Virgin Caipirinha: Ipanema with Ginger Ale
A virgin caipirinha can take the form of an Ipanema made with lime and ginger ale.
A virgin caipirinha can take the form of an Ipanema made with lime and ginger ale. Lime contributes acidity and peel aroma, while ginger ale supplies sweetness and gentle ginger flavour. Press the peel lightly rather than grinding it.
The quantities make one serving. Measure the ingredients before mixing and chill any mixer. Syrups, juices and bottled alternatives vary in sweetness and acidity, so taste the base before topping up.
Ingredients for one serving
- 1 small lime
- 1 tsp fine sugar
- 140 ml ginger ale
- Crushed ice
- Optional 20 ml passion fruit nectar
Method
- Wash the lime, trim the ends and cut it into eight wedges.
- Gently press the wedges with sugar in a sturdy glass.
- Fill with crushed ice and add ginger ale.
- Stir briefly and add passion fruit nectar if desired.
Getting the balance right
Let the sugar dissolve in the released lime juice. If it stays gritty, use 10 ml syrup next time. Excessive peel crushing can make the drink bitter; more sugar only masks that. Freshly squeezed lime juice gives you a more controllable alternative.
Variation and substitutions
Passion fruit nectar makes the Ipanema fruitier. Reduce the ginger ale by 20 ml and start without extra sugar. For a less sweet version, replace half the ginger ale with sparkling water.
Preparing several servings
Measure juice, purée and syrup shortly before serving. Add ice and carbonated ingredients when you make the drink. To serve a group, multiply the quantities, but adjust one glass first before mixing the whole pitcher.
Common question
Is Ipanema the same as a virgin mojito?
No. Lime and ginger ale define this version. Mint and soda are central to a mojito.
Related recipes
Find more ideas in our mocktail recipe guide . Compare this with Virgin Mojito: Lime and Fresh Mint Recipe or browse the drink collection .