Caipisake
The Caipisake is an innovative and delightful cocktail that reimagines Brazil's national drink with a Japanese spirit. By substituting cachaça with sake, the drink gains a smoother, subtly sweet, and slightly earthy flavor profile that complements the sharp lime perfectly. This muddled cocktail is incredibly refreshing, easy to drink, and offers a lighter alternative to its spirit-forward cousins. It is a perfect example of successful cross-cultural fusion in modern mixology.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Caipisake is a modern cocktail, categorized as a creative twist on the classic Caipirinha. It falls into the 'sours' family of drinks due to its balance of spirit, citrus, and sugar. It is considered a modern classic that showcases the versatility of sake in mixology.
Serving
Serve this cold drink in a rocks or Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed or cracked ice. It's a relatively low-alcohol cocktail, making it suitable for casual sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 150-180 ml (5-6 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Caipisake emerged from the global cocktail renaissance of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as bartenders began experimenting with traditional formulas using non-traditional ingredients. It's particularly popular in Brazil, which has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. The drink represents a cultural fusion, blending the iconic Brazilian preparation method with Japan's national beverage.
Origin
The exact origin is not credited to a single individual, but it gained popularity in the early 2000s in cosmopolitan cities, particularly in São Paulo, Brazil. It reflects the strong Japanese-Brazilian cultural connection. It is a modern creation without a specific year of invention.
Caipisake
The drink is most commonly known as Caipisake, a portmanteau of Caipirinha and sake. It is also sometimes referred to more descriptively as a Sake Caipirinha, clearly indicating its composition as a variation of the classic Brazilian cocktail.
Original name
Caipisake
Alternative name
Sake Caipirinha
Characteristics overview
This cocktail is defined by a sharp, citrusy flavor from the muddled limes, balanced by sugar and the unique, subtly fruity and umami notes of sake. Its aroma is fresh and invigorating, leading to a crisp, clean finish perfect for summer sipping.
Flavor
Citrusy, Lime, Sweet, Umami, Melon, Pear
Aroma
Fresh Lime, Fruity, Earthy
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Cloudy, Pale Green-White
Texture
Light, Watery, Pulpy
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Light
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by a pleasant sourness from the lime, balanced by a moderate sweetness. The alcohol presence is mild, and the drink is completely still, making for a very refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need three simple ingredients for this cocktail: a good quality sake, half a fresh lime, and about two teaspoons of sugar. Ensure the lime is fresh to get the best citrus oils and juice.
- Sake60 ml / 2 ozA dry Junmai or Ginjo sake works well.
- Lime1/2 of a lime, cut into wedgesUse fresh, juicy limes for the best flavor.
- Sugar2 teaspoonsSuperfine or caster sugar dissolves best. Simple syrup can also be used.
Ice type
- Crushed or Cracked
Mixing equipments
The primary equipment needed is a muddler to gently press the limes and sugar together directly in the serving glass. A bar spoon is then used to stir the ingredients with ice.
- Muddler for pressing the lime and sugar
- Bar Spoon for stirring
Instructions
The process is simple and performed directly in the glass: muddle lime and sugar, add crushed ice, pour in the sake, and give it a quick stir. Garnish with a lime wheel before serving.
1. Place the lime wedges and sugar into a sturdy rocks glass.
2. Gently muddle the lime and sugar together. The goal is to release the lime juice and oils from the peel without pulverizing the pith, which can make it bitter.
3. Fill the glass with crushed or cracked ice.
4. Pour the sake over the ice.
5. Stir briefly with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a fresh lime wheel or wedge is all that's needed to complement this cocktail's fresh appearance and aroma. It can be placed on the rim of the glass or dropped into the drink.
- Lime wheel or wedge to place on the rim or in the drink
Dietary Information
This is a naturally vegan and vegetarian drink. It is free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, and nuts, and contains no caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, with most of its sugar content coming from the added sugar used for balancing the lime. The exact values depend on the type of sake and amount of sugar used.
Calories
Averagely 150-180 kcal / 628-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 8-12 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an ideal drink for warm weather, making it perfect for summer parties, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Its light and refreshing nature also suits brunches or a relaxed happy hour with friends.
- Summer Parties
- Barbecues
- Brunches
- Casual Gatherings
- Happy Hour
Pairing suggestions
The Caipisake pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine like sushi and sashimi, as its clean profile complements the delicate flavors. It also works well with light seafood, grilled meats, and spicy appetizers, as its acidity and freshness cut through richness and heat.
- Sushi and Sashimi
- Light Seafood Dishes
- Spicy Asian Appetizers
- Grilled Chicken or Fish
Caipisake: Brazil Meets Japan in a Glass
The Caipisake is a brilliantly simple and refreshing cocktail that offers a delightful fusion of Brazilian and Japanese cultures. By swapping cachaça for sake, it becomes a lighter, smoother drink with a unique flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just three ingredients muddled directly in the glass. Perfect for warm weather and casual occasions, the Caipisake is a must-try for fans of sours and innovative cocktails.
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