Cachaca, traditionally spelled cachaça, is a Brazilian spirit distilled from fermented fresh sugarcane juice. Best known as the base of the Caipirinha cocktail, it offers a distinctive sugarcane character that sets it apart from many molasses-based rums. This guide covers how cachaça is made, how to pronounce it and the best ways to enjoy it.
Looking for a bottle? Shop Iguaçu Bio Cachaca 700ml or explore our rum and organic rum spirits collection.
What Is Cachaca?
Cachaça is closely associated with Brazilian culture and cocktail traditions. Its fresh sugarcane base can produce grassy, fruity and floral flavours, while barrel ageing can introduce additional spice and wood notes. The character varies with the producer, distillation method and maturation.
Cachaca vs Rum: What's the Difference?
Cachaça and rum are both sugarcane spirits, but they are not interchangeable names. Cachaça is made in Brazil from fermented fresh sugarcane juice. Many rums are made from molasses, a by-product of sugar production, although some styles of rum also use fresh sugarcane juice.
If you enjoy exploring sugarcane spirits, browse our rum and organic rum spirits alongside the cachaça featured below.
How to Pronounce Cachaça
Cachaça is pronounced kah-SHAH-sah, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The Portuguese letter ç has a soft s sound. Cachaca is a common spelling used without the Portuguese accents; it refers to the same spirit.
How Is Cachaca Made?
Fresh sugarcane is pressed to extract its juice, which is fermented with yeast to convert sugars into alcohol. The fermented juice is then distilled. Producers use different equipment and techniques, including copper pot stills, to shape the final spirit.
Cachaça may be bottled without barrel ageing or matured in wood for additional complexity. Brazilian woods such as amburana and jequitibá can contribute distinctive aromas and flavours. Ageing and wood type vary by bottle, so check the producer's details when choosing a style.
How to Enjoy Cachaca
In a Classic Caipirinha
The Caipirinha combines cachaça, fresh lime, sugar and ice. Gently muddle lime pieces with sugar, add ice and cachaça, then stir. The lime brings freshness while the sugar balances its acidity and lets the spirit's sugarcane character come through.
Neat or Over Ice
Cachaça can also be enjoyed neat or over ice. Aged styles are often chosen for sipping, while unaged expressions offer a way to explore the spirit's fresh sugarcane character.
In Other Cocktails
Try cachaça in a tropical cocktail with citrus or coconut water. It can also bring a different flavour to drinks usually made with rum, though the result will depend on the particular bottle and recipe.
Food Pairings for Cachaca
A Caipirinha's lime freshness makes it a natural match for Brazilian-inspired dishes such as pão de queijo, savoury pastries and grilled seafood. Richer dishes such as feijoada or Brazilian barbecue can work with fuller-flavoured, aged cachaça. For dessert, explore pairings with coconut, passionfruit or chocolate, depending on the style of spirit.
Shop Cachaca in Australia
Explore Iguaçu Bio Cachaca 700ml at Drink FAB for your next Caipirinha or sugarcane-spirit tasting.
Discover more sugarcane spirits in our rum and organic rum spirits collection.
Cachaca FAQs
What is cachaca?
Cachaca, traditionally spelled cachaça, is a Brazilian spirit distilled from fermented fresh sugarcane juice. It is the signature spirit in a Caipirinha cocktail.
Is cachaca the same as rum?
Cachaca and rum are both sugarcane spirits, but they are not the same. Cachaca is made in Brazil from fermented fresh sugarcane juice. Many rums use molasses, although some rum styles also use fresh sugarcane juice.
How do you pronounce cachaca?
Cachaça is pronounced kah-SHAH-sah, with the emphasis on the second syllable. Cachaca is a common spelling without the Portuguese accents.
What cocktail is made with cachaca?
The classic cachaca cocktail is the Caipirinha, made with cachaca, fresh lime, sugar and ice.
Can you drink cachaca neat?
Yes. Cachaca can be enjoyed neat or over ice as well as in cocktails. Aged styles are often chosen for sipping because barrel ageing can add complexity.
Where can I buy cachaca in Australia?
You can shop Iguaçu Bio Cachaca 700ml at Drink FAB. Check the product page for current pricing and availability, or explore the rum and organic rum spirits collection.
