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
August 20, 2013 at 6:08 pmThis 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
August 20, 2013 at 7:09 pmThanks, Daniela! I’m so glad that you like it…
Ash-foodfashionparty
August 20, 2013 at 11:15 pmOoo, 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
August 21, 2013 at 8:19 amHere in Texas is quite hot, but in Brazil it depends on the region.
Raymund
August 21, 2013 at 1:06 amWow 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
August 21, 2013 at 8:18 amThanks, Raymund! I am glad that these shots made you thirsty.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
August 21, 2013 at 2:43 amSo refreshing!! I love the colors and styling 🙂
Denise Browning
August 21, 2013 at 8:15 amThanks, Kiran! Coming from you it is a real compliment.
cquek
August 21, 2013 at 2:47 amBeautiful! Can’t wait to try these drink myself!
Denise Browning
August 21, 2013 at 8:14 amI hope you try and enjoy it.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes
August 21, 2013 at 4:47 pmOh, I haven’t had a caipisake in ages! Now I want one… or two!
Denise Browning
August 21, 2013 at 8:53 pmPaula: Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have the chance to try this one.
Deb
August 21, 2013 at 7:34 pmWhat a refreshing way to enjoy sake! Anything with watermelon is sure to be a thirst quencher!
Denise Browning
August 21, 2013 at 8:54 pmI do agree with you, Deb! Watermelon is indeed a thirst quencher.
The Café Sucre Farine
August 21, 2013 at 8:01 pmEvery 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
August 21, 2013 at 8:55 pmThanks, Chris! I am so happy to hear that! You made my day…
Liz
August 21, 2013 at 8:38 pmWhat 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
August 21, 2013 at 8:56 pmSure, Liz! I think you could use the cachaca to make a watermelon caipirinha.
Kumar's Kitchen
August 21, 2013 at 9:59 pmzingy sip 🙂
Denise Browning
August 21, 2013 at 10:45 pm🙂 For all who need a pick me up!!!
Abbe@This is How I Cook
August 21, 2013 at 11:15 pmI 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
August 22, 2013 at 7:51 amAbbe: Use your sake to make this drink. It can be made with watermelon, strawberries, or kiwi.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
August 22, 2013 at 1:54 amOhhh 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
August 22, 2013 at 7:53 amNami: This is a variation of caipirinha, a result of the Japanese influence in Brazil’s national cuisine.
Sugar et al
August 22, 2013 at 6:31 amSo innovative Denise! Lovely colours and gorgeous pictures. I know I will love this drink. Pinning it:-)
Denise Browning
August 22, 2013 at 7:54 amThanks so much for both your kind words and for sharing it!!!!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com
August 22, 2013 at 12:38 pmLove the idea of using watermelon in a cocktail. What a perfect summer drink!
Nik@ABrownTable
August 22, 2013 at 2:59 pmDenise, this looks pretty darn good for this time of the year! Watermelon to chill down on the hot summery days.
A Taste of Brazil
August 26, 2013 at 6:31 pmOh 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
August 26, 2013 at 7:27 pmI am so glad that you have enjoyed it. I hope you try on summer time.