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 Facts
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
Gina Matsoukas is the writer, founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Norman Mills
Tuesday 5th of May 2015
I feel the freshness in my mouth only by looking at it. Great receipt! Two thumbs up!
Julie @ Table for Two
Saturday 2nd of May 2015
Let's do this again!! :) so much fun with you girls!
pam (Sidewalk Shoes)
Friday 1st of May 2015
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!
runrgrl
Friday 1st of May 2015
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.
Running to the Kitchen
Sunday 3rd of May 2015
Because why not?! :) I mention liking mojitos in the post and the caipirinha is kind of like it's Brazilian cousin.
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
Friday 1st of May 2015
Ummmm can I have all of these drinks today? I cannot possibly choose just one.