YIELD Makes 1 cocktail.

Carnival starts this Saturday, February 13. It's Brazil's largest annual celebration and it marks the start of the 40 day Lent season starting on Wednesday, February 17 and ending on Fat Tuesday. The celebrations across the country vary dramatically but could include mask-making, masquerades, parades, singing, dancing, music, and feasts. It's similar to Mardi Gras. And though I have never been to Brazil I do have a special place in my heart for the Caipirinha, Brazil's signature drink. It's simplistic yet refreshingly divine. So if you want to forget about all the pressures of upcoming Valentine's Day, why not consider this wildly popular celebration?

Caipirinhas are naturally green (and I don't just mean their color) because they involve few ingredients. You can use organic spirits like 4 Copas Tequila and Papagayo Organic White Rum as well as organic sugar and limes. It's difficult to find these ingredients sourced locally but if you keep it all organic, the simplicity makes the drink pretty low impact. If you want to make it even more seasonal, you could add some freshly juiced pomegranates as well.

INGREDIENTS