Around the World in 60 Cocktails: Terra da Luz

Paris might be called the “City of Lights” but the “City of Light” is found much further south – in Brazil, in fact! The northeastern city of Fortaleza claims that the sun shines on it 2,800 hours a year. And it’s a good thing, as the coastline stretches far beyond the city where Batidas – cocktails that are shaken or crushed and resemble a smoothie – are drunk in droves! And the locals make the most of it, spreading out across sweeping stretches of pristine golden sand, epitomizing what this city all about.

Along with the Caipirinha, the Batida could be considered to the country’s national drink. Both use cachaça, the national spirit, and both are a delicious tropical fruit cocktail that is pure sunshine. Perfect for a beach-side pick-me-up, the Batida consists of cachaça mixed with one or more fresh-off-the-tree tropical fruits, sugar, and ice. And both are dangerously easy to drink!

Life in Fortaleza is very much beach-centric, but if you’ve had your fill of sea and sand, visitors can explore Fortaleza itself to discover more of Brazil’s fifth-largest city. Walk streets of ice-cream coloured colonial buildings, or head to Dragão do Mar Cultural Center – a mini-city of arts venues alive with culture and creativity. The Metropolitan Cathedral squeezes a congregation of 5,000 into its Neo-Romanesque architecture, and its stain glass windows blaze vivid colours across its elegant, white-wash interior.

Our signature twist uses the wonderful floral and herbaceous nuances of white port to the traditional flavors of coconut and condensed milk with lime & passion fruit bringing natural balance & acidity. Even if it doesn’t look like you’ll be enjoying any beachside bars or swanky Brazilian cocktail saloons any time soon, you can still enjoy some fun in the sun with this fruity cocktail that really packs a punch! Nothing could embody the spirit of Brazil any better!