The Caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail. Its main ingredients are cachaça (a spirit made from sugarcane juice), lime, sugar, and ice. The drink is served in a short glass, commonly called an "old fashioned" or "rocks" glass.

Cachaça, the base spirit, has been produced in Brazil since at least the 16th century. The origins of the Caipirinha are unclear, but historical accounts trace it back to the early 20th century in the state of São Paulo. One theory suggests it started as a folk remedy for the Spanish flu, with lime, garlic, and honey; cachaça was added as an antiseptic and eventually, garlic and honey were replaced by sugar.

The name "Caipirinha" is derived from "caipira," a Brazilian term for someone from rural areas, meaning "country person." The "-inha" suffix is a diminutive, so "Caipirinha" can be translated as "little country girl (or boy)."

By the mid-20th century, the Caipirinha had become popular in Brazilian bars and restaurants, particularly on the coast. In 2003, Brazil declared the Caipirinha an official Brazilian cocktail through federal decree, recognizing it as a national symbol.

The International Bartenders Association (IBA) lists Caipirinha as an official cocktail. The standard recipe includes half a lime, cut into wedges, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 50 ml of cachaça, and ice. The lime and sugar are muddled before adding the other ingredients.

Variations exist, such as the Caipiroska, which substitutes vodka for cachaça, and other versions using different fruits. Despite these adaptations, the classic Caipirinha with cachaça, lime, and sugar remains a staple in Brazilian cuisine and culture.