By Kara Panzer
Brazilian Carnaval begins on February 28—celebrate at home with these tropical libations
In Brazil, Carnaval begins on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, a holy day for some Christians. That the tradition of this festival is tied to the Catholic period of Lent, when the faithful commit to prayer and fasting and abstain from certain indulgences, was nowhere on display when I visited Salvador de Bahia, a city on Brazil’s Northeast coast last winter. The annual bacchanalia of music, food, and celebration seemed to tear through each corner of the city without discrimination, pulling residents out of high rises and apartment complexes into the roiling crowds of partygoers in the streets. In its origin story, Carnaval is like a reverse Dry January: one last chance for a treat before penitence, instead of a post-holiday detox; an expression of Brazilian “alegria de viver,” or joy of living.
Salvador, Brazil’s original capital, reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, as do its Carnaval parties. Trios electricos, massive trucks carrying soundstages, cross the city in predetermined routes so crowds remain in place while entertainment shifts around them. The purchase of an abadá, a custom t-shirt, serves as a ticket to special VIP-like viewing areas, where wearers can often customize and bedazzle the tops to their liking at designated booths. Indigenous, African, and European traditions merge to create a raucous, lively atmosphere. Across the city, the music shifts back and forth from African-inspired beats, modern pop, and more traditional Brazilian samba.
To keep up with the pace of late night dancing and the heat of the crowds, I found myself reaching for a few uniquely Brazilian concoctions to stay hydrated. Now, in the depths of a New York winter, I find the recipes still hold the taste of a party in the tropics—bright and unexpected.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha, a mojito-like Brazilian cocktail, owes its smooth and unique taste to cachaça, a liquor made from fermented sugarcane. Substitute Lyre’s White Cane Spirit to capture cachaça’s mouthfeel, minus the BAC increase.
Guaraná Soda and Gin
Unavoidable throughout Brazil are small green cans of Guaraná Antarctica with distinctive red and plump guaraná berries on its logo. This berry-flavored soda is tart and sweet. Its caffeine provides a welcome boost for late night festivities, and a dash of Cut Above Zero Proof Gin balances the soda’s sweetness.
Batida de Coco
Formerly the piña colada reigned supreme in my psyche as the go-to beach drink. I cannot resist coconut anything, and this Brazilian-blended version gets an extra boost from condensed milk (or your preferred non-dairy alternative). A shot of Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative adds a hint of warming spice.
Of course, while alcohol now has plenty of sophisticated alternatives, there’s one key ingredient with no replacement: the energy of Carnaval. For a taste of all that Salvador has to offer, there’s no substitute for booking a flight. Grab an abadá, take your place at the bloco of your choosing, and don’t forget to hydrate while you dance all night.
