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5 Quick Cachaça Alternatives for Your Cocktails

By: Author Andrew Gray

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One of those nights, we were all set to make caipirinhas, and surprise—no cachaça. Classic.

Cachaça has this funky, earthy kick that stands out in cocktails. Replacing it isn’t the easiest, but we’ve all hit that roadblock, right?

A few weeks ago, we had friends over and decided to test some swaps. We pulled out what we had and started mixing. After a few experiments (and some questionable combos), we found a handful of substitutes that actually worked.

Turns out, with the right ingredients, you can keep the cocktail vibes going without missing a beat.

5 Quick Substitutes for Cachaça

Here are five quick substitutes you can try if you’re ever in a pinch and don’t have cachaça on hand:

1 – White Rum

First on the list, white rum works as a decent stand-in for cachaça. It has a lighter flavor, with sweet and slightly fruity notes. While it lacks the earthy depth of cachaça, it gets close enough in cocktails.

Use it in a 1:1 ratio, swapping the same amount of white rum for cachaça. We’ve tried it in a caipirinha, and while the taste shifted slightly, the overall vibe stayed mellow and refreshing. It blends well with citrus, giving a smooth twist to traditional drinks. Simple and versatile, white rum can keep the party going without too much fuss.

2 – Vodka

While vodka isn’t an exact swap for cachaça, it works for a clean and neutral alternative. It doesn’t bring the funk or earthiness, but its simplicity mixes well in most cocktails. You’ll still get a crisp and smooth base to build on.

Stick to a 1:1 ratio—use the same amount of vodka as you would cachaça. We’ve made a few caipirinhas with vodka, and while they come out less bold, they’re still refreshing. It pairs easily with citrus and sugar, letting those ingredients take the spotlight. Simple and easy, vodka keeps things straightforward when you’re missing cachaça.

3 – Tequila Blanco

Next, tequila blanco makes a solid substitute for cachaça. It adds a sharp and bold flavor to cocktails, with hints of pepper and earthiness. While it has more bite than cachaça, it can still work in drinks that call for its Brazilian cousin.

Try using tequila blanco in a 1:1 ratio, swapping the same amount as you would cachaça. We tested it in a caipirinha, and while it changed the flavor profile, it still brought depth and complexity. It pairs well with citrus and sugar, while adding some extra spice to the mix.

4 – Grappa

For a more adventurous substitute, grappa can take the place of cachaça in cocktails. Made from distilled grape skins and seeds, it has a bold, fruity flavor with a bit of funk. It’s not as commonly found as other spirits, but if you have some on hand, give it a try.

Use grappa in a 1:1 ratio for best results. We used it in a caipirinha and while the taste was different, it still added complexity and depth to the drink. It blends well with citrus and sugar, adding its own unique character to the mix.

5 – Pisco

Last but not least, pisco can be a suitable alternative for cachaça in cocktails. It has a light and floral flavor, with hints of citrus and spice. While it may not have the same funk as cachaça, it adds its own unique twist to drinks.

Try using pisco in a 1:1 ratio, swapping equal amounts as you would cachaça. We tested it in a caipirinha and were pleasantly surprised by the result. While different from the original, it still had a refreshing and enjoyable taste. It pairs well with citrus and sugar, adding some complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.

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