This pineapple caipirinha is a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Like a mojito but without the rum, caipirinhas use cachaca for a delicious and refreshing sip.
When I was in the Dominican Republic last month, I drank caipirinhas with every meal I could. I’ve always loved them (more so than mojitos even which is saying a lot because those are one of my favorites), but usually refrained from ordering them for one reason:
I could not, for the life of me, learn how to pronounce that word.
It didn’t matter how many waiters, waitresses or bartenders tried to teach me, it was like in one ear, out the other.
For our Kick Sass Kitchen video though this month though, we decided to embrace the booze (I mean, when don’t we) and bring you three cocktails perfect for Cinco de Mayo, including the un-pronouncable caipirinha, with a pineapple twist.
My favorite part of a caipirinha versus a mojito is the crunchy raw sugar you can usually taste while drinking them.
They’re actually made with different liquors (mojitos use rum, caipirinhas use cachaca) but to me, the most noticeable difference is the cane sugar component.
Since these are pineapple infused and pineapple is pretty sweet itself, you don’t need as much sugar as you would in a normal caipirinha but don’t skimp on it either because its definitely the best part. And you have to use raw cane sugar for its texture component in the drink. Refined sugar will just dissolve too easily.
Since we were crashing Julie’s house in DC a few weekends ago for 3 days of perpetual eating and cherry-blossoming, she’s making a guest appearance in the video.
Of course, we made her get her booze game on too and join in on the fun.
And if you want to see how I learned how to say “caipirinha” (thank god for google pronunciation), Brandy singing (always), Julie being a creeper while muddling and me getting seriously annoyed at the water dispenser design of Julie’s fridge, you can watch the outtakes.
It’s cool, we know you’re only here for that anyway.
Check out Brandy’s cilantro margarita, Julie’s paloma, or, this mango coconut margarita from a few years ago. They’re all excellent ways to get your drink on come May 5th.
Or today, it’s Friday.
MORE HAPPY HOUR DRINKS TO TRY:
I love a classic dirty martini but this grapefruit martini can’t be beat in the winter for its bright refreshing tart and sweet taste.
If you’re all about seasonal twists to classic cocktails, try this strawberry salty dog recipe too.
Pineapple Caipirinha
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cachaca
- 1/4 cup chopped pineapple
- handful mint leaves
- 1-3 teaspoons cane sugar depending on sweetness preference
- seltzer
- ice
Instructions
- Muddle the pineapple, mint and sugar together in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the cachaca and ice to the shaker, shake and pour into a glass.
- Top with seltzer and garnish with more mint.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
I feel the freshness in my mouth only by looking at it. Great receipt! Two thumbs up!
Let’s do this again!! :) so much fun with you girls!
I saw the outtakes on another site too, so funny. This drink is definitely going on my list! I would love it if you would link it up to #tipsyTuesday at Grey is the New Black!
like the idea of the Pineapple Caipirinha however I would be interested to know why you decided to make it a Cinco de Mayo drink since it’s a Brazilian drink, not Mexican. In my household we’ve always made Caipirinha with citrus fruits so I will try this. Looks refreshing.
Because why not?! :) I mention liking mojitos in the post and the caipirinha is kind of like it’s Brazilian cousin.
Mojitos are also not Mexican.
Hahhah. Cuban actually, Made famous by Ernest Hemingway.
Ummmm can I have all of these drinks today? I cannot possibly choose just one.
I had such a great time making this video with you both! This cocktail was sooooo good and I love pineapple anything!
I’m seriously craving pineapples right now, so this needs to happen soon!
How could you pass up a delicious and refreshing drink such as this one? There’s just no way. I would have had one at every meal as well. Mojitos were my drink of choice when we were in Mexico. They were the absolute best. Love this festive drink.
This sounds SO refreshing – love that fresh pineapple and mint combo!
Happy you learned how to make your own rather than trying to pronounce it. :-)