Cachaca Rum

Cachaca rum comes from Brazil. Cachaca rum has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, because of a trendy drink known as the caipirinha. Along with mojitos, which are made from rum, mint leaves, and simple syrup, caipirinhas have been the trendy summer drinks in the larger cities of the U.S. for a couple of years now.

Cachaca Rum and Sugar Cane Juice

Strictly speaking, cachaca rum is not really rum at all. Although both cachaca and rum come from sugar cane, they are processed a bit differently. Cachaca is made from the unrefined juice of sugar cane. Rum is made from molasses.

First, the juice ferments for about three weeks. The sugar cane juice can ferment in a variety of receptacles, from wooden barrels to copper pots. After the juice ferments, it is boiled down many times. The result is a concentrated product, which is then distilled. The result is cachaca, also known as aguardente, one of the most popular drinks in all of Brazil.

To make a caipirinha, you'll need a lime, sugar, ice and cachaca. Cut the lime into quarters. Place the quarters and about a tablespoon of sugar in the bottom of a glass. Mash them together vigorously, ideally with a pestle. Add ice and a shot of cachaca. You may also wish to add a splash or two of water. This is an absolutely delicious, summery drink.