Last Updated: October 13, 2025
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, but it is also popular in Costa Rica. You’ll find it on menus at beach bars, restaurants, and hotels across the country. We first discovered this refreshing drink on one of our early visits to Costa Rica, and now that we live here, it’s one of our go-to cocktails on hot days.
Keep in mind that Caipirinhas pack a punch. The signature spirit, Cachaça, is 80 proof. But the drink is easy to adjust to your taste. You can lighten it with club soda or water, reduce the alcohol, or even substitute Costa Rican guaro for a more affordable local version.
Below we’ll share the traditional Caipirinha recipe along with tips, Costa Rican variations, and where to find the ingredients.
About Cachaça and Where to Find It in Costa Rica
Cachaça is a Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice. It’s the key ingredient in a traditional Caipirinha, giving the drink its distinctive flavor.
In Costa Rica, you can find Cachaça at larger supermarkets like AutoMercado and Mas x Menos, though it can be pricey since it’s imported. When we recently bought it, it cost 15,000 colones (about $30).
The Local Alternative
Some Costa Ricans make Caipirinhas with guaro (Cacique brand), Costa Rica’s local sugarcane liquor. Guaro is much cheaper since it’s made here and more readily available at any grocery store.
While purists might prefer authentic Cachaça, guaro is a good substitute and gives the drink a distinctly Tico twist. Plus, at around 5,000 colones ($10) per bottle, it won’t break the bank!
Traditional Caipirinha Recipe
Ingredients
1 lime or a local limon mesino. Cut off ends, then cut the long way and into quarters.
2 oz. Cachaça (or Costa Rican guaro/Cacique as a local substitute)
2 teaspoons sugar (start with 1 tsp if you prefer less sweet)
1 cup ice cubes
Club soda or water (optional, to lighten the drink)
Mint, as garnish, if desired
Preparation
Add lime quarters and sugar to a rocks glass or tumbler. Gently muddle the lime and sugar to release the lime juice and essential oils from the rind. If you don’t have a muddler, a wooden spoon works fine – just press and twist to crush the limes.
Add the Cachaça (or guaro) and stir well to dissolve most of the sugar.
Fill the glass with ice cubes. If you want a lighter drink, top with a splash of club soda or water.
Give it a final good stir and enjoy immediately. ¡Salud!
Tips for the Perfect Caipirinha
Don’t Skip the Muddling: This step is crucial – it releases the aromatic oils from the lime peel, not just the juice. That’s what gives a Caipirinha its distinctive flavor.
Use Fresh Limes: Limones mesinos (the standard lime in Costa Rica) work perfectly. Make sure they’re fresh and juicy.
Adjust the Sweetness: The sugar balances the strong flavor of the Cachaça or guaro. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Serve Immediately: Caipirinhas are best enjoyed right after mixing while the ice is still fresh and the drink is cold.
Caipirinha Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic Caipirinha, try these popular variations:
Caipiroska: Substitute vodka for Cachaça. This is popular in Costa Rica and slightly milder.
Fruit Caipirinhas: Add fresh fruit to the muddling step. Popular options include:
Strawberry (fresa in Costa Rica)
Passion fruit (maracuya)
Mango (mango)
Pineapple (pina)
Watermelon (sandia)
Just muddle a handful of fruit along with the lime and sugar.
Caipirinha de Tamarindo: A Costa Rican twist using tamarind pulp for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Where to Enjoy Caipirinhas in Costa Rica
You’ll find Caipirinhas on cocktail menus throughout Costa Rica, especially in beach towns and tourist areas. Many beach bars and restaurants in places like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, and Santa Teresa serve them. They’re particularly refreshing after a day at the beach!
Food Pairings
Of course, you can enjoy a Caipirinha on its own. But if you’re looking to pair it with some traditional foods, patacones are an excellent choice. These are savory fried plantains typically served with refried beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Or make it easy with chips and fresh mango salsa.
Have you tried this recipe? What’s your favorite Caipirinha variation? Leave us a comment below.
Looking for more drink recipes and Costa Rica food content? Check out these posts:
Costa Rica Beer Guide: Learn about local beers like Imperial and Pilsen plus our favorite craft brews.
Cooking Homemade Costa Rican-Style Beans: Our recipe for making red or black beans from scratch.
Arroz con Pollo Recipe: A traditional dish of rice and chicken that is served in almost all Costa Rican homes and restaurants.
A Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Foods to Try – Costa Rican cuisine is rooted in rice and beans but there’s a lot more to it. Learn the most popular dishes.
Food and Restaurant Guides: Get more Costa Rican recipes plus restaurant recommendations for top destinations.
Practical Travel: Be sure to check out this section of our site for travel basics about what to pack, weather, drinking water, safety, and handling money on your trip.
