The Cachaça Fruit Cup, also known as Difford’s Cup No. 10, offers a vibrant and unique take on the traditional fruit cup cocktail. This version substitutes the usual gin with cachaça, a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane juice, resulting in a drink that’s both refreshing and subtly complex. The recipe, popularized by the renowned cocktail expert Simon Difford, is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for a warm afternoon or a lively gathering.
What is a Fruit Cup Cocktail?
Fruit cups are quintessentially English summertime drinks, created during the Victorian era. They were originally a homemade mix of fruit, liqueurs, and spices, typically with a gin base. Pimm’s No. 1, perhaps the most well-known brand of bottled fruit cup, has become synonymous with the category. These pre-mixed, punch-style drinks are usually served with lemonade or ginger ale over ice, garnished with fresh fruit. The concept of the fruit cup is rooted in a desire for a light, refreshing, and slightly boozy drink that can be easily enjoyed in social settings. James Pimm, a fishmonger, is credited with creating the first commercial fruit cup in the 1840s at his oyster house in London.
The Evolution of Fruit Cups
While Pimm’s remains a popular choice, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts have developed their own variations on the fruit cup. These modern interpretations experiment with different base spirits, liqueurs, and garnishes, resulting in a diverse range of flavors. The Cachaça Fruit Cup (Difford’s Cup No.10) is a prime example of this evolution, offering a unique flavor profile by using cachaça.
Cachaça Fruit Cup (Difford’s Cup No.10) Recipe
This version of the fruit cup replaces the typical gin with cachaça, adding a tropical twist to the classic recipe. The combination of cachaça, orange curaçao, sweet vermouth, aromatic bitters, and the refreshing fizz of ginger ale and cola creates a well-balanced and flavorful drink.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Silver cachaça
- 1 oz Orange Curaçao liqueur
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 2 oz Ginger Ale
- 2 oz Cola
- Garnish: Lemon, orange, and strawberry slices, mint sprig, and borage (if available)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Select a Collins glass and pre-chill it. This helps keep the drink cold for longer.
- Prepare the Garnish: Slice the lemon, orange, and strawberry. Have mint sprigs ready, and borage flowers if you have them, as their cucumber flavor complements the drink.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour all the liquid ingredients into the chilled glass.
- Add Ice: Half-fill the glass with ice.
- Garnish: Add a citrus slice and a couple of mint leaves from the garnish to the glass. Fill the glass to the brim with ice. Finish with the remaining garnish.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cachaça Fruit Cup
- Quality Cachaça: Use a good quality silver cachaça for the best flavor. This will provide the necessary grassy notes to complement the other ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients: Freshly sliced fruit and herbs will significantly improve the overall quality of the cocktail.
- Chilled Glass: Pre-chilling the glass will help keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
- Ice: Use good quality ice to avoid diluting the cocktail too quickly.
- Ginger Ale & Cola: Use a good quality ginger ale and cola for the best results. If you prefer, you can use ginger beer instead of ginger ale, though some may find it too overpowering.
- Garnish: Don’t skip the garnish, it adds aroma and visual appeal to the drink.
- Adjust to Taste: Adjust the ratios of ginger ale and cola to your preference, if necessary.
The Role of Cachaça
Cachaça, the base spirit of this cocktail, is a unique Brazilian spirit made from fresh sugarcane juice. It is distinct from rum, which is typically made from molasses. Cachaça offers a variety of flavor profiles, from grassy and vegetal to fruity and complex, depending on the production methods and aging. The silver (unaged) cachaça used in this recipe provides a bright, slightly funky counterpoint to the sweetness of the liqueurs and sodas.
Other Cachaça Cocktails
Beyond the Cachaça Fruit Cup, there are many other cocktails that highlight the versatility of this Brazilian spirit. Some popular choices include:
- Caipirinha: The classic Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar.
- Rabo de Galo: A mix of cachaça, sweet vermouth, and Cynar (or another amaro).
- Batida Rosa: A blend of cachaça, pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine, and soda water.
- Macunaíma: Combines cachaça, lime juice, Fernet Branca, and simple syrup.
- Marmalade Sour: A creative blend of cachaça, lemon juice, marmalade, orange bitters and egg white.
These diverse cocktails showcase the ability of cachaça to work in a variety of flavor profiles, making it a versatile spirit for both classic and innovative drinks.
The Historical Context of Fruit Cup Cocktails
The history of fruit cup cocktails is interwoven with the social traditions of 19th-century England. They were created as refreshing beverages for warm weather, often served at garden parties and social gatherings. The original fruit cups were designed to be light and palatable, making them suitable for day-drinking and socializing.
James Pimm and the Pimm’s Cup
James Pimm, a London oyster house owner, developed the first commercial fruit cup to serve at his establishment. He created a gin-based liqueur infused with herbs, spices, and fruits, which became the base for what we know as the Pimm’s Cup. This drink was initially intended as a digestive aid for his customers, but it quickly became popular as a refreshing cocktail.
The Popularity of Fruit Cups
Fruit cups, including the Pimm’s Cup, became particularly popular in England during the summer months and at sporting events like Wimbledon. They provided a refreshing alternative to heavier alcoholic drinks and were often enjoyed in social and outdoor settings. The tradition of the fruit cup has continued to evolve, with bartenders and home mixologists experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create their own unique versions.
Conclusion
The Cachaça Fruit Cup (Difford’s Cup No.10) is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that brings a Brazilian twist to a classic English drink. Its well-balanced flavors and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual cocktail enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try. So next time you’re looking for a light and refreshing drink, consider giving this cachaça-based fruit cup a try and enjoy a taste of summer in a glass.
