After a day of sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, chances are you’re in need of a drink. Even a lazy afternoon spent sunbathing on Copacabana’s crescent-shaped beach can be thirsty work!
Luckily there are a number of refreshing options to quench your thirst. Here are five drinks to try on your next trip to Rio.
Açaí
Acai is berry-like superfruit which is rich in antioxidants and extremely popular all over Brazil, where it is mixed with guarana and blended into a smoothie. The end product is so thick that it has to be consumed using a spoon, and you can add toppings such as coconut flakes, wheat and granola. A refreshing and healthy option for drinks on the beach!
Chopp
Chopp is what theut call draught beer in Rio de Janeiro Few things beat a cold beer after a hot day on the beach, which makes a chopp the perfect alcoholic refreshment. It has to be served “estupidamente fria” (stupidly cold) on the beaches, otherwise, it’s not deemed acceptable. Order a local Brazilian beer like Brahma, Bohemia or Antarctica and sit back and relax enjoying your ice-cold beverage in a beautiful setting.
Água de coco
Commonly known as coconut water, Água de coco is not only tasty and refreshing it’s also extremely healthy. As a natural source of potassium, calcium and sodium with zero fat, it’s not surprising that it’s been the most popular hydrating drink amongst cariocas for such a long time, and one of the staple drinks on Rio’s beaches.
Caipirinha
Caipirinhas is Brazil’s national drink and you’ll find people drinking the cocktail at all hours of the day and night in Rio. Made using lime, sugar and cachaça (a spirit made from sugarcane juice), this is the ultimate drink to try in Rio de Janeiro. There are plenty of alternatives, such as ‘Caipivodka’ which replaces cachaça with vodka and can be made using native Brazilian fruits instead of lemon.
Mate Tea
There are numerous vendors who stroll along Copacabana Beach with two large circular containers: one is filled with mate, a caffeinated infusion made from the leaves of the native yerba mate plant, the other with lemon juice. You can’t miss them as they are repeatedly shouting the words “Ohla o mate!” to alert people of their presence.
