The caipirinha: A taste of Brazil

A taste of Brazil

You're on the beach in Brazil, reclining on a chaise lounge with eyes half closed. A gentle breeze brings the soothing sound of waves to your ears, bossa nova plays somewhere off in the distance. In your hand is an ice-cold caipirinha, and as a small group of beautiful, bronzed people walk by, you bring the straw to your lips...

Wake up! You're at your desk and the boss is watching! (At least wipe that drool off your face.)

But wouldn't the mildly sweet caipirinha (kye-per-een-ya) taste good about now? It's Brazil's most popular cocktail, made with limes, simple syrup and cachaça (ka-sha-sa), a sugar cane-based liquor that tastes something like a cross between light rum and tequila. The drink is gaining in popularity in Tucson and, with the temperatures creeping up, it's time to switch to a warm-weather drink. Why not have one now...er, after work? Here's where to go.—Randy Harris/Metromix