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.
Abbe@This is How I Cook
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
Abbe: Use your sake to make this drink. It can be made with watermelon, strawberries, or kiwi.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
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
Nami: This is a variation of caipirinha, a result of the Japanese influence in Brazil’s national cuisine.
Sugar et al
So innovative Denise! Lovely colours and gorgeous pictures. I know I will love this drink. Pinning it:-)
Denise Browning
Thanks so much for both your kind words and for sharing it!!!!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com
Love the idea of using watermelon in a cocktail. What a perfect summer drink!
Nik@ABrownTable
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
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
I am so glad that you have enjoyed it. I hope you try on summer time.