Caipirissima (White Rum Caipirinha)
This white rum Caipirinha variation delivers crisp lime, raw sugar sweetness, and island charm in one simple muddle.
A refreshing twist on Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirissima swaps cachaça for white rum while keeping the same balance of lime, sugar, and ice. Bright, citrusy, and effortlessly tropical, it’s a crowd-pleaser that turns any afternoon into island time.
Background
The Caipirissima was born from the Caipirinha, Brazil’s beloved lime-and-cachaça drink. As rum spread through the Caribbean and Latin America, bartenders substituted it in for cachaça, creating a smoother, slightly sweeter variation. Today it’s a favorite among rum lovers looking for a taste of Brazil with a lighter edge.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Light Rum – the smooth, clean base that carries citrus and sweetness.
- Lime – brings acidity and fragrance to cut through the rum.
- Sugar – balances the tartness for perfect harmony.
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Muddler
- Bar spoon
Why You’ll Love It — Tropical Simplicity
The Caipirissima shows how little you need for big flavor: just lime, sugar, and rum. No shaker, no garnish overload — just pure refreshment and balance.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap light rum for aged rum to add caramel depth.
- Use demerara sugar for richer molasses notes.
- Add a splash of soda water for a lighter, spritzy version.
Helpful Tips
- Always muddle gently to release lime oils, not bitterness.
- Use crushed ice for slower dilution and smoother texture.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge to highlight freshness.
Caipirissima Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1/2 Lime
- 2 tsp.
Directions
- Cut the lime into wedges and place them in a glass with the sugar.
- Muddle until the juice is released and the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Add the Light Rum and fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Stir well to combine and chill.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
A bright and uncomplicated rum cocktail that captures the Caipirinha’s soul in a smoother form.
