I am making this refreshing Berry Caipilé Drink!!! Carnival will be starting soon in Brazil… In fact, it will be celebrated officially from the 9th to the 12th of February this year, although — according to my cousins living down there — it actually started this past November. It is what we call “prévias de carnival.” I know: My people love to party!!! 🙂 Caipilé is the ultimate summer drink: So bright, refreshing, and festive!
During Carnival, the entire country and millions of tourists are partying — to different rythms. In Northeastern Brazil, we have basically frevo and maracatú rythms in the cities of Recife and Olinda while trios elétricos and Afro-Brazilian blocos heat up the Carnaval in Salvador. Berry Caipilé is the ideal drink to refresh us all from the heat…
In Southern and Southeastern Brazil, Carnival mostly features the worldwide famous samba. 
With so much sweat being generated, the ingestion of liquids is necessary to hydrate the body during the four-day-long dancing marathon. So for this year, I thought a refreshing fruit drink would be appropriate. The recipe that I am sharing with y’all today is called Caipilé (Caipirinha with Picolé) which is a caipirinha with a popcicle. That’s right… Berry Caipilé! So in this way, Carnival participants will get twice the refreshment.
If you are neither celebrating carnival in Brazil nor Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you can still sip this delicious berry caipilé drink anytime –especially in the summer high temperatures.
Well, cheers!!!!!!!!!! After all, with or without carnival, every day is time to celebrate life.
xx
Berry Caipilé with Tangerine Popsicle
(Caipilé de Frutas Vermelhas com Picolé de Tangerina)
Serves 1
Segment: Brazilian cuisine
Berry Caipilé with Tangerine Popsicle
Ingredients: 3 quartered strawberries (stems removed) 3 whole blackberries 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 cup crushed ice About 1 cup of sparkling water (for a non-alcoholic version) or 1/4 cup of cachaça or vodka (alcoholic version) 1 tangerine popsicle Directions: Place the 2 first ingredientes into a cup; then, spoon the sugar on top of the fruits. Using a pestle, mash the fruits, add the crushed ice and sparkling water or cachaça/vodka. Place popsicle in the cup. Decorate as desired. Cheers!
Images from Wikimedia Commons:
* From Galo da Madrugada – author: Ygorrj359 * Chiclete com Banana – Origin: Bell Marques/Author: Roger * Carnaval Rio – GRES PORTLELA, 2008.
Mi Vida en un Dulce
Ohhhh Brazilian Carnaval…!!! I never was in Brazil for February, but my brother in law was and he participated danzing for one house, he told me it was a great experience, I guess that something everybody should try.
Denise Browning
Thanks a lot, Nydia! It’s always good to hear from you.
Carnival did not start officially down there, but Brazil is already partying…xx
Deb
I’m huddling in my warm cozy sweater and still craving the luscious berry drink! Refreshing flavors know no season, a delighful way to celebrate!
Denise Browning
Thanks a lot, Deb!
It seems spring has already arrived in Texas. We are having sunny, slightly warm days.
But I agree with you: Refreshing flavors know no season. Thanks for stopping by!! xx
Juliana
Denise, I want mine with cachaca 🙂 Looks very refreshing!
Have a wonderful week my dear!
Denise Browning
Thanks a lot, Juliana!!! I love when you visit me…Wishing you a great week as well. And cheers with Berry Caipilé w/ Cachaça…xx