The national drink of Brazil, this citrusy, chilled cocktail has grown in popularity in bars across the world, thanks to its fresh flavor and simplicity. Consisting of lime, sugar, and clear alcohol, a caipirinha may sound like the beginnings of a mojito—and the drinks do share origins as medicinal concoctions believed to be good for colds and the flu—but rather than rum, caipirinhas call for cachaça (kah-SHAH-sah).
Cachaça, distilled from fermented sugar cane juice, is exclusively produced in Brazil. (Milton Buzon/Shutterstock)
Both spirits are distilled products made from sugar cane, but while most rum comes from molasses, the byproduct of processing sugar, cachaça is made directly from fermented and distilled sugar cane juice. Cachaça has a fruitier nose and a brighter, gentler character than rum; it also requires less of a process to produce, especially the unaged, “white” variety. This unaged version of cachaça is typical as a mixer, though the barrel aging does lend it color and a stronger flavor. Its strength varies from 38 to 48 percent alcohol….