The World Cup is in full swing, and now that USA has made it through to the next round, we can just sit back and enjoy the games before the home team returns to the field on Sunday. And while we already laid out the best spots to pony up and watch the game with thick and excited crowds, some of us prefer to get our soccer on in the comfort of our own homes. (Is it too obvious I’m not one of those people?)
Whether you’re a fan of the sport or not, the World Cup is the perfect excuse to throw back some exotic cocktails while your more rowdy friends are too busy sloshing beer. And since all eyes are on Brazil, let’s see what the South American country’s got going out in the cocktail department. Here’s how to make two quintessential Brazilian cocktails right in your own kitchen, or find similar versions out on the town.
The Caipirinha
This is probably Brazil’s most well-known cocktail, at least in these parts of the world. Get to know Cachaça if you’re planning on drinking like a Brazilian during the World Cup. The distilled sugar can liquor is popular in the country, and you can also find it at larger local liquor stores around town, like Blanchard’s. Here’s how to make a classic caipirinha.
Ingredients:
4 oz. Cacaçha
4 tsp. white sugar
1 lime, quartered
Sparkling water
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, muddle limes and sugar until the juice from the limes is mixed with the sugar. Add Cachaça and ice, shake for 30 seconds. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water.
Don’t want to make the drink at home? You can find versions of the classic caipirinha at Cask ‘n Flagon ($6), Haru ($13) and SkyBokx 109 in Natick (pictured, $10).
The Batida
If you’ve tracked down some Cachaça and have nailed the basic recipe, this equally sweet cocktail is also easy to make. It basically consists of the Brazilian liquor, fruit and condensed milk. Here’s a recipe for a Batida de Fresa.
Ingredients:
2 oz. Cachaça
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
2 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1 to 2 tsp. sugar
1 cup of ice
Instructions:
Place all the ingredients in a blender, mix well, then serve over ice. You can also substitute strawberries for basically any fruit of your choice, from blackberry to pineapple to guava. If you’re in the mood for a more tropical variation, check a local Latin market for tropical fruit pulp.
Know where to find a batida in Boston? Let us know in the comments or shoot a tweet @hilarymilnes.
Image via Skybokx 109/Facebook
