Caipirinha

Directions

1. 1
   Cut each lime in half, then cut each half into 8 pieces.
2. 2
   Place 12 pieces of lime in each of 4 double old-fashioned glasses (or other 12-ounce glasses.)
3. 3
   Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar into each glass.
4. 4
   Using a muddler (or the butt end of a large wooden spoon), mash the limes into the base of the glass until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
5. 5
   Fill each glass with 1 1/2 cups of the ice and 1/4 cup of Cachaca.
6. 6
   One glass at a time, transfer the contents of the glass into a shaker, and invert the glass onto the top of the shaker to act as a lid.
7. 7
   Shake the glass and shaker together to combine the sugar and Cachaca, shaking until well-chilled.
8. 8
   Lift the glass from the shaker, and pour the contents back into the glass.
9. 9
   Repeat the process with the remaining 3 glasses.
10. 10
    Garnish with a slice of lime or a sugarcane swizzle stick if desired.