The Second Glass

All you Boston babies are going to be pulling out your bikinis and board shorts soon enough for a little spring break madness. Lucky for you, Morgan and I took our “spring break” early so we can advise you exactly what to drink to entice your palettes and refresh your tongue.

Caipirinha A traditonal Brazilian cocktail made with a special liquor known as cachaca. Plenty of lime,sugar, and crushed ice makes it like mojito, only better. Cachaca is a curious sugar cane-derived liquor that tastes like a white rum-vodka mix.

Another more US-accessible version of this is the Caiprioska Like a Caipirinha it has plenty o’ lime, crushed ice, and sugar. Only without any Cachaca, you can use vodka. It is deceptively sweet and refreshing. Like limeade. Dangerous Limeade.

Here is a picture of me (yes, in bikini) drinking the wonderous concoction that is a Caiprioska. Delicious.

Another fine beach beverage is a crisp, refreshing white wine. My personal favorite is a good Sauvignon Blanc. Attempting to taste only local wine (Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay) we found an extremely cheap and outrageously delcious Uruguayan wine called Don Pascuel Blanc de Blanc Sauvignon Blanc-Sauvignon Gris 2005 from the Juanico region in Uruguay. A crisp, clear white with hints of grapefruit and peach, it hits the spot on a hot, humid day best spent in a bathing suit.

And of course, what is best beverage to get you seducingly, dizzyingly drunk on a hot summer’s day? Sparkling Wine, of course!

The most famous Sparkling Wine in South America is Chandon. Yes, as in “Moet and Chandon”, it is the South American division of the French parent. According to our sources, as well, as Dr. Vino’s blog , Chandon IS the sparking wine of the south. Of course, we had to try it! We were fortunate enough to be introduced to a former marketing executive of Chandon, Alain, who informed us of the changes Chandon made when it began being produced in Mendoza. With reduced acidity, the Chandon Champagne is extremely drinkable and refreshing. With hints of fig and pear, it is delightfully fruity. Even the kids loved it!

Corrupting Uruguay’s youth.

Hope that gives you kids some good ideas. We here at The Second Glass encourage you to think out of the box with your travel plans for your spring break, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay are delightful alternatives to your friends’ Cabo or Cancun run of the mill vacays. Happy travels and happy imbibing!