Hot, hot, hot… There is nothing better to cool down these soaring summer temperatures than a refreshing drink, don’t you think?! Well, I have the perfect one for you – Watermelon Caipisake Shots or Caipisakê de Melancia.
Caipisake is a variation of caipirinha — Brazil’s most famous cocktail drink. Our drink is commonly made with strawberries or kiwi and sake, a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice which is sometimes called “rice wine”. But today our recipe calls for watermelon instead. This popular Texas summer melon is also one of my favorite tropical fruits too! Although I could have chosen to serve our watermelon caipisake in standard-size glasses, I prefer to serve it in shot glasses – this way the size resembles the traditional Japanase sake cups. However, whatever type of drink ware you choose for your event, caipisake makes a great party drink — just like caipirinha!
Perhaps you are wondering what Japanese Sake has to do with Brazil? Actually, Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. Japanese immigrants and their descendants have influenced Brazil’s local and even national cuisine (yakisoba and sushi are the most popular Japanese dishes in Brazil)… And caipisake is the refreshing proof of it!!
Whether or not you drink wine or spirits; or even if you are just looking for a lighter summer (virgin) caipisake, make yours with crushed watermelon and fresh mint leaves, a sugar substitute (granulated), crushed ice, and most importantly flavored sparkling water. You will love it!
Stay cool…Cheers!!!
xx
Watermelon Caipisake Shots (Caipisakê de Melancia)
Ingredients
- 1 cup seedless watermelon peeled and cut into small pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar brown or crystalized
- Crushed ice
- 4 tablespoons sake
Instructions
- Place watermelon pieces and sugar into a measuring pitcher or 8-ounce glass. Mash the two ingredients together using a pastle or a wooden spoon. Stir in the sake. Pour caipisake into 8 shot glasses that have been 1/3 filled with crushed ice ahead of time, or leave caipisake into an 8-ouce glass if you are making and serving in it (in this case, stir in 1/3 cup of crushed ice). Cheers! YIELD: 1 (8 oz) glass or 8 mini shots.
Daniela says
This Japanese Brazilian fusion Cocktail is a glorious idea, Denise.
Just looking at the gorgeous colors is a feast for the eyes, a really cool drink 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Daniela! I’m so glad that you like it…
Ash-foodfashionparty says
Ooo, sake, sounds like a great drink Denise. Interesting to know that the Japanese population is the most there..Is it too hot there now??
Denise Browning says
Here in Texas is quite hot, but in Brazil it depends on the region.
Raymund says
Wow wow wow! the recipe is great but what captured me is how you composed this shot, love the colours and elements on this photo, makes it even more thirst quenching
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Raymund! I am glad that these shots made you thirsty.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
So refreshing!! I love the colors and styling 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Kiran! Coming from you it is a real compliment.
cquek says
Beautiful! Can’t wait to try these drink myself!
Denise Browning says
I hope you try and enjoy it.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Oh, I haven’t had a caipisake in ages! Now I want one… or two!
Denise Browning says
Paula: Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have the chance to try this one.
Deb says
What a refreshing way to enjoy sake! Anything with watermelon is sure to be a thirst quencher!
Denise Browning says
I do agree with you, Deb! Watermelon is indeed a thirst quencher.
The Café Sucre Farine says
Every time I visit you Denise, I learn a ton of new stuff! I never heard of Caipisake before but it sounds delicious and I love your pretty pictures!!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Chris! I am so happy to hear that! You made my day…
Liz says
What beauties! And how interesting that they use sake! I was hoping to have another recipe to use up the huge bottle of Cachaca I bought 😉 But these will do!
Denise Browning says
Sure, Liz! I think you could use the cachaca to make a watermelon caipirinha.
Kumar's Kitchen says
zingy sip 🙂
Denise Browning says
🙂 For all who need a pick me up!!!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
I keep a bottle of sake in the fridge to cook with. However now I might be forced into actually drinking it. Wow, these look great!
Denise Browning says
Abbe: Use your sake to make this drink. It can be made with watermelon, strawberries, or kiwi.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Ohhh sake!!! I didn’t know abou tthis drink and how fun! And what a surprise that yakisoba is a popular dish as sushi in Brazil. I think not so many Americans know what “yakisoba” is. That was a fun fact to learn. 🙂 Love your photos, Denise. SO pretty!
Denise Browning says
Nami: This is a variation of caipirinha, a result of the Japanese influence in Brazil’s national cuisine.
Sugar et al says
So innovative Denise! Lovely colours and gorgeous pictures. I know I will love this drink. Pinning it:-)
Denise Browning says
Thanks so much for both your kind words and for sharing it!!!!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Love the idea of using watermelon in a cocktail. What a perfect summer drink!
Nik@ABrownTable says
Denise, this looks pretty darn good for this time of the year! Watermelon to chill down on the hot summery days.
A Taste of Brazil says
Oh this looks really refreshing. I haven’t yet made caipirinha with sake, but after reading this I will have to. I am going to save this drink for a hot summer day!
Denise Browning says
I am so glad that you have enjoyed it. I hope you try on summer time.