Originally Posted by
Swissaire
smorgan;
Cachaca as you are probably aware is clear, without any molasses typical of other rums in the world. The better made brands are akin to one enjoying Grappa, as there are soft, smooth, and harsh varietals made.
There are now over 400 different brands of Cachaca made in Brasil, some expressly made for the tourism trade, with a price to match. You or your daughter can sample many of the selections at some of the Cachaca bars that have developed over the years, but advisedly on a full stomach.
I've been to 4 various plants that manufacture the spirit. in greater Brasil. Ypioca, as mentioned by SOCAL is local to Fortaleza and the Nordeste, with a nice museum and distilling plant worth visiting if you visit there. There is a good 150 aged Ypioca worth buying for anyone's collection.
Amarula, originally a South African liquor has taken hold in Brasil, and is quite popular, primarily as an after dinner drink. Post Churrasco or Rodizio, it is excellent with, or mixed in a domestic coffee. You can also find it produced in Brasil under Marula or Amarula.
Incidentally, 1 bottle of Cachaca in Europe is easily 30 to 50 Euros here. A great gift, but only for those who would enjoy it. Wrap it well and tuck it in your checked luggage. It should make the trip safely to North America or Europe, but after the Customs or Zoll inspectors see it, one can only hope and pray.
Bonne Chance !
Not all cachaça is clear, though that used for mixing drinks probably will be. There are, apart from the flavored varieties, gold (ouro) kinds, a bit smoother than the clear IMHO, which would be the only ones I'd recommend drinking straight (not that you'd necessarily do that). Amarula is a brand name of a South African cream liqueur-- much like Bailey's. There are several other similar liqueurs, some, like Amarula, made with the marula berry from South Africa, and knock-offs with other ingredients. If daughter can find a bottle of a Brazilian-made variety that costs less they one would pay for Amarula or Bailey's, etc. in the States, it could be a good souvenir, but cachaça is more known as a true Brazillian liquor.
I've taken cachaça to friends in the U.S. a few times (sometimes just the small plastic bottles). Those who actually drank some usually didn't drink more. If one is going to make caiparainhas, they need to know how to mash the limes, etc. There are some brands sold in picturesque bottles (including one brand in bottles shaped like naked male and female torsos). It can be kind of a fun souvenir, but it's not like bringing back a fine bottle of Scotch from the UK. The small, plastic "sport" bottles may be an idea, since they're unbreakable and have enough cachaça to satisfy the curiosity of most people. I think cashews make a better gift (we buy shelled-but-uncooked cashews and people can then cook them for a few minutes, adding whatever seasonings they like, including Lawry's Lemon Pepper).