirinha

·         Juice of ½ Lime

·         2 Teaspoon of Fine Sugar

·         2 oz. Cachaca

Place Cachaca, lime juice and sugar in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.  Strain into a rocks glass with a sugar in the raw rim.  Garnish with lime wheel.

     The Caipirinha can be made with almost any juicy fruit instead of the lime, many version which are found through out Brazil and the rest of the world.  Let your imagination run and enjoy the fun of the varieties of Caipirinha you can create.