Caipiroska sounds both cool and mysterious, and it might just be the next best thing if you’re a vodka fan. This lime, sugar, and vodka cocktail is simple, easy to make, and a great way to get used to nearly neat vodka.
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What is Caipiroska?
The caipiroska is in fact related to the caipirinha, you guessed right. It uses plain vodka instead of cachaca, and this makes for a simpler, lighter flavored cocktail. You still need lime and sugar, but you’re mixing them with vodka this time around.
How did the caipiroska come to be ? Like most twists on a classic cocktail, this one is an experiment on the base spirit. There are many versions of a caipirinha with different flavors and mixers, and it was bound to have its spirit switched at some point. So the caipiroska was born, with its name changed to sound vaguely Russian as a nod to the vodka used. Here’s how to make one.
Caipiroska Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 lime wedges
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a shaker add sugar and lime wedges, muddle thoroughly.
- Add ice and vodka, shake very well.
- Strain into small rocks glass filled with ice.
Notes
- The recipe calls for plain vodka, but you could also try a flavored one.
- This is akin to a vodka sour in terms of flavor profile.
When is this drink best ?
The caipiroska is a great winter or cold season drink, or maybe that’s just my perception of vodka. It doesn’t lean heavily towards one flavor or another, which lets the drink work in any season you like but again, there’s something about vodka that speaks winter to me.
And since it’s such a strong drink, I see this as more of an evening cocktail, served at parties or fun dinners. You also need a whole lot of times for this.
My thoughts on Caipiroska
The caipiroska was intense, even if the vodka doesn’t have a strong flavor overall. The lime was noticeable, especially due to the lime essential oils released while muddling, and it wasn’t a very sweet drink as I only used 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Still, I can’t say I’m a fan of this, as I’m not a fan of vodka in general, and especially one so strong as this one. This is definitely the perfect drink if you enjoy vodka, since it will shine through beautifully.
If you like Caipiroska, you might also like…
Strawberry Caipiroska – a caipiroska with added strawberries
Raspberry Caipiroska – a caipiroska with raspberries
Vodka Collins – a Tom Collins with vodka instead
Vodka Tonic – a mix of vodka and tonic water
Vodka Gimlet – a gimlet with a vodka base
Caipirissima – a rum caipirinha
Notes, substitutes, and tips
The recipe calls for a simple vodka, without any flavorings. But I think it could work even better with a flavored vodka, especially a citrus one, or even a raspberry one. This all depends on your personal taste.
You can up the sweetness in this by adding another tsp of granulated sugar if you like.
