Cachaça

Cachaça is a liquor made from sugar. While many people describe Cachaça as a brandy or a vodka it is actually a "rum" since it is produced from sugar. Vodka could also be made from sugar (vodka can be made from anything fermentable), but since the fermented product is not distilled to above 190 proof, it never "crosses the line" to become a vodka.

It probably got its start in the late 15th century, where it was distilled from sugar production left-overs. Gradually the form and craft improved so that it was no longer a spirit fit only for the poor and the slaves, but one that could be marketed to the general population.

The use of Cachaça throughout Brazil (then just a colony of Portugal) became so widespread, that on June 12th 1744, Portugal signed into act a law which prohibited the sale and production of Cachaça. Not sure when exactly this law was repealed, but currently there are over 4,000 different brands of Cachaça available in Brazil.

In Brazil, the stade Minas Gerais produces the best cachaça of the country.

DRINKING CACHAÇA

The traditional way to drink cachaça is pouring the liquor into a short and slim glass called "martelinho" and taking it all at once. The drink should not touch the tip of the tongue, but the latest section, in order not to "burn". Also, one can feel best the cachaça's flavor this way.

It is not unusual to squirt a lime into the drink before taking it, or eating pieces of rapadura between each glass.