The Caipiroska cocktail is the Vodka version of a traditional Caipirinha recipe. Substituting Vodka for Cachaça, the drink is easy to make and has a similar flavor profile. Perhaps, the Caipiroska is slightly more floral, though, compared to the Cachaça, which is more grassy and herbal.
There are a few things to consider when preparing a great Caipiroska. That includes choosing a suitable Vodka, cutting your limes the right way, and using the proper type of sugar.
Jump to Recipe | Ingredients | How to make it | Variations | FAQs
Ingredients
The list of things that go into a Caipiroska is short. Besides the base spirit, fresh limes and sugar are the key components. So, here's a breakdown of what you need.
- Vodka - To make fantastic Vodka cocktails, you don't need to spend a fortune on the base spirit. Great Vodkas are available at comparably low prices. Get a Ketel One or Absolut Vodka, and you're good.
- Limes - We need limes cut in quarters or halves with the pith removed. That is crucial for making this drink the traditional way.
- Granulated sugar - Another vital part of the recipe is using granulated sugar and never syrup. The sugar helps extract essential oils from the lime peels, ultimately making the drink more flavorful.
- Fresh lime juice - This bit is optional but helps pronounce the tangy flavors in the Caipiroska cocktail. It's additional to the cut lime we mentioned above.
How to make a great Caipiroska cocktail
To make a fantastic Caipiroska, you'll have to apply the same technique you use for a tasty Caipirinha:
Step 1: Preparing the limes - When cutting your limes, cut them in half lengthwise (top to bottom). Then remove all of the pith. Now you can go on using those half limes to make the cocktail. Or you can cut them in half again and use quarters. But don't cut them any smaller.
Step 2: Muddling with granulated sugar - Combine the lime quarters and halves with granulated sugar in a cocktail shaker and muddle to crush the limes and release the juices. Now the sugar will do some magic and extract the beautiful essential oils.
Step 3: Add Vodka - Add a tablespoon of lime juice with the Vodka to pronounce the tangy lime flavor in the drink. Then shake all ingredients for about 10 seconds with about 6oz of crushed ice.
Step 4: Strain your drink into a rocks glass, add more crushed ice, and garnish everything with a lime wheel. Cheers!
Variations
Just like with the Caipirinha, it's easy to make fruity variations of a Caipiroska. You can use the same recipe, but add fresh fruits in Step 2 and muddle them with sugar and limes.
Here's some inspiration to make tasty riffs on the Caipiroska with fresh fruits:
- Blackberry Caipiroska - Add 3 or 4 large blackberries when muddling the limes.
- Kiwi - You can also use a kiwi in this drink. Peel the fruit and cut it into small cubes before muddling it with your lime quarters.
- Strawberry - Similar to the blackberry variation, add 2-4 strawberries (depending on the size) and muddle them with lime and sugar. -This also works with raspberries or cherries.
- Passion fruit - Another excellent variation of the cocktail. You'll need the pulp of one fruit per drink. And this time, don't muddle it but add it with Vodka and lime juice before shaking. If you would crush the kernels, they release a slightly bitter and unpleasant taste which you don't want in this cocktail.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1.5 pcs Limes, cut in half or quarters with pith removed
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed lime juice (optional but recommended)
- Crushed/cracked ice
Instructions
- Combine lime halves or quarters and granulated sugar in a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle and crush the limes to release the juice and the essential oils.
- Add Vodka and lime juice, then stir the mix well. Add approximately 6 oz of crushed ice, shake quickly and then transfer the drink into a cocktail glass with the ice.
- Fill up your glass with more ice and garnish with a lime wheel (optional).
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference is that Caipirinha uses Cachaça, a specific type of Rum, instead of Vodka as the base.
A Caipiroska cocktail is slightly sweet with an overall tangy lime flavor. You can also add additional fruity flavors like raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit.
No, Caipiroska is not Russian. It's only seen as the Russian equivalent of the classic Caipi as it uses Vodka as a base spirit.