Alcoholic Drink in Brazil
(Let’s talk about these first)
Cerveja
From an international point of view, all Brazilian beers taste the same: they are all lagers or pilsners, as any other type of beer would not agree with the weather. Given an option, ask for Devassa or Amazon Beer.
Chopp
A light draft beer on tap. Preferred over bottled beer. Ask for Devassa or Brahma.
Caipirinha
The most refreshing alcoholic mixed drink in the world! Cachaça, lime, sugar and ice. Great on any occasion: bar, restaurant, clubbing… breakfast. Just don’t buy it from street vendors, as they sometimes use ice made from unfiltered water that can make you sick. Also, try the caipivodka (with vodka) and the caipisake (with sake, duh). Some of the trendier bars offer caipirinhas with different fruits: pineapple, strawberry, tangerine, etc. When given a choice of cachaça, opt for the ones from the region of Salinas.
Batida de Côco
Very creamy drink that will get you drunk without you knowing. Coconut milk, cachaça, sugar, and other stuff blended into a milkshake. Not usually served in real coconuts, except at beach resorts.
A Shot of Pinga
Cachaça (pr: ca-sha-ssa)
Only for the macho. Straight cowboy shot of Pinga. You won’t need to display your ignorance any further. Don’t shoot it, sip it.
Pinga com Mel
Cachaça with honey, mixed to a point where you don’t taste the cachaça at all. Although, you can drink it all night and wake up sober. Now that’s responsible boozing.
Brazilian Wines
A few Brazilian wines are starting to make it on the international scene, like the Valduga and Miolo winery product lineup. Sparkling wine is Brazil’s forté. Look for Valduga, Miolo and Salton.
Non-alcoholic
Guaraná
The most popular Brazilian soft drink, great on any occasion.
(Reg. Trademark AmBev SA LTDA)
Mate
A strong-flavored iced tea from the south of Brazil, made from the mate herb. Available in diet or regular and in natural or lemon flavors.
(Reg. Trademark Leão LTDA)
Agua de coco
Coconut water, not milk. Very good for whenever you are dehydrated. Two will cure most hangovers.
Agua
Since tap water is not drinkable in Brazil, you should always look for bottled water.
SEM GAS= non-carbonated
COM GAS= carbonated
(Reg. Trademark Alimentos e Bebidas Campos do Jordão LTDA)
Cafezinho – Small Coffee
Since the weather is hot, you don’t want to walk around with a steaming pint of coffee, so people drink expresso-sized cups of very concentrated coffee, to get the kick without raising your body temp.
Ades Juices
Tasty soy milk juices made from various fruits, are found in supermarkets.
(Reg. Trademark Unilever Best Foods Brasil LTDA)