Drink
Cachaça
On this week's blog we explore the classic Brazilian spirit Cachaça.
What is Cachaça?
Originating in Brazil, this spirit is made from fermented sugarcane juice, and is the most popular distilled alcoholic spirit in Brazil. Surprisingly, it's the third most popular spirit in the world!History
Sugarcane production began in Brazil in the 16th century; it was moved there from the Madeira Islands by the Portuguese. The process of creating cachaça dates all the way back to 1532 when the first cuttings of sugarcane were brought over by colonisers.According to figures from 2007, more than 1.5 billion litres are consumed annually in Brazil alone. Only 1% of Brazil's production is exported, mainly to Germany.
Production
Cachaça is similar to rum in that it has two varieties. There's unaged cachaça called 'Prata', which means 'silver' in Portuguese, and there's also aged cachaça called 'Ouro', which means 'gold'.Silver tends to be cheaper, as is bottled straight after distillation, and is often used in mixed drinks. Gold cachaça is seen as more premium, and is meant to be drunk straight. Since gold cachaça is aged for up to three years in aromatic woods, it's generally more expensive.
In 2011, there were over an incredible 40 thousand producers of cachaça just in Brazil alone!
The production and ingredients used to create cachaça is very similar to rum, except molasses aren't used to produce cachaça.
Flavour Profile
Cachaça tastes very similar to white rum, so it's a familiar flavour for many people. It's a strong-tasting spirit, with its ABV at around 40%, but this varies between brands.It's most famously used in a Caipirinha, which is a simple concoction of cachaça, lime and sugar syrup. This traditional and refreshing cocktail has been in our menu since we first opened back in 2010, Fazendeiros.
If you wish to try cooking with it, you can also find our Executive Chef 'sFran Martinez's brilliant Caipirinha Chicken recipe under our Food Recipes section.
Leblon Cachaça
One of the incredible cachaças on our menu, this premium spirit is very special indeed. Produced in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil, this unique rendition has won multiple awards. It's a Gold Medal Award Winner for an awe-inspiring 9 consecutive years at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.The distillery is called Maison Leblon, and their cachaça is distilled as if it were a fine wine. The cane is locally hand-harvested, and is quickly pressed; it's then fermented for 20-24 hours before being distilled in Alambique copper pot stills. It's then rested in Vintage XO Cognac Casks from France for 6 months. Finally, the batches are then master blended before being bottled. Due to the copper pot stills, Leblon is considered an artisinal cachaça.
Have you ever tried any of our cachaças, Fazenderios? Or maybe our Caipirinha Chicken recipe? As always, if you do, share with us your thoughts - and images - on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Please read all reservation terms stated on this page. By making a reservation with us you agree to our terms.
Reservation Terms
Online Reservations
Tables of up to 10 guests can be booked straight from our website (9 for Fazenda Birmingham and Edinburgh).For larger tables please contact [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and our Reception Teams will be happy to help with your enquiry.
After making your reservation you'll receive a confirmation email. Should you not see this in your inbox after a few minutes please check your spam/junk folders. Do let us know if you have not received it and we'll be happy to help.
Dress Code
Our dress code is “elegant smart casual”. We do not require gentlemen to wear jacket and tie, however, we do not permit sportswear (gym wear) or beachwear.Children
We welcome children of all ages and believe we provide a great atmosphere for families to enjoy the restaurant experience. In the evening if guests wish to make a reservation with children under the age of 8 please do so for no later than 6pm (reservation durations vary depending on the number of guests so please note the reservation cannot go beyond 8pm). When making a reservation please count children in the total number of guests and let us know if you need a high chair or space for a pram/pushchair.
Please note: We politely request that children are always supervised and remain seated at the table to allow our teams and other guests to move around the restaurant safely and maintain physical distance.
Lastly, please note that children under 16 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult to dine.Cancellations & Deposits
We might require card details for some reservations. Your card will not be charged upon booking and your details will be securely processed by Stripe.If you no longer wish to keep your reservation, please let us know with as much notice as possible. Should you cancel your reservation or reduce the booking size less than 24 hours before your reservation date and time, a charge of £10.00 per guest will be processed.
Halal Selection
Halal reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.Allergens
The team at Fazenda take food safety very seriously and particularly so when it concerns allergens in food. On our website you can view allergen information on our Menu page. When visiting us you'll have access to it via our menus and also on our Market Table.Smoking
In line with legislation passed in 2007 Fazenda is a no-smoking restaurant. We do not allow e-cigarettes inside either.Pets & Guide Dogs
Animals are not accepted unless assisting guests with additional needs.Photography
Guests are allowed to take photos and videos for personal use inside the private dining room, gardens and on the terrace. At the moment we are not able to accommodate any photography requests for professional or educational purposes until further notice.FAQs
**What are your opening days and times? **
To view each restaurant opening times please click on Locations and choose your local Fazenda.Are you accepting walk-ins?
We are now accepting walk-ins once again.How can I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation via our website or by contacting your local Fazenda by clicking on Locations.Do I need to pay a deposit for my reservation?
We might require card details for some reservations. Your card will not be charged upon booking and your details will be securely processed by Stripe.If you no longer wish to keep your reservation, please let us know with as much notice as possible. Should you cancel your reservation or reduce the booking size less than 24 hours before your reservation date and time, a charge of £10.00 per guest will be processed.
Can I have drinks at the bar?
Absolutely, and reservations are not needed in advance for our bar areas.Are Christmas reservations available?
They are indeed, via our reservations page.