What Is Cachaça
Cachaça (pronounced ka-SHA-sa) is Brazil’s national spirit, deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Often compared to rum, cachaça is distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, giving it a distinctive flavour profile. It is sometimes confused with aguardente de cana, a broader term for sugarcane spirits. But Brazilian law makes a clear distinction - cachaça must be made in Brazil and adhere to strict regulations regarding production and flavour compounds. Unlike aguardente, which can undergo multiple distillations, cachaça is distilled only once, similar to pisco.
How Is Cachaça Made?
Made by fermenting and distilling fresh sugarcane juice. Unlike rum, which is typically produced from molasses (a by-product of sugar production), cachaça retains the fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet characteristics of the sugarcane. The distillation process varies, with some producers using copper pot stills for artisanal batches and others employing large-scale column stills for mass production.
Many small-scale producers distil at lower strengths to retain more of the spirit’s natural flavour compounds, resulting in a more aromatic and complex product. For example, Yaguara produces a pot-distilled cachaça at a strength of 48% ABV, showcasing vibrant notes of lime zest, green apples, and black pepper.
Types Of Cachaça
Branca (White) Cachaça – Also known as “Prata” (Silver), this is usually unaged or aged for a short time in stainless steel or neutral wooden barrels. It has a clear appearance and is commonly used in cocktails. Many unaged cachaças are rested briefly to allow the spirit to settle, rather than to take on characteristics from a cask. A great example is Abelha Silver Organic Cachaça, which is rested in stainless steel tanks for six months to smooth out the flavours while preserving its fresh, grassy, and tropical fruit notes.
Amarela (Gold) Cachaça – Also called “Ouro” (Gold), this variety is aged in wooden barrels, giving it a golden hue and more complex flavours. While oak casks are often used, Brazilian distillers also age the drink in native hardwoods like amburana, which imparts almond and cherry notes. Some premium aged varieties, such as Abelha Gold Organic cachaça, spend years maturing in unique wood types, developing deep caramel, spice, and fruit characteristics.
Artisanal Cachaça – Often produced in small batches, this version typically has more distinct and refined flavours due to traditional production methods. Many artisanal cachaças are aged in unusual woods, lending them distinctive herbal, fruity, or spicy profiles.
How To Drink This Brazilian Spirit
There are multiple ways to enjoy cachaça, depending on personal preference and occasion:
- Straight (Neat) – High-quality, aged cachaças can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, similar to whisky or brandy. This allows the drinker to appreciate its complexity and depth.
- In Cocktails – The most famous cocktail is the Caipirinha, made with lime, sugar, and ice. Other cocktails include Batida (a fruity and creamy blend) and Rabo de Galo (a mix of cachaça and vermouth).
- With Mixers – Some people enjoy it with tropical fruit juices, coconut water, or even tonic water.
How To Make A Classic Caipirinha
Ingredients:
- 50ml Cachaça
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Place the lime wedges and sugar in a glass.
- Muddle them together to release the lime juice and dissolve the sugar.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in the spirit.
- Stir well and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking to explore something new, this spirit offers a fascinating and delicious drinking experience. From its rich history to its versatility in cocktails, it’s a must-try for anyone who appreciates well-crafted spirits. Next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink, why not mix up a Caipirinha and toast to the vibrant flavours of Brazil?