Vodka Caipirinha (“Capirinuschka”) – Bright Lime Refreshment

A crisp, citrus-forward riff on Brazil’s Caipirinha that swaps cachaça for vodka. The result is clean, bright, and perfectly balanced for warm weather sipping.

Background

Born from Brazil’s iconic Caipirinha, the Capirinuschka (also called Caipiroska) became popular when bartenders started experimenting with vodka in the late 20th century. The vodka’s neutral base softens the drink’s rustic edge, turning it into an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail found on bar menus worldwide.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Vodka – smooth and neutral base that lets lime shine.
• Lime juice – delivers crisp acidity for balance.
• Simple syrup – rounds out tartness with clean sweetness.
• Crushed ice – chills and lightly dilutes for smooth sipping.

Equipment

• Shaker
• Strainer
• Highball glass

Bright, Clean, and Easy

The Capirinuschka’s appeal lies in its simplicity: equal parts zing and smoothness. Vodka keeps the texture silky while lime juice adds sparkle. It’s a cocktail that refreshes without fuss—ideal for outdoor gatherings, happy hours, or casual evenings.

Variations & Twists

• Swap vodka for gin for herbal depth.
• Add fresh berries before shaking for color and aroma.
• Use flavored vodka (lime, lemon, or cucumber) for extra zest.
• Make it zero-proof with a non-alcoholic spirit or soda water.

Tips & Serving

Shake hard for full chill, then pour over crushed ice. A lime wheel or mint sprig adds aroma and visual pop. For a lighter drink, top with a splash of soda water.