Pineapple Caipirinha Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Pineapple Caipirinha with this easy craft cocktail recipe. Fresh muddled pineapple chunks bring tropical sweetness to Brazil's national drink, perfectly balanced with cachaca's distinctive sugarcane character and zesty lime for a refreshing summer sipper.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml cachaca (Brazilian sugarcane spirit)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g fresh pineapple chunks</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 lime, cut into quarters</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons sugar (preferably raw cane sugar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pineapple leaf and lime wheel for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Old-fashioned/rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place the pineapple chunks and lime quarters in the bottom of your rocks glass. Add the sugar on top of the fruit.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Using your muddler, firmly press down and twist to extract the lime juice and pineapple essence. The goal is to release the juices and oils without completely pulverizing the fruit. You'll know you're doing it right when the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly pulpy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill the glass about 3/4 full with crushed ice. The smaller ice surface area will dilute the drink perfectly while keeping it ice cold.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the cachaca over the muddled fruit mixture and ice. The distinctive grassy, fruity notes of cachaca (unlike rum, which is made from molasses) are essential to a proper caipirinha.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stir vigorously with your bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds to properly integrate the ingredients and slightly dilute the drink. The sugar should begin to dissolve into the cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top with additional crushed ice if needed. The ice should form a slight dome above the rim of the glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with a fresh pineapple leaf and lime wheel positioned on the edge of the glass. These aren't just decorative—the aromatics enhance the drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately with a short straw so your guest can enjoy the cocktail properly mixed with the muddled fruit. The drink should be vibrant yellow with visible pineapple bits throughout.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Pineapple Caipirinha Recipe?

A Pineapple Caipirinha requires 60ml cachaca (Brazilian sugarcane spirit), 100g fresh pineapple chunks, half a lime cut into quarters, 2 tablespoons of raw cane sugar, crushed ice, and a pineapple leaf and lime wheel for garnish.

How to make Pineapple Caipirinha Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Pineapple Caipirinha Recipe by muddling fresh pineapple chunks, lime quarters and sugar in a rocks glass. Add crushed ice, pour in cachaca, stir thoroughly to integrate the ingredients, and garnish with a pineapple leaf and lime wheel. The beauty lies in the proper muddling technique to extract the perfect balance of flavours.

What type of cachaca works best for a tropical caipirinha variation?

For tropical caipirinha variations, unaged (white) cachaca is ideal as its clean, grassy sugarcane profile complements fruit additions beautifully. Premium artisanal cachacas (rather than industrial varieties) offer more complex flavours that elevate the cocktail's tropical character.

Can I make a batch of this Brazilian cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can batch this cocktail by multiplying ingredients, but only muddle fruits per serving for freshness. Pre-mix the cachaca and sugar syrup (instead of granulated sugar) and store chilled. When serving, muddle fresh fruit in each glass, add ice, and pour in your premixed cachaca solution.

What's the difference between a traditional Caipirinha and this pineapple version?

The traditional Caipirinha contains only cachaca, lime, sugar and ice, while this tropical variation adds fresh pineapple chunks. The pineapple brings natural sweetness and tropical aromatics, creating a more complex flavour profile while maintaining the classic cocktail's refreshing character.

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