The Caipiroska is the Vodka version of a traditional Caipirinha. Substituting Cachaça for Vodka, the drink is easy to make and has a similar flavor profile. The Caipiroska is slightly floral, though, compared to the Cachaça cocktail, which is more grassy and herbal.
There are a few things to consider when making a perfect Caipiroska. That includes choosing the best Vodka for this cocktail, cutting your limes the right way, and using the proper type of sugar. But once you nail that, you can make your Caipiroska to perfection.
How to make a great Caipiroska cocktail
If you want to make a fantastic Caipiroska, you'll first have to learn what makes a Caipirinha great. Because only once you understand the small details that make the drink so special you'll be able to transport that to your Caipiroska.
One crucial part is, of course, the Vodka. But I will get back to that in a moment and start with the limes instead. Choosing the perfect limes is vital in this cocktail recipe. Using only fresh and ripe limes goes without question. But treating them right is the secret to making this cocktail amazing.
This pro-tip comes straight from Brazil. 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.
The second critical part is using granulated sugar. Never use syrup. That is because granulated sugar will help release the essential oils from the lime peel. Syrup won't do that. It may sound like a minor thing, but it's not. The essential oils from the peels make the taste of the final cocktail much more bright and intense.
Best Vodka for Caipiroska
Choosing the right Vodka for a Caipiroska cocktail can be a little tricky. Vodka can be made from a variety of ingredients. And the taste of the final spirit varies depending on what the Vodka is made of.
For a great Caipiroska, you should use a clean and neutral Vodka with either fruity or floral flavors. Our recommendations for the Vodka are Ketel One, Ciroc, or Absolut Vodka.
Ketel One
ABV: 40%
Made of: 100% Wheat
Price: $22
Ketel One is a premium Vodka brand. Made from 100% wheat grain and distilled using multiple column stills as well as pot stills, the Vodka is allowed to rest before it's charcoal filtered.
This brand produces superbly clean Vodka with a bit of character. But this bit is enough to separate it from the competition. It's one of our most recommended Vodkas in many cocktails.
Ciroc
ABV: 40%
Made of: 100% Grapes
Price: $30
Ciroc Vodka is Vodka made of grapes. Created by Jean-Sebastian Robicquet from France, the base for Ciroc was inspired by Robicquet's home country. But instead of making another wine or Brandy, he decided to create a premium Vodka.
However, everyone who hopes for a grape-forward taste will be disappointed. The Vodka has some Grappa-like notes but is overall quite clean with hints of citrus.
Absolut Vodka
ABV: 40%
Made of: Winter wheat
Price: $20
Absolut is another premium Vodka available for an affordable price. The spirit from Sweden is one of the oldest Vodka brands, originating in 1879.
It was one of the first premium Vodka brands on the market and cleared the way for many other brands. Absolut is a great Vodka, especially when it comes to value for money.
If you have another favorite, please let us know in the comments!
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).
