No trip to Ilha Grande is complete without sipping on a refreshing caipirinha, Brazil’s iconic cocktail. Made with cachaça (a sugarcane liquor), lime, sugar, and ice, the caipirinha offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. While the classic lime version is the most popular, Ilha Grande’s beachfront bars and restaurants offer a range of tropical fruit variations that highlight the island’s abundance of fresh produce. Here are the best places to enjoy a caipirinha while soaking up the island’s stunning views.
The original caipirinha is made with freshly muddled lime, sugar, cachaça, and ice, offering a refreshingly tart and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with beachside relaxation.
Bar do Zé is a top spot for a traditional caipirinha, where you can sip this cocktail right on the sand, enjoying the laid-back island vibe.
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For a tropical spin on the classic, try the passion fruit caipirinha. The fruit’s tangy sweetness blends beautifully with cachaça, creating a refreshing and exotic flavor.
Lua e Mar is known for its creative variations of the caipirinha, and their passion fruit version is a crowd favorite, especially when paired with fresh seafood dishes.
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If you prefer a sweeter, berry-flavored cocktail, the strawberry caipirinha is a delicious option. Fresh strawberries are muddled with sugar and cachaça to create a vibrant pink drink that’s as refreshing as it is photogenic.
Try it at Café do Mar, where the combination of fruity cocktails and beachfront seating makes for the perfect island experience.
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The pineapple caipirinha brings a sweet, juicy flavor to the classic recipe, making it ideal for a sunny day by the sea. The tropical taste of pineapple complements the kick of cachaça, resulting in a smooth and satisfying drink.
Peixe na Telha, a beachside restaurant known for its fresh seafood, also serves an excellent pineapple caipirinha that pairs wonderfully with their grilled fish dishes.
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For a burst of flavors, try the mixed fruit caipirinha, which typically includes a combination of passion fruit, pineapple, and lime, or other seasonal fruits. This colorful cocktail offers a vibrant mix of sweet, tangy, and tart flavors, making it a refreshing choice for a hot afternoon.
Bar e Restaurante Ponta da Barca is famous for their mixed fruit caipirinhas, where you can enjoy this flavorful cocktail with a view of the sunset.
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Kiwi caipirinhas offer a tangy, slightly sour twist to the classic cocktail. The green fruit provides a zesty contrast to the sweet sugar and strong cachaça, making it a unique and refreshing drink option.
Head to Restaurante Sabor da Ilha, where their kiwi caipirinha is a favorite among those looking for something a little different.
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