Caipirinha (Brazil)

Directions

1. 1
   Cut the limes in half, and 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.
5. 5
   Try to dissolve the sugar as you do this, and stir occasionally.
6. 6
   Fill each glass with 1 1/2 cups of ice and 1/4 cup of cachaca.
7. 7
   Pour the contents of the glass into a shaker, and invert the glass into the shaker to act as a lid.
8. 8
   Shake the glass and shaker to combine the sugar and cachaca for several seconds.
9. 9
   Lift the glass from the shaker, and pour the contents back into the glass.
10. 10
    Repeat the process with the remaining 3 glasses.