Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Christmas Caipirinhas

By Bruce Aidells

4.9

(17)

Image may contain Drink Cocktail Alcohol Beverage Plant Mojito Glass Vase Pottery Jar Lemonade and Potted Plant
Christmas CaipirinhasDan Forbes

Inspired by Brazil's national cocktail, this large-format riff on the classic Caipirinha mixes in warming fresh ginger, sprightly ginger beer, and cooling mint.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 10 drinks

Ingredients

Peel from 4 large limes (green part only; removed with vegetable peeler in 2-inch-long strips)
1 cup fresh lime juice
8 1/4-inch-thick slices peeled fresh ginger
1/4 cup sugar
30 large fresh mint leaves plus 10 fresh mint sprigs for garnish
1 cup Brazilian rum (such as cachaça)
3 cups ice cubes plus additional for serving
5 cups ginger beer or ginger ale

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine lime peel, lime juice, ginger, sugar, and 30 mint leaves in mortar or medium bowl. Using pestle, muddler, or handle of wooden spoon, crush lime peel, ginger, and mint leaves together. Transfer mixture to large pitcher. Stir in rum. DO AHEAD: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

    Step 2

    Add 3 cups ice cubes to lime mixture in pitcher and stir to blend. Stir in ginger beer. Fill 10 cocktail glasses with ice cubes. Strain or pour cocktail mixture into prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with mint sprig.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesRumBrazilianSouth AmericanLatin AmericanLimeCitrusFruitGingerHerbs & SpicesChristmasWinterBon Appétit

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.