If you’ve ever wanted to sip on the flavors of Brazil, the Caipirinha de Maracuja aka Passion Fruit Caipirinha is your ticket to a South American escape. Crafted with cachaca, lime, sugar, and passion fruit!

Passion Fruit Caipirinha (Caipirinha de Maracuja)

This refreshing cocktail is a twist on the classic Caipirinha, a traditional Brazilian alcoholic drink made with cachaca. I had the incredible opportunity to spend a month in Brazil years ago, and the Caipirinha de Maracuja was my go-to drink, so I know you’ll love it! One thing that sets the Caipirinha apart from other cocktails is the use of whole muddled limes, not just the juice. Muddling the lime wedges with sugar releases the oils from the skin, infusing the drink with a burst of citrus aroma and flavor! I added fresh passion fruit for a tropical variation of this Brazilian favorite.

What type of alcohol is Cachaca?

Cachaca is a Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It’s somewhat similar to rum, but with its own unique character. Expect a slightly grassy, fruity flavor with a kick – perfect for cocktails! It’s the secret ingredient that gives the Caipirinha its unmistakable Brazilian flair.

Variations of the Caipirinha

The classic Caipirinha is the Brazilian National Drink for good reason, but there are also some exciting variations to try:

• Caipiroska: Swap out the cachaca for vodka to create a Caipiroska. It’s a crisp and clean alternative that complements the zesty lime and tropical passion fruit perfectly.
• Caipirissima: Substitute rum for cachaca to make a Caipirissima. This version brings a richer, molasses-like flavor to the cocktail.
• Fruit Infusions: Get creative with your fruit choices. Experiment with different fruits like mango, pineapple, or kiwi for a fruity twist on the Caipirinha.

Ingredients for the Passion Fruit Caipirinha

• Lime: Muddled lime wedges provide a tart base for a Caipirinha.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to this cocktail. I prefer sugar over simple syrup because the coarseness of the sugar helps release the oils from the lime when muddled together. I used C&H Granulated Sugar.
• Cachaca: Cachaca, a Brazilian distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, gives the Caipirinha its distinctive kick and character. I like Leblon.
• Passion Fruit: This recipe calls for the pulp and the juice of fresh passion fruit. If you can’t find fresh passion fruit, replace with passion fruit juice or your favorite tropical fruit or juice.

How to Make the Passion Fruit Caipirinha

With just four ingredients, crafting the Passion Fruit Caipirinha couldn’t be easier! Wash a lime and cut it into wedges. Add the lime wedges and sugar to a cocktail glass. Muddle them gently to release the lime juices and dissolve the sugar. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in cachaca and the juice and pulp from half of a passion fruit. Reserve the other half for a garnish. Give it all a good stir to ensure the flavors marry together. If desired, garnish with lime and passion. Enjoy!

More Delicious Passion Fruit Drinks to Try

• Sweet Peach Passion Fruit Spritz
• Mezcal Passion Fruit Cocktail
• Passion Fruit Ginger Mocktail

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