How to pair Latin American dishes with local beers
Discover ideal beer styles to pair with classic Latin American dishes for a flavorful and authentic culinary experience.
Brazil’s drinks are defined by fresh tropical fruit, sugarcane spirits, and strong coffee. From thick purple açaí juice to ice-cold chopp and the legendary caipirinha, each drink reflects a different side of Brazilian culture.
Non-Alcoholic Brazilian Drinks
Açaí Juice $$
Açaí juice is made from frozen açaí pulp blended with water and sometimes sugar. It is thicker than typical fruit juice and has a deep, slightly earthy berry flavor. In the north of Brazil, it’s often served unsweetened and paired with savory foods. Despite being served as a drink, it’s often substantial enough to replace a light meal.
Traveler Tip: Ask for it “sem xarope” (without syrup) to avoid extra sweetness.
How to identify quality
• Fresh frozen pulp without artificial flavor
• Blended to a smooth consistency
• Deep purple, not watery
• Mild berry aroma, not sugary
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• The Best Açaí
• Casa do Açaí
• Açaí
Caldo de Cana $
Fresh sugarcane juice is pressed on the spot from raw sugarcane stalks. It is sweet, grassy, and very refreshing in the heat. Brazilians often drink it at open-air markets during the afternoon. Sometimes it’s served with a squeeze of lime or a slice of pineapple to balance the sugar rush. It’s one of the simplest and most refreshing drinks you’ll find on a hot day.
Traveler Tip: Choose stalls that press it in front of you.
How to identify quality
• Fresh green sugarcane stalks
• Pressed immediately before serving
• Pale green with light foam
• Fresh grassy smell
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Bibi Sucos
• Farro
• Padaria Atlantica
Guaraná $
One of Brazil’s most popular soft drinks, this soda is made from guaraná extract. It has a sweet flavor with a mild fruity note similar to apple. It pairs well with salty foods.
Traveler Tip: It contains caffeine, and it’s sweeter than many visitors expect.
How to identify quality
• Recognizable brand or sealed bottle
• Proper carbonation when opened
• Clear brown color
• Sweet fruity aroma
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Nooma Copacabana
• LF Café e Bistrô
• Pão e Companhia Copacabana
Cafézinho $
Cafézinho is a small, strong black coffee served sweetened. It is intense and slightly bitter, offered after meals or during casual business meetings. It’s a social experience.
Traveler Tip: Do not underestimate it. It may be small, but it’s strong.
How to identify quality
• Freshly ground beans
• Brewed strong and hot
• Dark brown with light crema
• Rich roasted aroma
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Go Coffee
• Cafeteria CB To Go Copacabana
• LF Café e Bistrô
Vitamina $$
Vitamina is a creamy fruit-and-milk drink blended fresh at juice bars across Brazil. It tastes creamy and naturally sweet. It’s popular for breakfast or as a quick snack.
Traveler Tip: Order it with aveia (oats) for a more filling version. If you prefer it sweeter, ask for condensed milk on top.
How to identify quality
• Fresh ripe fruit
• Blended smoothly without chunks
• Thick and creamy texture
• Fresh fruit aroma
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Total Sucos
• Pin Pin Sucos
• Copa Lima
Brazilian Alcoholic Drinks
Caipirinha $$
Brazil’s national cocktail is made with lime, sugar, and cachaça. It’s citrusy and slightly sweet, with a noticeable kick from the spirit.
Traveler Tip: It’s stronger than it tastes, so drink water between rounds.
How to identify quality
• Fresh juicy lime
• Sugar properly muddled
• Good balance between ice and liquid
• Bright citrus aroma
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Beco das Garrafas
• Galeto Sat’s
• Bagunçinha Caipirinha
Batida $$
Batida is a blended cocktail made with cachaça, fruit, sugar, and condensed milk. Common flavors include passionfruit, coconut, and mango. They’re sweet, cold, and easy to drink.
Traveler Tip: Stick to the passion fruit (maracujá) version if you want it less sweet.
How to identify quality
• Fresh fruit pulp
• Properly blended texture
• Vibrant natural color
• Fresh tropical aroma
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Adega Pérola
• El Born
• La Trattoria
Chopp $$
Chopp is an extremely cold draft beer. It is the standard drink at casual bars and football nights. It’s light, crisp, and easy to drink.
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Traveler Tip: The foam (colarinho) should be thick and stable. If it disappears immediately, the glass wasn’t clean, or the keg is off.
How to identify quality
• Fresh keg
• Thick stable foam
• Clear golden color
• Clean malty smell
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Boteco Belmonte
• Bote Colarinho Escondido
• Quiosque Quase Nove
Cachaça $$-$$$
This distilled sugarcane spirit ranges from clear and sharp to aged and smooth. It is sipped neat or used in cocktails, such as the caipirinha.
Traveler Tip: If you’re trying it straight for the first time, start with an aged version.
How to identify quality
• Clearly labeled origin
• Smooth finish when sipped
• Clear or golden color depending on aging
• Clean sugarcane aroma
Where to try in Rio de Janeiro
• Bar Bip Bip
• Bar do Adão
• Bodega Bar Copacabana
Cook With Us
If you are looking for a deeper dive into Brazilian food culture, Cook in Brazil experiences are designed to help you experience the authentic flavors of the country. Inside a local chef’s home, you will cook, taste, and share food alongside other travelers. It feels more like a kitchen party than a class, and you leave with recipes you can recreate at home and memories that will never fade.
