Academia da Cachaça
With a name like Academia de Cachaça (Cachaça Academy), this bar gives high expectations of fantastic caipirinhas and luckily it meets them. Using quality brands of cachaça makes all the difference and the almost loving way of blending it with the fruit makes the caipirinhas a pleasure to drink. Served with plenty of cooling ice, the caipirinhas available are the classic lime, passionfruit, pineapple, lima (a kind of bittersweet orange) and the fruits of the season.
Terrasse Centre, Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26, Leblon, RJ, +55 (21) 2239-1542
Bar Urca
Bar Urca has two options of drinking styles. There is the upstairs fancy restaurant that serves spotless meals and well made drinks, or there is the ‘grab a drink from the counter and go and sit on the wall outside’ style. The view from the latter option is serene and offers a perfect setting for an informal hangout. The caipirinhas here are great served with various fresh fruits such as strawberry, mango and, of course, lime and are a perfect drink to sip on whilst taking in the surroundings.
Cafofo Pub
The caipirinhas here win points for taste and novelty as each caipirinhas comes with a picole, a Brazilian fruit lolly which gives the caipirinha extra yumminess and fruitiness. This bar serves them strong which is great for cachaça lovers, but if you want a little less of a boozy kick, then just be sure to mention it to the waiter when you order. The pub environment of Cafofo is lively and homely, and a great spot to spend a night drinking caipirinhas.
Rei do Limão Caipirinha
Just near the Escadaria Selaron stairs in Lapa is a small takeaway bar that could go unnoticed if you’re walking a little too fast or not paying much attention. Yet that would be a mistake as this place serves one of the best caipirinhas in Rio in various fruits such as strawberry and lime, yet the passionfruit one definitely deserves a mention. Generously filled in large plastic cups, they are perfect to take away to drink in Lapa’s street parties. Also, the couple that work there are incredibly friendly and happy, putting a smile on your face even before the caipirinha can.
Armazem Devassa
Whilst serving various types of beer, including reds, blonds and darks, it’s the caipirinhas that really stand out here. With caipirinhas in various fruit mixes as well as with vodka (known as Caipivodka) or sake, there are plenty of options to choose from. The flavor of the caipirinhas are flawless here; not too strong to make your eyes water, yet still giving a little nudge with a fruity taste. Any of the options are good, yet the traditional lime is refreshing, cold and made spot on, as well as the pineapple one.
Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 539, Ipanema, RJ, +55 (21) 2540-8380
Bar Astor
A fancy bar next to Ipanema beach with picture perfect views across the sea is the perfect spot to sit down, relax and absorb the moment with a delicious caipirinha. And that is exactly what Bar Astor gives you. The caipirinhas here are as fancy as the bar itself with simple yet pretty fruit decorations that make this drink a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. The blend of cachaça with fruit is delicate and they have it down to a T. There are also a wide range of snacks that make great nibbles to have with a caipirinha.
Belmonte Boteco
This successful chain of botecos in Rio gained popularity by getting just about everything right, from the attentive service to the great food. Another quality that can’t be overlooked is its delicious caipirinhas that are big, strong, fruity and cold. Basically everything you could ever want from a caipirinha. Like the competitors, they have a wide range of different caipirinhas with the lychee one standing out for its mellow taste and unusual fruit choice.