Courtesy of Leblon Cachaça

Spice Up Your Summer

By Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (AKA: TheLiquidMuse.com)

Remember summer vacation—that much anticipated period when everyday responsibilities are replaced by fun, freedom and adventure? Well, it has only gotten better! The grown-up version of “vaycay” includes exotic locales, exciting people and enticing libations. Where to begin? Here are a few suggestions…

Party in Rio de Janeiro! Named after one of Rio’s chic party districts, Leblon cachaça conveys the spirit of Brazil.

Classic Caipirinha
1 small, whole lime
1 tablespoon raw sugar
2 ounces Leblon cachaça

Shake and serve over ice in rocks glass. Garnish with sprig of mint.

Mistico
2 ounces Leblon cachaça
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce tamarind concentrate
1/2 ounce fresh rosemary
1 1/2 ounces ginger beer

Shake Leblon cachaça, lemon juice, tamarind and rosemary. Strain into a rocks glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with rosemary sprig and lemon slice.

(June/July 2007)