Why did I only learn about this drink the night after the World Cup ended??  I wanted to enjoy the World Cup, I want to like soccer, I want to call it futbol like cool people, I even want to travel to Uruguay and paint my face.  But let’s face it — I’m a red, white + blue baseball girl to the core, so while I cheered on American Tim “The Human Wall” Howard and marveled at the acting chops of the Dutchmen, I have to admit that I was a little ….. bored.  I promise you I’m no Ann “soccer is foreign” Coulter, and I think it’s a terrific sport, the world’s sport.  I just don’t understand it.

American Goalkeeper Tim Howard

What I do understand, however, is a good summer cocktail, so when I went out on Sunday after Germany beat Argentina in the Final, I was overjoyed to discover that there’s a companion drink to the Caipirinha, the long-popular Brazilian drink.  It’s called the Caipiroska, equally popular throughout South America and equally delicious.  There’s lots of lime and lots of sugar, yet instead of the Brazilian cachaça liquor, the Caipiroska is made with vodka.  Oh snap, I thought, I’m making these tomorrow!  NYTimes food writer David Tanis says that “Caipiroskas are best served with a beach in view, on the beach itself, or with a beach in mind.”  Anyone know of a good beach in Uruguay?

• 2 small limes, quartered
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 oz. vodka
• Ice cubes

Put the limes and sugar in a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass.  Mash vigorously with a wooden muddler or pestle.  Add the vodka and a few ice cubes, shake well, and pour into a rocks glass.

serves 1