Brazilian rum, otherwise known as Cachaca, is an essential ingredient of many native cocktails that you are sure to love if you give them a try. However, those who have never searched for the best Cachaca might not know where to start. Don’t fret, we’re here to ensure you get off on the right foot!
The Brand Reviews
Pirassununga 51 Cachaca
Price: $18.99 (£16.40)
Pirassununga is by far the most popular brand of Brazilian rum (or Cachaca). It’s distilled from fermented sugarcane (called garapa) and has been made in their tried and tested way since for many years.
Leblon Cachaca
Price: $21.99 (£18.99)
In 2007, Leblon won a double gold medal for “Top Cachaca” in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. If that isn’t enough to urge you to buy this then we don’t know what will!
This bottle is perfect for making caipirinha since it is produced from the highest quality of sugarcane.
Cupacacha Cachaca Rum
Price: $16.99 (£14.67)
Cupacacha Cachaca Rum has a truly unique flavour accompanied by fruity aromas. The producers have poured love and care into this spirit to ensure it has a refined, smooth finish. Nothing symbolises Brazil better than Cupacacha.
The best way to enjoy this one is to mix it with fruit juices (papaya, mango, pineapple, etc.) or stir it into a cocktail for an added boost.
Pitu Brazilian Cachaca
Price: $15.99 (£13.81)
This brand went all out when deciding on the quality of sugar can they wanted to use. Every bottle is made from freshly cut sugarcane! As soon as it is harvested, Pitu use it to make their Brazilian Cachaca.
Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca
Price: $27.99 (£24.18)
For a truly unique experience, you need to try Novo Fogo’s Cachaca. They make their Cachaca by harvesting estate sugarcane, distilling it and then leaving it for one year in a no-waste distillery. This whole process makes for a gorgeous drink with banana and floral aromas mixed with sea salt and chocolate tones.
Agua Luca Cachaca
Price: $23.99 (£20.72)
Agua Luca ensure they stick to the 450 year traditions when producing their Cachaca to give you nothing but an artisanal experience. They use the sugarcane within 24 hours of harvesting and distils the bottles 12 times. Their process ensures a smooth and jovial finish every time.
Cuca Fresca Cachaca Gold Aged 4 Years
Price: $26.99 (£23.31)
This brand uses only the best, organic sugarcane to make Cachaca. Plus, they age it in English Oak for at least three years before bottling and selling it! The result is a lightly golden rum with sweet cream and fruit notes on the nose and toasted almond and crisp banana tones on the palate. It is truly delightful and not one to be missed.
Ypioca Cachaca Crystal
Price: $17.49 (£15.11)
Ypioca comes straight to you from Brazil. They make use of sugarcane that has been freshly pressed from their dedicated plantations. Yes, they have their own plantations! They don’t stop there either — they leave their rum in Brazilian freijo wood barrels. All of this makes for a fantastically fine, floral spirit.
Velho Barreiro Gold Cachaca
Price: $19.99 (£17.27)
This variety of Cachaca has been distilled twice from sugarcane juice. Velho always uses the best ingredients on the market to bring their new and returning customers something wonderful. Their Barreiro Gold Cachaca is also aged in Jequitiba Rosa wood which gives off a super delicate aroma and flavour.
Pirassununga 21 Cachaca
Price: $12.99 (£11.14)
Pirassununga is one of the oldest brands of Cachaca that are still on the market today. They name their bottles after their year and place they were produced in — of course, collectors and avid fans love this.
Much like their 51 bottle that we touched on earlier, it is distilled from sugarcane juice (otherwise known as garapa).
Ypioca Cachaca Gold
Price: $32.99 (£28.28)
Ypioca’s “Gold” bottles sport a deep, golden colour which is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. But, more importantly, it has amazing aromas and flavours.
On the nose, you will notice tones of honey, dried apricots, toasted nuts and cedar. Then, on the palate, you will be greeted with gorgeous notes of vanilla, pipe tobacco, spices and currants. The finish is rather lovely — a sweet tobacco fade. You can’t go wrong with this one!
So, now you know what brands to buy, you might be wondering how to enjoy them. Well, you can mix them with your favourite soft or fruit drink if you like but we suggest you whip up the national drink of Brazil, aka Caipirinha.
How to Make Caipirinha
You Will Need:
- ½ lime
- 2 tsp (maximum) sugar (You can use granulated for this but it’s a much better idea to make use of superfine sugar instead. Although there is no need to go and find specialist sugar — it’s quite simple to turn your household sugar into a fine-grained batch!)
- Ice cubes
- 60ml Cachaca
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
1. Ensure you have all the ingredients.
2. Cut ½ of the lime into small wedges (or chunks).
3. Put chopped lime and sugar (as much or as little as you’d like) into a short glass.
4. Muddle thoroughly. Muddling is the term used to describe utilising a muddler (type of bar tool) to crush and mix (i.e. muddle) the drink ingredients together.
5. Add in a couple of ice cubes. For those who want an extra-cool touch, put the drinks in some ice lolly moulds and make custom ice pops for the summer.
6. Pour in the Cachaca.
7. Stir thoroughly.
8. Add a lime wheel for garnish.
If you feel like getting a bit creative, you can always add different fruits during the muddling stage and see what kind of flavour it creates. No need to stop at fruit either; try herbs and other fresh produce or even liqueurs to mix it up a bit. You never know, you might create the next award winning concoction!