An Authentic Caipirinha

Wash lime well to remove impurities from the skin. Cut off top and bottom of the lime just to remove the tips and expose some of the lime flesh. Do not remove too much. Cut limes in half from top to bottom the long way. Using a sharp knife, remove the center white section running down the middle. Cut each half into 4 equal pieces.

Place all 8 pieces skin side down in the bottom of an 8-ounce tumbler. Add cane sugar. Muddle lime and sugar until lime syrup is even with the top of the limes.

Fill glass to the very top with crushed ice. Pour cachaça or vodka over the ice to fill the glass. Finally, use a cocktail spoon to agitate the bottom thoroughly to mix the syrup with the alcohol.

Taste for sweetness. Adjust sugar as needed. Serve.

Note: This recipe makes 1 caipirinha. You will need a cocktail muddler.