Brazilian Quentao

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 25 min

Servings: 8

Yield: 8 servings

Description

This ginger-lime cider is a traditional Brazilian drink. Wonderfully warm and surprisingly sweet and spicy, Quentao is a fabulous holiday alternative to mulled wine or spiked cider.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar

• 3 cups water

• 3/4 cup cubed fresh ginger root

• 2 limes, sliced

• 4 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle cachaca

Directions

1 Pour sugar into a 3-quart saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Cook while stirring gently until the sugar melts and turns golden brown, about 10 minutes.

2 Carefully and slowly pour in the water, stirring to dissolve the caramel. Add the ginger, lime, and cinnamon; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour in the cachaca, and cook until hot, about 5 minutes more. Strain before serving.