I had this drink for the first time 7 years ago in Salvador, Brazil. A capiroska is pretty much caipirinha’s less popular little sister. They’re practically the same drink except a caipirinha is made with cachaca and a capiroska is made with vodka. Now normally even the idea of vodka would make me want to vom (just not a fan), but you can make this drink quite strong without the usual “rubbing alcohol” throat burn. When I ordered the drink I had no idea what I was ordering since the entire menu was in Portuguese, a language I sadly do not speak except for the word “kiwi”. I thought to myself, “Eh, I like kiwi’s, why not.” Little did I know I was about to discover my drink of choice for the remainder of my month stay in Brazil. I was a little bummed when my drink didn’t come in a big, shiny coconut like every other persons drink at my table….just a tall, clear glass filled with clear liquid and muddled kiwis. I took one sip and my coconut envy disappeared immediately! Not only could I not taste the abrasive flavor of vodka (sorry vodka fans!), but it was also only subtly sweet and not overly syrupy. I was pretty much in heaven! Not to mention I was munching on spicy shrimp filled acaraje (black-eyed pea fritters), and surrounded by a diverse group of fascinating people, so I really couldn’t be happier! I’ve since made my own version a number of times, altering amounts of this and that along the way, and this recipe is the closest I could get to bring me back to my amazing stay in the beautiful and culturally thriving country of Brazil. This drink is so wonderful year round, light and refreshing! Enjoy!
xx Jenny
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Kiwi Caipiroska
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups kiwi, peeled and diced
- 12 mint leaves, divided
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 cups high quality vodka
- 2 cups tonic water or coconut flavored sparkling water
- ice cubes
garnish
- 1 kiwi, peeled and thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Line six glasses up and fill each with ⅓ cup of diced kiwis, 2 mint leaves, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ lime juiced.
- Muddle together the contents of each glass until fully combined.
- Fill each glass with ice and top off with ⅓ cup vodka and ⅓ cup tonic water.
- Stir, finish each with a kiwi garnish and serve.
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I love this kiwi version, but sometimes it’s difficult to find kiwi’s in season where I live.
Loved the drink and I need those glasses!
Where did you get them??
I’m not sure, but I think they have similar glasses at CB2 or Pottery Barn. They are just stemless wine glasses.
Loved the drink and I need those glasses!!!
I simply loved your blog. There are many recipes that I’m going to try for sure.
I’m brazilian and I live in Salvador. It made me smile the way you described your experience trying our caipiroska and also the acarajé :-)
Made me feel like going back home ( Brazil) !!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, we have many recipes of Caipirinha, all of them using cachaça but the most popular is the one made with lemon.
Hi…had friends over for brunch today..the hubby made this drink. It was a big hit! Great job guys!,
I’m from Brazil and I gotta tell you that I loved your version. But ours it’s usually simpler.
I love all sorts of Caipirinhas. You should try making it with several fruits at the same time (lime, pineapple, kiwi, strawberry and passionfruit). I love those.
And also only with pineapple. I love eating all the bits of pineapple at the end soaked with vodka/cachaça.
You can also make it with saque.
This video shows you how we make it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXuwD_m7Xis
It’s in portuguese but it’s self explanatory. It’s really just ice, booze, fruit and sugar.
Love your blog, and I’m goona try a lot of recipes from here.
This is beautiful too!!
Just want to say that I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your work. The photography, the styling… this blog is just stunning. :-)
Ooh, this looks really good! Reminds me of our “Irish Mojito” (Kiwi, mint, whiskey, sugar & soda)…
http://www.fashionablybombed.com/2011/03/irish-mojito.html
So happy to have discovered your site through Joy’s site!
~Katherine
Gosh I cant wait to make this. thanks for sharing
Hey, I’m brazilian… if you liked caipiroska, you should try to do the recipe with sake and tangerine (or strawberries)!!! The tangerine caipiroska is the best ever! Love to have it on summer days! Loved your blog… so beautiful! Congrats!
OMG Paulina! This sounds absolutely amazing!! I’m going to try this out tonight, thank you!!!
Hey Jenny, I’m brazilian too. I really agree with everything that Paulinha said, but just add some ginger at Tangerine Caipiroska made of sake! Its so flavoured and refreshing…. and try some of green grape [in half without seeds] + some basil leaves… nhammy!
Your blog is one of finds! Love it. Your pictures made me lick my screen! :)
:)
What a GORGEOUS blog you have and this looks so refreshingly delicious! So glad I found your blog through Tastespotting, new follower! xoxo
this does sound really refreshing, and kiwi is so good for you!
love those glasses, too! where did you find them?
xx
Great idea for a refreshing summer drink! Although I already tried several versions of caipi’s, I never had one with kiwi. Looking at these delicious images, it’s well worth a try ;)
I’ve never had this drink before but it looks good and refreshing. hope to drink a glass of it in the near future. Love the photos.
I lived in Rio when I was growing up! I haven’t been back in a while but we always make them when my family gets together. They are my mom’s favorite!
YUM! these caipiroskas look so good! I will have to try them. I lived in Brazil for 3 years and love caipirinhas as well.
Where in Brazil did you live?! I absolutely love it there and hope to go back at some point! I lived off these things when I was there. Enjoy!